Review of First Lady, Michelle Obama’s “Lets Move” Program

Photo by: Michal Zacharzewski

I have heard a lot about the First Lady’s healthy living program. Not only have I seen public service announcements, but news and criticism. Maybe it is true that no press is bad press because my interest definitely increased the more I heard from critics. I have political opinions but I never fit into a political group. I only mention that because I really didn’t have a preconceived preference. Curiosity and nutritional interest were my only motivators.

The website is here “Let’s Move“. When moving around the site, notice links, references and partners. Ms. Obama has adopted this program to support but that does not mean that she invented it. The information and the site is developed by USDA, pediatricians, and other physicians, along with educators, nutritionists and opinions of  real people including kids. I say this because I have heard criticism that suggests the First Lady is personally responsible for the information. Does a spokesperson for hunger and poverty have to of be starving and homeless or unqualified? Other than that thought, I’m only going to give my opinion of the site.

I have not been able to look at all the information but random clicking didn’t expose anything to complain about. Even the changes I would make to recipes are more personal preference. There are some recipes that I think could be improved by changing ingredients and I speak about those ingredients like whole grain pasta, and using yogurt instead of sour cream in recipes. However, I also tell people to make changes as they are able.

It is not my place to criticize anyone’s healthier efforts to use this site. There is nothing wrong with the program. I would like to see nutritional information on recipes and variations. I try to include those because I feel an important part of cooking is adaptation to needs. Many people don’t know how to look at a recipe as a concept so I try to include those ideas. However, depending on the target audience, it is important to not clutter with more than necessary information.

I write for people who need the healthiest diet possible due to health issues, can’t spend a lot of time in the kitchen due to mobility issues and have other limitations that prevent anything but uncomplicated cooking. If my suggestions differ, don’t think one is more correct. Families need feeding and access to good advice. The Let’s Move program is a great resource. My opinion may not count for much but I really hate to see detractors confuse families who need this important information.