The Death of Reason: Aspartame

The death of reason descends on ordinarily reasonable folk like a thick fog. When once they had the power of reason and logic it abandons them the moment they read a word they do not understand: aspartame.

I have been inspired to write this post after seeing this link shared by a Facebook friend.

This concerned me for a number of reasons.

Why I Hate Facebook

"I like supporting causes I believe in by donating money, offering support or volunteering my time. I don't like supporting a cause by participating in a viral social campaign insinuating my preferred location to have sex (I mean keep my handbag) which goes about as far as a primary school chain letter for all the good it does."

I shared that little thought in the Spring of 2010. I'm appalled to say that since then there have been two more equally ridiculous campaigns to "raise awareness for breast cancer".

Now, let's be serious here: these are superficial chains passed between females (the "rules" specify that it must only be passed on to girls) that, if the participant actually intended genuine support of the cause, are the lamest excuse for cancer support I have ever heard of.

The chain letter is passed on using private messages on a social network where recipients are advised to write an ambiguous or provocative status update publicly, with the purported aim to "keep the guys guessing".

What purpose this serves in "raising awareness" is beyond me.

My Wish for 2012 (and Beyond)

I have a dream. It's an ongoing dream that I hope can be reached but know will be an incredibly long journey. It seems a simple dream in reality but obviously remains something eluding those it would most benefit.

My dream is for everyone to have access to genuine, ethical, and accurate nutritional advice so they can make informed decisions about what is best for their health.

I have been fortunate to grow up with a very skilled and sought-after consultant dietitian for a mother. A life of quick questions about this or that nutrient, serving sizes, and beneficial properties has left me healthily spoilt.

I have also been fortunate not to have ever completed months of hard slogs in the gym to be "beach-ready". I have always been a sporty person of sorts, though for a time I certainly watched more than participated - there's nothing like a pizza and couch night.

I have, however, done the time, made the change, transformed for the better, and lost 13kg.