I am so overwhelmed at work, I seriously can't decide what to do and am paralyzed. I hate that.

I think I might have said something about the top news story in my city being the remodeling of the cafeteria where I work. Well, in addition to the remodeling, they have launched this new healthy food initiative, where we can make healthy choices based on little signs by the healthy food. Which is dumb, because I think people pretty much know what is good for them and will not be helped by little signs.

But the funniest part is that they haven't changed their menu at all yet, and apparently the guidelines for healthy are very stringent because in the past 2 days, only 3 menu items have qualified for the little symbol and they are all vegetable sides. So literally no entree that they serve is healthy. Which sort of defeats the whole purpose of the campaign!

Which is dumb, because I think people pretty much know what is good for them and will not be helped by little signs.

You do. Don't underestimate what other people think. I've had the weirdest arguments with people about nutrition, and it's not like either of us was talking about anything niche like Paleo, or anything. It was just basic food group stuff.

I have been tired, surly and vaguely head-achy for the last two days. But I was at home, so it was okay! Now I am at work and it's horrible. I didn't bring in the pie I made last night because I was so cranky about having to carry pie in the rain on slushy and icy streets. How dare it rain when I have pie!!!

The irrationality of my mood makes me think this is PMS.

I guess. I think most people eating at this cafeteria are well aware that green beans are healthier than french fries.

I also just checked out the entire analysis, and a small serving of brown rice is not healthy, and the only healthy salad is without dressing. There is only one healthy entree on the menu which contains meat (Italian broiled haddock) I think they have to relax a little if they seriously want people to eat more healthily. If there is no difference both brown rice and french fries are unhealthy, I am going to pick the french fries.

I've had the weirdest arguments with people about nutrition, and it's not like either of us was talking about anything niche like Paleo, or anything. It was just basic food group stuff.

I used to work with a woman who gave up drinking regular (non-diet) Coke because "of all the fat in it." I even pointed out that the nutrition information ON THE CAN showed there was no fat, and she said "You can't trust those things -- if there's no fat in it, why am I gaining weight?"

I conceded her point so that the conversation could stop before I stabbed her hand with a pencil.

I think most people eating at this cafeteria are well aware that green beans are healthier than french fries.

My mother teaches nutrition in med school. It's helped me adjust my expectations (severely) downwards.

Now, it sure doesn't look like that labelling is much use, though.

I conceded her point so that the conversation could stop before I stabbed her hand with a pencil.

I worked with a guy who whined (yes, literally) at me "But how do I lose weight?"

I pointed at the six pack of doughnuts he was having for breakfast and said "You can start by eating something healthier than those for breakfast."

He said "Really? Do I have to?"

Apparently not. And then he went on to have liposuction at age 20. And gain the weight back.

So, you know, other people and their weight goals. Let me stay away.

He said "Really? Do I have to?"

Wow. That's some aggressive ignorance of basic facts.

It stopped raining and the sun is out. I feel better about today already.

I conceded her point so that the conversation could stop before I stabbed her hand with a pencil.

This is the same co-worker who, when she later got pregnant, said she wasn't getting the flu vaccine because she didn't want to give her baby autism.

I didn't even know where to start with that one, including the fact that we're a HEALTHCARE PUBLISHER. I was going to tell her she got the vaccine (and recipient) wrong, but then I didn't want to give her the impression that there was a "right" vaccine to avoid.

I think I ended that conversation with a cheery "Well, hope you don't get the flu! Some people die from it!"

I'm a fan of at least a 3-level labeling system for cafeterias. Something like green/yellow/red, so that french fries aren't in the same category as brown rice.

I think I ended that conversation with a cheery "Well, hope you don't get the flu! Some people die from it!"

I wish I weren't so nice, so I could do this sort of thing more often.