KFC came out yesterday with news that they will no longer use frying oil that contains “trans- fats”. The Today Show did a whole segment on this issue. The web definition of these fats is as follows: “Fats that are artificially created through a chemical process of the hydrogenation of oils. This solidifies the oil and limits the body’s ability to regulate cholesterol. These fats are considered to be the most harmful to one’s health. The Federal Drug Administration has mandated that the amount of trans fats be labeled on food products by 2005.” So it’s a good thing that KFC is doing away with these in their food. Matter of fact, according to the article on MSN, several companies have removed them from their foods. It was said on the Today Show that these fats contribute to the obesity in this country. McDonald’s even paid $8.5 million dollars to settle a law suit over the trans fats in its cooking oils! $7 million to the American Heart Association and another $1.5 million to inform the public of its trans-fat plans. So I get it. Trans-fats are bad for you. But honestly speaking, who here believes that trans-fats are the main issue behind the epidemic of obesity and heart disease this country is facing? Where is the responsibilty here? We all know McDonald’s is not GOOD for us! It is our choice to purchase and eat it, or feed it to our kids. The same goes for anything we consume! McDonald’s and KFC did not make me gain weight! I MADE ME GAIN WEIGHT, by the choices I made in frequenting those places and eating the food. We, as a country, have become sheep bleating at the injustice of what everyone else is doing to us! EVERYONE ELSE??? Really?? We no longer have to accept responsibilty for anything. If our kids turn out rotten, it’s because of the media, the music they listen to and what they see on TV or in movies. Nevermind that we have allowed them to purchase and/or download the music, watch the shows, and go to the movies. If our daughters dress trashy, it’s because Brittney Spears dressed that way, and what’s a parent to do? Tell the 10 year old that NO, she may not purchase the hankerchief sized skirt and top with the 2 1/2 inch heels to match? (Of course, but that isn’t what happens.) If we injur ourselves on a product, it is because the product did not warn us effectively. Nevermind that common sense was not used in handling the product. It’s unnerving to me! I guess my point is that while it’s good that companies are concerning themselves and taking steps to better their products, in the long run their profit is their bottom line, not my or my family’s health. That same thing can be said about any company selling any product. So it is my responsibilty to make good choices and my responsibilty to live with the consequences of those choices. Alright, done ranting for the day…that’s all for now.

Ciao! Hasta la pasta baby!