Local Official Delivers Blunt Message on Healthy Eating as World Diabetes Day Arrives
Alderman Emma Mitts delivered a heartfelt yet unapologetic message about healthy eating at City Council on Friday, ahead of World Diabetes Day. Eleven months ago, Mitts underwent an "emotionally important journey" after discovering she had diabetes and high blood pressure. The turning point came when her doctor urged her to make significant lifestyle changes.
Mitts credits this newfound awareness with saving her life, stating that doctors at a local wellness center showed her the devastating effects of her diet on her health. Initially hesitant, Mitts eventually realized that "if you don't help yourself, you can't help nobody else." Her message was clear: adopt a healthier diet to prevent the same fate for others.
"We have lost what the four basic food groups are," she warned, advocating for whole, plant-based foods rich in vitamins. At a Thanksgiving dinner just weeks away, Mitts urged her colleagues and constituents to be mindful of their choices. "Stop eating all of the things that we want... Ribs, Italian beef – but if you think about it before you bite... Do you want to live, or do you want to die?"
While acknowledging the timing of her message may not be ideal, Mitts emphasized the importance of making healthy food choices in moderation. Her words were met with understanding from some colleagues, including Budget Committee Chair Jason Ervin, who has lost weight in recent months.
When asked by Mayor Brandon Johnson to direct his comments, Mitts softened her tone but remained resolute. "I appreciate your role and what you're doing," she said. The two officials agreed to meet at a local soul food restaurant for a healthier meal option.
Alderman Emma Mitts delivered a heartfelt yet unapologetic message about healthy eating at City Council on Friday, ahead of World Diabetes Day. Eleven months ago, Mitts underwent an "emotionally important journey" after discovering she had diabetes and high blood pressure. The turning point came when her doctor urged her to make significant lifestyle changes.
Mitts credits this newfound awareness with saving her life, stating that doctors at a local wellness center showed her the devastating effects of her diet on her health. Initially hesitant, Mitts eventually realized that "if you don't help yourself, you can't help nobody else." Her message was clear: adopt a healthier diet to prevent the same fate for others.
"We have lost what the four basic food groups are," she warned, advocating for whole, plant-based foods rich in vitamins. At a Thanksgiving dinner just weeks away, Mitts urged her colleagues and constituents to be mindful of their choices. "Stop eating all of the things that we want... Ribs, Italian beef – but if you think about it before you bite... Do you want to live, or do you want to die?"
While acknowledging the timing of her message may not be ideal, Mitts emphasized the importance of making healthy food choices in moderation. Her words were met with understanding from some colleagues, including Budget Committee Chair Jason Ervin, who has lost weight in recent months.
When asked by Mayor Brandon Johnson to direct his comments, Mitts softened her tone but remained resolute. "I appreciate your role and what you're doing," she said. The two officials agreed to meet at a local soul food restaurant for a healthier meal option.
! Like, who needs all that processed and sugary stuff? I mean, I know it's hard to give up those fave foods but trust her, it's worth it 
. And can we please stop pretending like we're too busy to make healthy choices? Life is short, fam 
. We gotta take care of ourselves so we can show up for others 
.
I think its kinda wild that someone has to become ill to learn about the importance of healthy eating. Like, cant we just know this stuff already? 
We're always told to 'eat your greens' and 'watch what you eat', but it's not until someone hits rock bottom (literally) that they realize how easy it is to make those choices. Alderman Mitts got hit hard by diabetes and high blood pressure, now she's making sure everyone else avoids the same fate. Its a sad reality, but I guess its better late than never 
she's literally tryna save our lives by tellin us 2 cut back on them processed foods and sugary drinks lol like who isnt guilty of eatin ribs and italian beef at thanksgiving dinner?! 
i feel her though, she went thru a transformation herself when she found out she had diabetes and now shes spreadin awareness like wildfire 
i wish more ppl in city council would take action 2 help us out on this 1 tho
! It's kinda cool that Alderman Mitts went through her own journey with diabetes and now she's helping others avoid the same fate 
. And honestly, can we all just agree to make some better food choices for once? I mean, who doesn't want to live a longer life than just eating ribs and Italian beef every day 
? Her message is like totally relatable and I'm sure people are gonna take it to heart 
. It's also kinda awesome that she didn't back down even when some colleagues might've been uncomfortable with her honesty 
.
! If my doc told me to cut down on pizza and soda like she did, I'd be all in on the whole "food coma" thing 
It's all about balance, right? Moderation is key #HealthyEatingMatters 