There was a programme on CBC last night called "Diet Confidential". It was mostly about how in the last few decades the diet book industry has grown tremendously. One quote the caught my attention went something like this "It is the only industry that flourishes because of it's failures."

Marketting was a huge target. They followed one author's less than successful attempt to get a book written (studies funded by the sugar growers council) which states that artificial sweeteners are making us fat.

There was quite a bit of history, reinforcing the view that there is nothing new under the dieting sun. The narrator stated once that you don't hear much about calories any more. I guffawed!

They progessed from the stringency of Atkins thru the more temporate South Beach to French Women and the conjecture seems to be that 'more balanced eating' is the next happening thing.

I've been trying to give up artificial sweeteners, but it is hard. They are in a lot of things. I've given up drinking anything with artificial sweeteners but my protein powder still has it. I tried looking at some plain fudge popsicles in the grocery store and those have artificial sweeteners. Oh well. If only my protein powder has it, then I don't mind so much.

Another quote I remember went something like this. "Most people would be better off if they just walked to work!"

I've felt that way for a long time. I think we're tired of the gimmicks and it's time to get back to basics. I also think calorie counting, which went out of style ages ago because it just wasn't catchy enough on a book title, is going to be big again soon. I really would have loved to have seen the program.

I wonder if you could get a tape maybe. The CBC is pretty people oriented. I'll check. Or request a viewing on your local PBS ???

Here's a link to the synopsis

http://www.cbc.ca/documentaries/dietconfidential.html

While I absolutely agree with that, it is impossible for me to do, or even to bike it, as the distance is over 20 miles and you have to take an interstate/highway.

Everybody urban thinks everybody is urban Eighteen miles for me!

LOL Maybe that is why it is working for me. Suddenly I am "with it."