Hunger for truth

On the occasions I'm up in time to watch it, rarely does NBC's "The Today Show" present me with any new or meaningful information -- but last week I was more annoyed than ever at a segment America's prom king Matt Lauer hosted called "Obesity: Living Large in America."\nThe messages posed in that particular "news" segment included, but were not limited to, the following:\n"Be aware of the hidden fats in your fridge!" "Childhood obesity is an epidemic!" "Portion sizes and our appetites are out of control!" "Food is Satan's nectar; run for your lives!"\nWell, the latter one is by me, but the rest were actual claims the show's featured guests -- health nutritionists and chefs -- made. And, of course, some of the information they pointed out was important. After all, The Washington Post reported Sept. 3 that for every two people who are malnourished across the globe, three are now overweight or obese. Also, 35 percent of low-income Americans are obese, while for high-income Americans it is 29 percent. \nSo, a lot of us are fatties.\nBut the stigmas that come along with being fat -- as perpetuated by dynamic journalism of "The Today Show" -- are completely regressive.\nPart of the segment involved a nutritionist visiting the home of a nauseatingly normal-looking family of five. The family's matriarch and the peppy, blond (Aren't they always?) nutritionist stood in front of the home's refrigerator and picked out all the items that could "secretly be making the family obese." \nAmong the items picked out were yogurt, applesauce and milk. \nNot even kidding! Yes, it was true that these items contained high-fructose corn syrup (mmm ... I'll have seven) and fat, but the nutritionist cast the information in the most threatening light possible, leaving both the on-screen mother and viewers frazzled.\nI support knowing the truth about food products' nutritional info and having healthy bodies but resent this perception that eating sugar or fat is inherently bad with detrimental effects for one's health and character.\nThis sort of propaganda fuels eating disorders. And I don't mean just anorexia and bulimia -- I mean "eating disorder" in a way that refers to any warped ideas about food and eating. With this as the definition, I can't say I know anyone without an eating disorder. \nAs far as recommendations go, I wouldn't go along with the old "everything in moderation is OK." We know from nutrition facts what ingredients directly relate to diseases that can kill us. We must regulate our intake of trans fats and too much cholesterol and partially hydrogenated delicious things likes cupcakes.\nI'm also an advocate, however, of enjoying life. And if that means eating a donut once a month, cashing in on 15-cent buffalo wing night or partaking in cake at your nephew's birthday party, then by all means, eat up. Deprivation will never make for an effective diet or a fun life!\nAnd lastly, mad props if you can watch "The Today Show" without puking.\nAnd that's not a bulimia joke.\nOK, it is. Eat your fiber!