Local Official Delivers Healthier Message as City Council Members Prepare for Thanksgiving Feast
Alderman Emma Mitts recently used her resolution to acknowledge World Diabetes Day as an opportunity to share her own personal journey with diabetes and stress the importance of healthy eating. The 37th Ward representative, who was diagnosed with the condition eleven months ago, credited a "proof-of-life" program that taught her how high-fat, high-salt foods were detrimental to her health with saving her life.
Mitts told her fellow council members that she initially resisted participating in the program due to her busy schedule of helping others. However, after being asked by her doctor if she wanted to live, she said she "chose life" and changed her eating habits to avoid foods that were "harming my body."
At a recent city council meeting, Mitts emphasized the need for her constituents to adopt healthier eating habits, particularly young people who are dying from diabetes-related illnesses. She argued that traditional Western diets lacking in plant-based food are no longer sufficient and instead recommended "food for life" – foods rich in vitamins, nutrients, and fresh produce.
In a somewhat timely yet challenging message, Mitts acknowledged the annual Thanksgiving feast will soon take place, which often results in overeating and weight gain. She advised her colleagues to control their portions and resist the temptation of unhealthy foods, saying that doing so would "take the taste out of your mouth."
When asked by Mayor Brandon Johnson to direct her comments towards him instead of her colleague Jason Ervin, Mitts softened her tone but still emphasized the importance of individuals taking responsibility for their own health. Ervin took the message graciously, agreeing to meet Mitts at a local restaurant where they could discuss healthier eating options.
As City Council members prepare for the upcoming Thanksgiving feast, Alderman Mitts's tough love message serves as a reminder that adopting healthier habits can significantly improve one's quality of life and help prevent chronic illnesses like diabetes.
Alderman Emma Mitts recently used her resolution to acknowledge World Diabetes Day as an opportunity to share her own personal journey with diabetes and stress the importance of healthy eating. The 37th Ward representative, who was diagnosed with the condition eleven months ago, credited a "proof-of-life" program that taught her how high-fat, high-salt foods were detrimental to her health with saving her life.
Mitts told her fellow council members that she initially resisted participating in the program due to her busy schedule of helping others. However, after being asked by her doctor if she wanted to live, she said she "chose life" and changed her eating habits to avoid foods that were "harming my body."
At a recent city council meeting, Mitts emphasized the need for her constituents to adopt healthier eating habits, particularly young people who are dying from diabetes-related illnesses. She argued that traditional Western diets lacking in plant-based food are no longer sufficient and instead recommended "food for life" – foods rich in vitamins, nutrients, and fresh produce.
In a somewhat timely yet challenging message, Mitts acknowledged the annual Thanksgiving feast will soon take place, which often results in overeating and weight gain. She advised her colleagues to control their portions and resist the temptation of unhealthy foods, saying that doing so would "take the taste out of your mouth."
When asked by Mayor Brandon Johnson to direct her comments towards him instead of her colleague Jason Ervin, Mitts softened her tone but still emphasized the importance of individuals taking responsibility for their own health. Ervin took the message graciously, agreeing to meet Mitts at a local restaurant where they could discuss healthier eating options.
As City Council members prepare for the upcoming Thanksgiving feast, Alderman Mitts's tough love message serves as a reminder that adopting healthier habits can significantly improve one's quality of life and help prevent chronic illnesses like diabetes.
I'm loving how Alderman Emma Mitts is bringing the heat on this whole diabetes thing 
. Like, who doesn't need to know about the dangers of high-fat, high-salt foods? It's wild that she was resistant at first but then totally turned her life around after being told if she wanted to live 
. Now, I'm not saying we all gotta be like Mitts and start a "proof-of-life" program or anything 
, but seriously, healthy eating is key! And can we talk about how refreshing it is when officials actually have a personal connection to the issue they're talking about? It's like, Mitts gets it, you know? 
! She's literally saving lives with her honest story and sharing her own struggles, and now she's encouraging others to do the same 
. The whole "food for life" thing is soooo true - I mean, we've all been there, stuffing our faces at Thanksgiving and then regretting it afterwards 
. It's great that she's talking about portion control and resisting unhealthy foods - we need more people speaking out like this! 
, but let me correct you - it's not just about Alderman Mitts being diagnosed with diabetes, it's about the systemic issues that led her to get sick in the first place 
.
. We need more education and resources for people who are struggling with food choices, not just moralizing from someone who's been in her shoes (but still has a lot to learn 
).
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. I mean, it's great that Alderman Mitts is spreading awareness about this stuff, but let's give people a break, you know? We're human beings, we can't just be expected to follow some arbitrary diet plan 24/7. What's the harm in having an occasional slice of pumpkin pie or two 
?
, and it's not like Mitts' resolution is going to make that much of a difference. I'm all for people taking care of themselves, but let's not pretend this is some kind of miracle cure 
.
i mean, who doesn't want to avoid being diagnosed with diabetes, right? 
the whole "food for life" thing is genius, and i love how she's not shaming anyone for enjoying a slice of pie on thanksgiving, just encouraging us all to be more mindful about our portions 
. but what really got me was when she said that traditional western diets just won't cut it anymore and we need to be eating more plant-based foods 
. i totally agree! I've been trying to cut down on processed food and sugar for a while now and it's made such a huge difference in my energy levels 
. she's not afraid to speak up about something that matters to her, even if it means going against the norm 
The fact that she's calling out the traditional Western diet as "harming" is like, so on point! 
. But seriously, can we please just start taking care of our own health already? No more excuses about busy schedules or whatever... 
. The idea of "food for life" is a game-changer - all that fresh produce and plant-based goodness can make a huge difference in how we feel. It's too easy to get caught up in the convenience of Western diets, but Mitts' message is like, totally on point 
it's clear that changing your eating habits is a no-brainer when you see the impact it can have on your life 
it's not about depriving yourself of food, but about making conscious choices that benefit your body 
and honestly, who doesn't want to "take the taste out of their mouth" 
? 
it's all about taking responsibility for our own health, you feel me? 
. Mitts's "food for life" concept is genius - who knew you could just eat fresh veggies & fruits & still be able to enjoy a good burger every now & then? 
.