Steve Siebold is the author of the book Die Fat or Get Tough: 101 Differences in Thinking Between Fat People and Fit People
Steve has a thing or two to say about the San Francisco has banned McDonald’s Happy Meal toys.
Interview with Steve Siebold
- Do you think that banning products by city is infringing on our rights as parents and US citizens?
Absolutely. This is an overreach of government. The bigger issue is that it shifts the responsibility from parents to legislators, while simultaneously restricting companies from selling products people want to buy.
- Do you think that San Francisco thinks they are “better than other cities” because they don’t allow these products for kids? Do they think we will follow suite because of their prestige?
San Francisco is a great city with great people. It’s socially progressive leaders have created a place where people of different belief systems, philosophies and sexual orientation are all welcome. I respect that. Unfortunately, they’ve gone too far by attempting to tell companies how to run their businesses. This will backfire, and if it continues, you’ll see companies leaving San Francisco and start-up businesses not even considering locating there. This is a very slippery slope.
- How can parents balance healthy foods with occasional junky type foods?
Go to a healthcare professional, like your doctor, and ask for advice. It’s not rocket science.
- With obesity such a growing problem for adults and children, what steps can we take as parents to prevent this in our family?
Get a plan and follow it as a family. Make it a game.
- What is the #1 culprit of obesity?
The general refusal of our society to grow up emotionally and take responsibility for our own health. The good news is solving the problem is simple: get on a good, long term diet and develop the mental toughness to stick to it.
- Do you think we are stressing our kids out with “diet” foods for kids? Doesn’t “dieting” lead to more weight problems?
A diet is no more than a budget with food. No one says budgets don’t work. A diet should be healthy and long term. I’ve been on the same diet for 7 years and it works perfectly. I’m not always perfect, but the diet is. Same as a budget. Not teaching your kids to eat a healthy diet is irresponsible parenting.
Thank you Steve for sharing your thoughts with AkronOhioMoms.com.
