Mark Bittman says “Go Philly!”

In 1999 Philadelphia had the distinction of being named America’s Fattest City by Men’s Health Magazine.  This was not an honor that anyone wanted.  I mean, it’s better than when Philly was named the ugliest city but not a plaque you want to hang outside of city hall.  That was then and things have changed.  In the last 12 years, there has been a concerted effort on the part of city officials to rehabilitate not just our image but also our city.  I think the changes are noticeable and tangible.   The question I had was, am I the only one seeing these amazing changes?  Imagine how happy I was when I ran across this Mark Bittman article entitled Go Philly!.

In Tuesday’s op-ed for the New York Times, Bittman gives Philadelphia props (do the cool kids still say that?) for being “among the most progressive cities in the country right now” in regards to food.  Philly?  Really?  Aww, shucks, I’m blushing.  I think it’s about time that Philadelphia gets recognized for being a far healthier city than many acknowledge.

I'll have that 500 calorie Frappuccino

Apart from what Bittman writes (and I will get to that), I want to give my list of ways that Philadelphia is healthier than you think.

1. Bikes- Each year, Philadelphia adds more bike lanes within the city.  Once you get to your destination you will be able to park because since 2008 bike parking has increased dramatically.  Want to get out of the city and ride amongst nature?  A few times a summer I take the wonderfully maintained river trail out to Valley Forge and back.  That’s around 50 miles through some of the prettiest parts of our city.
2. Food- Philly has it.  Lots of it.  Within a half block of my house there are 2 pizza places.  That’s not all, I haven’t counted, yet (this is coming in a future  blog), but within 2 blocks of my house but there are probably 20 restaurants, at least.  While there is lots of temptation, there are lots of food options for which we can be proud.  The trend in Philadelphia seems to be away from cheesesteaks (don’t worry those are not going anywhere) and towards healthier options.  Vegan, vegetarian, local, organic, calorie controlled; these are words and options that you will find on the menus in this city and even restaurants specializing in those types of choices.  Philly is a Foodie paradise and you can have anything you want and stay with your diet.
3. Calories- As of January 1, 2010, any chain with more than 15 locations nationwide must post their calorie count on their menu.  This is thanks to the city’s Menu Labeling Law.  This is a deterrent that works for me.  One day I was in Cosi and nearly ordered some sort of Sangria (nonalcoholic) drink until I saw that it had over 700 calories.  That stopped me cold.  Seriously, leave it to a chain to take something as inoffensive as fruit and make it a junk food.

Bittman writes about all the initiatives taken on by our mayor and some interested non-profits to truly change food policy in Philadelphia.  The first success that he has found is the possibility of a 2-cents per ounce tax on soda and other sugar laden beverages.  I am not sure  this will happen but this is something I support.  There has been lots of resistance for this, not surprisingly lead by soda distributors, but I believe that the overall result would be people making smarter choices.

The second success is in the number of grocery stores in the city.  Apparently Philadelphia ranked second lowest in the “number of grocery stores per capita of 21 major U.S. cities.”  I had no idea.  There are three grocery stores within a half mile of my house, but I don’t live in a low income area.  Low income areas are under-served by grocery stores.  Many lower income urban residents resort to buying food from bodegas and convenience stores.  Often fresh produce is not obtainable.   Not only are there more supermarkets and farmers markets in the city, but Food Trust, a local non-profit, is working to bring more fresh food to the neighborhoods.

What Bittman really highlights is that the government can be part of the solution.  In fact, they have to be part of the solution.  Imagine if the gains made in Philadelphia went nationwide.  One can only hope.