The incredible lightness of eating
People are prone to making choices that aren’t always good for
them. It’s part of that free will deal that we brokered with God in
the days of Adam and Eve. And the more often we have to make a
choice, the more likely we are to falter
– and what choice do we make more than deciding what to put in
our mouths as hunger calls?
The incredible lightness of eating
People are prone to making choices that aren’t always good for them. It’s part of that free will deal that we brokered with God in the days of Adam and Eve. And the more often we have to make a choice, the more likely we are to falter – and what choice do we make more than deciding what to put in our mouths as hunger calls?
A recent poll suggests that it is ignorance that keeps us going back to treats we know are not the best for us.
The California Center for Public Health Advocacy conducted a poll recently that showed most people have no idea which foods are least healthy at fast food joints and chain restaurants. In the poll, responders were asked which had the most calories of four items on the McDonald’s menu – two big Macs, two egg McMuffins, a large chocolate shake or four regular hamburgers. The correct answer was the shake which rang in at 1,160 calories.
Part of the point is lost in polls such as this – the rest of that stuff listed still isn’t good for us and it’s nutritional value plummets when the french fries and large soda that usually accompany these meals are added in. And it’s impossible not to know this stuff isn’t good for us when the paper bags they come in are stained with grease marks and the after-dinner lethargy sets in.
The poll doesn’t address the reasons why we go for these foods in the first place and it doesn’t prove that our behavior would change if we had more information.
While much of the blame has been laid on fast food places and restaurants serving up high caloric, high fat foods to the public, the industry has made some strides to make nutritional value more available to munchers. It is posted on Web sites, on site in some restaurants and there are brochures available if requested. But when is the last time you checked the nutritional chart before placing an order at Burger King? For most people the answer is probably never. Because we know it’s not good for us and we want it anyway.
Fast food restaurants are making mild changes to their menus in an attempt to draw the health-consicous eater to their doors and driveways. Taco Bell has served up an al fresco taco that has fresh salsa to garnish it rather than higher calorie sauces. McDonald’s offers apple juice and fruit with its happy meals.
But even some of the seemingly healthy options are not the best for us. Add the salad dressing that comes with most fast food greens and it can have as much as 40 grams of fat. A Subway sandwhich on wheat bread with tons of produce still has 40 carbs – more than anyone with diabetes should have. And besides, when we pull up to that drive-thru chances are good that we will put aside good intentions, give into temptation and order that burger or fries.
The best way to eat healthy is to take back control of our ingredients and we can do that by spending more time cooking at home. There are plenty of healthy, quick to make meals – many that we’ve started featuring in our weekly food column in the life section – that can be made with fare from local grocery stores or markets.
Make those trips to fast food joints and restaurants the exception rather than the rule and we guarantee, you’ll feel a little lighter.
