Wednesday, February 17, 2016

OPRAH; for the love of bread!

While I rarely voice my political or religious views I cannot hold my tongue when it comes to nutrition.

Why is it that Oprah's "I Love Bread" statement has me in personal emotional turmoil?  What started as a rant about an annoyance has thrown me into a blender of sorts filled with curiosity, fascination, pity, aggravation, guilt, all topped with a little awe.

Source: Oprah Magazine
Don't get me wrong. She is a phenomenon. I like Oprah. She has done some amazing things, beyond amazing in many cases, and her weight has not one ounce to do with any of it.

I think what's challenging me is her message beyond the bread.  What I'm hoping people will realize is Oprah endorsed diets are not the answer. If she had the answers, I would not be researching how much weight she has lost and gained over the years. I also hope people realize that Oprah is a human with human struggles and a brilliant marketing plan and business strategy. Based upon her Weight Loss Confession, with Bob Greene
I think she is uncomfortable in her own skin, and has not found the sustainable lifestyle fit to keep her confident and happy with her physical self. This is not to say that Weight Watchers is not working for her. I like Weight Watchers. Really, I have nothing against it. I've seen many people have success with it. I'm hoping it continues to work for her and she finds a place of peace in her life and with her lifestyle.
The additional struggle I have goes back to a statement I made in the past. Perhaps it is mass confusion that contributes to obesity and increased disease. The issue is not one food, one diet or one ingredient. There are also emotions to consider, hormones, stress levels and sleep.  Culture, genetics, ethnicity, income status and more all play into an individuals realistic and idealistic healthy weight.

Source: Cutthroat Kitchen | Food Network
As I see it, everyone has a cook in the kitchen and it's about to get cutthroatIndependent groups have vested interest in how people internalize what the commercial portrays. It's the proverbial food chain of life. Someone needs to eat bread or the grain industry takes a hit. There needs to be a face for weight loss companies or the business will flop and investors will loose out. The gluten free proponents were just finding a rhythm to mass marketing and creating a whole new industry and food group.

That's it. I feel better. Cleansed in a way. Putting things in writing really does help. I think moving forward I shall smile and think of my small friend Molly, who finds joy in all things Oprah and enjoy the commercial on her behalf. After all, its just a commercial.

Oh by the way, did you know Oprah's true drug of choice is potato chips.  Can you imagine that commercial???