McDonalds!

[Ave Maria]

Yep!! Although of course I don't eat there all the time. Usually twice a week at the most and usually not even that much. The only food they really offer that isn't very fattening is the salads.

 

[Beastt]

An interesting mix of comments so far. I think the original poster is correct in stating that many are missing the point. The object isn't to demonize McDonalds, it's just to bring about an awareness concerning the food served at McDonalds as well as most other fast food restaurants.

I took particular interest in the comments concerning Biblical phrases being printed on the packaging. I must assume that were similar verses to be etched onto the abortionist's scalpel, their view of abortion would change. If passages from the Bible were painted onto the planes that were flown into the World Trade Center, then I suppose that act would also gain the support of those who feel supporting McDonalds simply on the basis of a few choice words on the packaging is appropriate. A truly unique form of logic seems to be at work here.

As concerns the comments about McDonalds fries and their inability to provide nutrients to such life forms as molds and mildews, certainly it shouldn't be difficult to see that if molds, bacteria and mildew can't subsist on the fries, they're probably not providing much in the way of nutrition to the human body either. I do think it odd that McDonalds seems to think that a natural flavoring for potatoes includes beef fat. Potatoes shouldn't taste like beef even if it does seem to please their unwary customers.

It's certainly not the fault of McDonalds that so many people eat there or that they eat there so often. It isn't the fault of the corporation that so many people become overweight and obese on their food. But as for other practices carried out by the corporation, they are quite willfully at fault. Federal standards require that factory farmed chickens each receive 2 square feet of living space. Remember that this is all the space the chicken will ever see for its entire life. The duration of existance on the planet will take place within this tiny cubicle of room - hour after hour; day after day. McDonalds has routinely failed to comply with court orders to provide this 2-feet to the chickens raised for their restaurants, instead offering each bird a measly .55 square feet of living space. Other such atrocities exist at every level of livestock production in which McDonalds presides. Much of the loss of the rain forest is also due to McDonald's practice of purchasing cattle raised in South America where the forests are slashed and burned to provide quick, temporary pasture.

No matter how one looks at the situation, McDonalds is providing that which is terribly unhealthy for the people and the environment. But, as pointed out earlier, this is being done for profit and everyone who visits McDonald's is paying them to continue these practices. The responsibility lies with the people and I suspect that this is exactly what the movie, (which I have not seen), is attempting to point out. I would also guess this was the purpose of the original poster. It's just about becoming educated to facilitate making the best decisions.

 

[Tuffguy]

Convience food is something people want because they either can't cook at that time, or they are just plain lazy. I go in a pinch but i never go if i can avoid it. I usually get a large wendys chilli and dump it on a baked potato.

Nothing posted here is a shock or surprise. If it really is then you need to educate yourself.

 

[Oblivious]

everyone just needs someone to blame

Thank you, I totally agree with you.

Sure, McDonalds isn't the most nutrition eating option, but McDonalds isn't shoving the food down your throat, you are!

I eat there about once a week. I exercise 4-5 nights a week so I don't think it's going to kill me to eat there once in a while.

 

[Krazeekkc]

Actually you want to know something really shocking!!??!! One of their salads has more calories than a Big Mac!

Yep!! Although of course I don't eat there all the time. Usually twice a week at the most and usually not even that much. The only food they really offer that isn't very fattening is the salads.

 

[hazeleyes80]

I think that it is completely up to the consumer to exercise portion control over themselves and their children. I try to look at the "supersize" portions from an economical standpoint. It's all about supply and demand. The only reason McDonalds (and other restaurants) supply huge portions is because that is what most of America seems to want. If people didn't want it and buy it, they wouldn't sell it.

 

[Krazeekkc]

Well, if you exercise the amount you say you do then the fat might not kill you but what about the chemicals and preservatives???

I eat there about once a week. I exercise 4-5 nights a week so I don't think it's going to kill me to eat there once in a while.

 

[Ave Maria]

Actually you want to know something really shocking!!??!! One of their salads has more calories than a Big Mac!

Woah! Are you joking?! You must be talking about the taco salad right?

 

[Krazeekkc]

I'm not sure as to what salad but I found that really shocking! You make think when you go there and get a salad over a burger it's a healthier choice but it isn't! Also, something disgusting that I found out is that you might have a thousand cows in one hamburger because there all ground together and oh it's just so gross!

Woah! Are you joking?! You must be talking about the taco salad right?

 

[suzq2000]

I agree we do what's cheap, easy, and most convenient---includes customers grabbing a 5-minute, 99-cent lunch, AND McD's promoting scary-efficient potato monoculture (toxic pesticides prevent harmless-but-ugly brown spots on future fries, but endanger farmers & environment), and maybe includes beef ranchers burning forestlands because they need to graze their cattle... It is very sad. And it's inevitable until the healthiest choice ALSO becomes a more convenient choice---could they make salads (w/ lowfat dressing) cheaper than the meat? or require McD's to get some percentage of their food from organic farms? or...hm...environmental job training for next-generation potential ranchers?...none of those seem likely. Any ideas for other, real solutions?

"I took particular interest in the comments concerning Biblical phrases being printed on the packaging. I must assume that were similar verses to be etched onto the abortionist's scalpel, their view of abortion would change. If passages from the Bible were painted onto the planes that were flown into the World Trade Center, then I suppose that act would also gain the support of those who feel supporting McDonalds simply on the basis of a few choice words on the packaging is appropriate. A truly unique form of logic seems to be at work here."

But as for this "interesting" statement....it compares one rationale for eating at In N' Out restaurants to a rationale for abortion or terrorist bombing...??... I don't like it. Too extreme. another example of a "truly unique form of logic" at work. I still like seeing Bible verses on my cup, even if its terribly unhealthy gov't-subsidized high-fructose corn syrup that I'm drinking.

Back to the issue, it IS true that a ground beef burger could be derived from many cows...disturbing...on the other hand, the fast-food-restaurant burgers are more likely to be safe from infectious diseases than ground beef sold to schools for kids' lunches. How sad is that?

 

[Oblivious]

Well, if you exercise the amount you say you do then the fat might not kill you but what about the chemicals and preservatives???

Most foods are loaded with chemicals and preservatives, not just McDonalds.

I seriously doubt eating at McDonalds once in a while is going to kill me...

 

[Oblivious]

Actually you want to know something really shocking!!??!! One of their salads has more calories than a Big Mac!

With or without the dressing

Salad dressing is very fattening.

 

[Krazeekkc]

Any ideas for other, real solutions?

Back to the issue, it IS true that a ground beef burger could be derived from many cows...disturbing...on the other hand, the fast-food-restaurant burgers are more likely to be safe from infectious diseases than ground beef sold to schools for kids' lunches. How sad is that?

Real solutions? Make them quit selling garbage to the world! lol

Yep it says so in the movie that one hamburger patty can be from a ton of different cows. They also talk about school lunches and all of the junk food being sold at public school. People should really watch the movie and watch all of the bonus interviews.

 

[Krazeekkc]

With or without the dressing

Salad dressing is very fattening.

Probably with dressing.... But how any calories are in a Big Mac like 1,000? So that salad has got to be the most fattening salad there is!

 

[Oblivious]

Probably with dressing.... But how any calories are in a Big Mac like 1,000? So that salad has got to be the most fattening salad there is!

Now you have me curious so I had to check!

Big Mac = 560 calories, 30 grams of fat
The salad with the most calories is the Fiesta Salad (with Sour Cream and Salsa) = 450 calories, 27 grams of fat. I believe that salad has seasoned hamburger on it, that with the sour cream will make a fattening salad.

The Salad dressing choices are very fattening as well, especially being as it's just a small package of dressing.

Here's the read if anyone is interested http://www.mcdonalds.com/app_controller.nutrition.categories.nutrition.index.html

 

[phoenixdna]

I chose Never in the poll, but actually every once in a blue moon I might succumb to temptation.

My weakness is Arbys (Atlanta, GA). I do get their Chicken Salad sandwich, though. Its just about the most incredible sandwich ever created. But sometimes I get the fries and the chocolate chip cookie with it.

 

[MissLarisha]

as far as salads are concerned... eating salad dressing on your salad is better for you than not eating the salad.

americans dont get enough vegetables...

regardless of their nutritional cancellations, vegetables have important vitimins and minerals. salad dressing doesnt take them away.

peple just need to eat less dressing... but if its the only way theyll eat vegetables than so be it.

 

[Sheena_Va]

In the year 2004, people know enough about nutritional values to make up their own minds as to what they choose to eat. McDonalds and other targeted fast food restaurants gladly supply a list of such values.
This is a processed world we live in. You could be a strict vegetarian for your entire life with a zero percent body fat ratio and die of breast cancer at 32 because you grew up next to a power plant. There are plenty of "if-then" theories that we can come up with if we try hard enough to point a finger at someone other than ourselves.
My grandma lived to be 98 years old and for 40 of those years she did snuff and had a glass of MadDog 20/20 before bed every night. Would I, myself, do it? heck naw! But I'm surely not gonna sue the snuff makers because she didnt make it to 99!
I'm all for getting the truth out to people, but to sensationalize it and compare it with obvious over the top analogies, is not the way to get a positive reaction or result.

 

[mrxplosive]

For people so concerned over how many cows are in one burger, I ask, what's the difference anyway? The cost of food is not cheap, its already hard enough for many families to feed their children. If they went through all the processes necessary to make everyone watching a documentary approve of what they are doing, it would not be cost effective and there 99cent menu would be the $2.99 menu. McDonald's has been called out more than anyone, but they are not the most guilty of the food production industry. We live in a modern world where the vast majority of people rely soley on the food industry to supply every meal. It ain't gonna be perfect, but we have the ability to educate ourselves and make the best choices. If you don't like the way McDonald's does things, don't eat there! I sure don't!

 

[Sheena_Va]

I chose Never in the poll, but actually every once in a blue moon I might succumb to temptation.

My weakness is Arbys (Atlanta, GA). I do get their Chicken Salad sandwich, though. Its just about the most incredible sandwich ever created. But sometimes I get the fries and the chocolate chip cookie with it.

We have Arby's in Va too. I don't eat the food there often, but I like their Jamocha milk shakes .
I have 2 toddlers, and a pretty busy lifestyle. 90% of our meals are made by me, but Daddy and I occasionally go to dinner and eat waaaay too much, and the kids are taken to Wendy's about 2 times a month, if we are out and on the go.
I choose Wendy's because they offer manderin oranges to replace the fries and LowFat milk, with their Kids Meals. Honestly, I get one with the oranges and one with the fries and the kids split each. My kids are very healthy, perfect weight, and prefer vegetables to most anything.
I have battled weight all my life due to a variety of reasons. Growing up my momma made big family style meals that would feed a family of 6 and keep us from going to bed hungry. Fast Food was NEVER an option,because we couldnt afford it. I gained the weight of my youth on good ol' southern cooking and the steriods I took for 16 years.
As an adult I continue to battle my weight. Contrary to some people's opinions....and I have medical evidence to back it up....just not handy.....anyways, I don't sit on my couch eating twinkies chased with Pepsi followed by a dinner of deep fried everything smothered in cheese. I eat healthy the majority of the time. Most of the time being overweight is caused by genetics, metabolism, and the body's ability to process certain things found in food.
I also don't think many people realize that just because you are overweight it does NOT automatically make you "unhealthy". My health is better than the majority of people I know, all of which weigh quite less than I do.