***NEWS*** Starbucks to post calories in ALL stores... Will it change anything?

So, this morning as I got ready for work I heard on the news how Starbucks was going to post the calories for all their drinks/meals in all of their stores. NYC has been posted since 2008, the report highlighted. So, will this change what people order?

I am a frequent Starbucks' visitor (been a Gold card holder for years now), and when I see some of the calories for these beverages it literally makes me sick to my stomach. Now, did I always feel this way even before I changed my mindset about life? Yes! Imagine going in to see a large (venti) frapp has over 600 calories for one drink? I am sorry, but that really does make me want to think twice, but that does not go for everyone.

Since NYC is one of the leaders in getting people healthy (Thank you Mayor Bloomberg), you would think more people would be conscience of what they take in since our fast food restaurants all have the calorie counts available, but it does not change people minds. For example, reports show that more than 550 million Big Macs are sold each year  in America, and a Big Mac has over 550 calories per sandwich, not the meal.

So, what can happen to change the unhealthy lives of Americans?

At the end of the day, it has to be a personal choice. McDonald's and Starbucks are in to make money, and as long as people continue to purchase high calorie beverages or meals, they are going to continue selling them. Living healthy is a personal choice, and no mayor or government can stop what one eats, but as a person you have to analyze what you take in.

People criticize Mayor Bloomberg for trying to force a healthier city, but what is wrong with that? I am against banning things such as large beverages because to me - if you ban a large cup, then people are going to buy 2 mediums - you cannot ban or limit how much one purchases. But, I do believe educating people on how to make healthier choices would be more successful. Look at cigarette commercials - they show people with missing limbs - why couldn't we do that? Why not show how 5 pounds of fat really look, and how many calories equals 5 pounds - that could be drastic, but for some people it could work. We are a society that rely on scare tactics. Encouraging healthier choices, hosting workshops/seminars on healthy living, or hosting campaigns could allow people to want to make these better choices.

Most people do not read nutritional facts on their packages and many people ignore the calories listed next to the Whopper or Venti Latte with extra Whip Cream; therefore, what do you expect people to do? How can you expect anyone to just want to be healthy? You cannot - they have to want to do it for themselves. We all need that wake up call, and I pray it is not a heart attack or stroke for my fellow Americans. Take better care of yourself, and remember you deserve to be happy and healthy.

TW aka Plus Size Health Nut

Visit: www.successweight.com

Self-Motivation: The Choice is Always Yours

Transitioning into a healthy lifestyle means you are accepting the responsibilities going forward. You have learned how to make the best choices for yourself, but have also motivated yourself to make those choices. When I hear people say they could not do something because it was not their faults, I wonder if they really believe that. Speaking first hand, I know all about choices, and how I've constantly made poor choices in the past, but blamed everyone else for my choices. Now, I accept when I eat something that I know it really bad for me - Big Mac from McDonalds or chicken and french fries from the Chinese Restaurant. I no longer blame time, people, or limited choices. I go into the situation understanding this is the choice I am making and know the outcome in the end - guilt.

When people make poor decisions, immediately they feel guilty and feel they've let themselves down - do not worry - we all make mistakes. Accept your decision, live with it, and move forward. The worst thing you can do is dwell in the poor decision slump because you will only constantly think of that and still cheat later. NO! Accept it and make sense of it. This is why members of Success Weight are constantly reminded to record everything they eat and do - good or bad. We have to know and understand the patterns we developed, and find ways to correct them. This is how living healthy can change your whole perspective on life and food.

Remember we all have choices. Before you make that choice, truly analyze what it is going to do for you. Will it really make you feel better? Sure, maybe for the moment. But, once it settles in, you are going to feel horrible, maybe even tired and fatigue. These are the choices we live with daily. Temptation is close and nearby, but you have the power to control what goes in! You can do it! I have nothing but support in you!

TW aka Plus Size Health Nut

Say NO to DIETS

DIET: such a selection or a limitation on the amount a person eats for reducing weight: (Dictionary.com)

This word bothers me because it imposes that you are going to LIMIT certain foods forever, but in actuality you are going to limit it for just a temporary situation. A few weeks ago, I went to the ER for my asthma (damn, seasonal changes), and the nurse asked me what type of diet I was on. I replied, "It is not a diet; it is a lifestyle change."She gave me the only strange look and selected anything "low-fat"diet.

But, why is this not a diet? People cheat on diets. With a lifestyle, you have found ways to adjust your mind to incorporate these foods without feeling the massive level of guilt. People who go on diets tend to limit things like bread for a certain time period, but with a lifestyle you learn how to have it, but not as often as you usually consumed it before.

Diets tend to have start dates (usually Mondays), and run until Fridays. This is the biggest issue for most "dieters". With a healthy living lifestyle change, there are no start dates, you have no days off, and there are no end dates. You have realized this is something that is going to be forever - if that is what you choose.

People go on diets for reasons:

1. Weddings

2. Summertime

3. To fit a specific outfit

4. To find love

5. Class reunions

6. Family reunions

The list could go on forever; however, with a lifestyle change, the only thing that matters is - getting healthier. When I decided 7 months ago to make this change, my only objective was to be a better me. I was tired of looking at myself in the mirror and seeing this obese person who was living unhealthy. It literally was the best decision I've made in my life to date, and I have had Chinese food, McDonalds, hamburgers, and bread, but it is how I incorporate these foods into my lifestyle that has allowed me to be successful to date. Yes, I have lost over 60 pounds, and I am proud to say that I DID NOT DO IT ON A DIET!!!!

TW aka Plus Size Health Nut