Dr. Mercola July 06 2002 908 views
"Value meals," "Combos" and "Super-Sized" at America's fast-food counters may seem like a good deal for your wallet, but they're no bargain when it comes to health.
"Bundling" -- the common practice of pairing side dishes and drinks with fast-food sandwiches -- greatly boosts the calories and fat in a meal while actually costing consumers more money. The same holds true for deals at movie theaters, convenience stores and fast-food restaurants urging customers to spend more money to get more food.
Super-sizing costs you money to buy extra calories you don't need. Those extra calories may help Americans feel like they are getting a bargain, but are also contributing to the country's 61% rate of adult obesity.
Researchers traveled the country looking at marketing practices in restaurants, theaters and stores and then examined the nutritional effects of the deals.
A "Minibon" cinnamon bun at popular Cinnabon bakeries costs an average of $2.01 and carries 300 calories and 5 grams of saturated fat. The outlet encourages customers to purchase "Classic Cinnabon" buns for 48 cents more. The 24% increase in price brings 123% more calories and three times the amount of saturated fat.
Similarly, "Super-Gulp" soft drinks at 7-Eleven stores cost an extra 37 cents but more than triple the number of calories to an average of 600. Value marketing is manipulation.
Researchers have long worried that increasing portion sizes and overall caloric intake are major factors in America's growing obesity problem. Obesity is considered a major risk factor for illnesses including diabetes, heart disease and some types of cancer.
A recent US Department of Agriculture study showed that Americans consume 171 more calories on average today than they did a decade ago. The trend continues despite falling levels of physical activity and exercise.
The study also found that people who want less food than a "super-sized" meal provides may have to pay more to get it. It actually costs more to buy a smaller, lower-calorie meal.
Researchers called on restaurants to display calorie and fat information on food counter menus beside pictures or descriptions of food package deals. They also urged Americans to always ask for small food sizes and resist the temptation to buy larger portions.
Center for Science in the Public Interest June 17, 2002
Folks don’t fall for the savings gambit. Yes, the food may cost you less in the short run, but it will cost you far, far more in the long run. The money you save pales in comparison to the amount you would spend trying to get healthy again.
The US has nearly 200,000 fast-food restaurants and over 3 million soft-drink vending machines. We also have an extremely wide variety of processed foods available in our grocery and convenient stores.
90% of the money Americans spend on food goes towards processed foods.
How can you possibly be healthy with that much processed food in your diet? Our goal should be to reverse that ratio and strive for 90% non-processed food and only 10% from other sources. Not only will you enjoy the health benefits, but the satisifaction of preparing meals and controlling the ingredients is a great feeling.
The proportion of restaurant/fast food establishments and the desire for convenience has increased considerably since the late 1970s. Among 19- to 39-year-olds, away-from-home food consumption just about doubled between 1977 and 1996, with
28% of young Americans saying they had eaten out on any given day in 1996, compared to just 14% two decades previously.
Yes, it takes more time and energy to follow the eating plan, but doing so could:
So, stay away from processed and fast foods and either hire someone to prepare your non-processed food meals or do them yourself.
I have less free time than most reading this newsletter, yet I prepare over 95% of my meals myself to preserve my health. It is a committment, but it can be done.
Related Articles:
US Junk Food Intake Worsening Americans Eating More and Exercising Less Trans Fatty Acid Dangers
US Junk Food Intake Worsening
Americans Eating More and Exercising Less
Trans Fatty Acid Dangers