Size does matter but it isn't the only factor in healthy eating.   Bay area residents  feel smug every time the "fattest list" comes out but there are just as many fast food chains here as any place else and just as many people eating in them.  We may have a greater choice but there are still the same processed foods loaded with fats and salts. 

This week the San Francisco Board of Supervisors passed an measure calling for everyone to be a vegetarian on Monday (adopt the idea of giving up meat one day a week.)  Supervisor Sophie Maxwell was the sponsor.

"The board on Tuesday unanimously approved a resolution by Supervisor Sophie Maxwell declaring every Monday "Vegetarian Day" or "Veg Day," which encourages restaurants, grocery stores and schools to offer more vegetarian fare.

The only thing is, it doesn't actually require anything and there is no enforcement capability, just like other resolutions the board passes.

Maxwell said it was important to draw attention to the relationship between diet and climate change, citing a 2009 World Bank report that found farm animals and their byproducts are responsible for at least 51 percent of annual worldwide greenhouse gas emissions.

And it's not like San Francisco's exactly going out on a limb here. After all, Ghent, Belgium has a weekly vegetarian day, and Takoma Park, Md., has "Takoma Park Veg Week."

Last year Mayor Gavin Newsom cataloged the spots for the vegetable gardens all over the city.  This spring the first harvests will take place.

Less meat is healthier for people and the environment. 

Vegetarians dishes need better public relations.  These actions by public officials are a start but they need to put their menus where their legislation is and figure out incentives to make people want to change.

For example, restaurants in San Francisco help pay a small portion of health care program for low income San Franciscans.   Why not discount the premiums of restaurants that offer healthy vegetarian choices and also inform the diners of the  nutritional content of the dishes.

We are basically clueless when it comes to a healthy diet and held hostage by a food system deemed to big to change.   Is that how you want to live your life?   Vote everyday with your fork for better ways to produce and distribute food.

Bay area politicians who support programs for healthier eating should be applauded -- they are the ones who are really doing something about bringing down the cost of  health care.