Balance of Food

Eat something, Nicole, but be wise about it

When you hear the "news" about Nicole Richie announcing that she needs to gain some weight, the potential for jokes is huge. Here's why I'm not going to go there.

I've been too thin, so I can relate. Regardless of why it might happen (reportedly, heroin was involved), being underweight is not much fun either.

There are too many "celebrities" that are way too unhealthy, thin-wise. If one of them admits it, maybe it will encourage others.

I've seen her with a little more weight. I know being 5'1" is difficult because weight fluctuations are more extreme on shorter women. However, she looks much better with a bit of weight on her.

She has blamed stress for her loss of appetite. For all those who eat more because of stress (you know who you are), in some people, stress can mean weight loss. It's good of her to admit it, because knowing why is really helpful.

There is one issue. In the Vanity Fair article, she says her eating habits are far from healthy: "I eat the worst foods — salty cheese-and-grease kind of stuff." There are smart ways to put on weight. She is apparently working with doctors. I had one point where I needed to put on weight, and I didn't do it wisely.

So Nicole, eat whole grains, low-fat protein sources, and lots of fruits and vegetables. And good luck.

Huckabee on Colbert

Stephen Colbert did a nice job talking about the food/diet issues Tuesday night that Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee has been touting. Huckabee was the interview guest, but Colbert also used that theme in "The Word" segment.

In his faux right-wing rants, Colbert went on about how the economy relies on people eating a lot and being sedentary. All kidding aside, Colbert didn't mention the huge (pun intended) health care costs involved with obesity.

Huckabee lost 110 pounds after being told he would die within 5 years at the rate he was going. Huckabee, a Republican, who is being talked about as a possible presidential candidate, held his own with Colbert.

McDonald's streak snapped

I tried going as long as I could without McDonald's. I made it to almost 2 months. There is a tendency to rely on McDonald's because it's there. The food tastes good, but it isn't good for you.

Baseball was my weakness. I took an afternoon to go see the Cubs (half-price ticket day). I succumbed to the McDonald's across the street from Wrigley Field.

Nothing is truly evil (except for high-fructose corn syrup), but moderation is key. Still, I had a Quarter-Pounder with no cheese, fries, and a milk. By most people's McD's standards, not a bad meal health-wise.

I still want to go a year without McDonald's. As weird as it sounds, except for road trips and baseball, I could do it now.

BTW, Cubs lost badly 8-0 to Pittsburgh.