Staff Reports
The world of snacks is buzzing with news that could change the landscape of American food, and not everyone is ready to hit the panic button just yet. As former President Trump and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. prepare to tackle the ever-growing concern of ultra-processed foods, the makers of one of America’s favorite treats—Twinkies—seem unfazed. Their CEO confidently asserts that snacking is here to stay, and Americans will continue to find little rewards throughout their day. The only hint of change from Twinkie HQ is a possible reduction in sugar, which is a bit like saying a bear might think about skipping dessert.
Calley Means, the co-founder of TrueMed and co-author of “Good Energy,” has been rallying for healthier food choices and can hardly contain his enthusiasm about the potential for a food revolution. He argues that we are on the brink of what could be described as a “golden age for American health.” However, the ingredients in a beloved Twinkie, such as high fructose corn syrup and artificial dyes, have raised some eyebrows. Means points out that these ingredients are not commonly found in snacks made in other countries, and he believes it’s time for citizens to start asking tough questions about what goes into their food.
Alarmingly, Means explains that a staggering 77% of potential military recruits are rejected due to poor metabolic health. This raises concerns about the food choices that are subsidized in America—Twinkies, for example, are eligible for food stamp purchases and are included in federally funded school lunch programs. Even more troubling is the fact that the USDA’s nutrition guidelines, which often look like they were written by someone with a sweet tooth, suggest that up to 10% of a two-year-old’s diet can consist of added sugars. This means, in theory, that Twinkies could be encouraged as a food option for toddlers!
The saga gets even murkier when Means discusses the alleged corruption within the USDA’s nutrition guidelines. He asserts that the committee responsible for setting these dietary recommendations receives funding from food and pharmaceutical companies, creating a conflict of interest. For example, around 30% of President Biden’s committee has taken money from companies that produce weight loss medications. Means believes that a thorough reevaluation of who is behind these guidelines is crucial for ensuring our kids are not misled about what constitutes a healthy diet.
Furthermore, as big names like Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy head to Capitol Hill to talk about cutting government expenses, the connection between health and budgeting can’t be overlooked. Healthcare remains one of the largest expenses in the nation, and with the rising rates of unhealthy lifestyles, it’s no wonder this should be a focal point for legislators. The inefficiencies in the healthcare system are a direct reflection of the poor health of the population, which is why tackling nutrition and encouraging a healthier America could potentially save billions of dollars in the long run.
With all these changes on the horizon, there’s a palpable sense of optimism from advocates like Means. The potential for a healthy transformation in American eating habits could usher in a new era, not only for consumers but also for the entire food industry. Though the journey will likely be filled with challenges, Americans might just be on the verge of a health revolution that nobody saw coming.
