Healthy in L.A.

With our growing obesity epidemic, cities are doing their part to try to promote awareness, public health initiatives, and active lifestyles. Here are three ways Los Angeles is officially becoming healthier:

1. The state has ordered a ban on all trans fats, which clog arteries and lead to heart disease. LA will follow trailblazer New York in the crackdown on fat. The city has forced restaurateurs to rethink menus and ingredients, but hopefully the ultimate benefits will be seen in greater numbers of healthy citizens.

2. The controversial fast food ban: Recently, the LA City Council approved a ban that limits fast-food restaurants in specific low-income areas of LA. While no existing chains will be impacted, no new fast-food joints can move into the area. Critics are claiming unconstitutionality, but proponents of the movement purport that by limiting the fast food presence, the city can attract healthier, more nutritious choices into low-income areas, where struggles with health and diet are more prevalent.

3. Last week, a Los Angeles County Supervisor unveiled a proposal that would require restaurants in unincorporated areas to provide calorie and nutrient breakdowns on their menus or visibly posted in their establishments. If there is support, this could happen within the year.

What do you all think about this? Even with the best types of public health initiatives, it’s pretty much impossible to force people into healthy living through just education. Calorie counts could provide a greater awareness and healthful practices for consumers. But is the city entrenching upon the rights of certain groups and individuals? That remains to be seen by the citizens of Los Angeles. However, the sentiment is in the right place, for sure – getting people active, moving, and making healthy choices about their diets.

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