A few years ago, Todd and I decided that we didn't want fast food in our lives. At first it was rough because fast food restaurants are so convienent, quick and cheap. But after an occaisional craving we learned to live without it and never really even gave McDonald's or it's counterparts a second glance. We were not watching our finances as closely then as we are now, so I don't really recall the switch being a big shock for us financially (plus we never ate exclusively at fast food joints...it was occasional).
I have read the articles about fast food and it's relation to obesity. I've also seen the articles that correlate fast food to the rise of obesity. Fast food driven obesity you may call it I guess. I always agreed, but it wasn't until yesterday that I realized exactly how much. I went to hang out with my family yesterday. My brother and his wife give in to the kids and they eat at McDonalds every Sunday...it's their tradition. So I tagged along. I ordered a McChicken sandwich, a small fry and a large drink. I blew over 600 calories on that meal. Almost half of my daily budget for calories (I aim for 1300 calories). Doable, but throws things out of whack and you have to be near PERFECT with your eating the rest of the day.
But the lesson to be learned is not how many calories I ate. I feel as if I actually chose well and was actually ok with my calorie expenditure. No, lets look at the financial expenditure.
The drink....$1......the sandwich, $1....and the small fry, $1.19. I spend $3.19 for my meal. (true dollar menu items....it's actually cheaper to order off the dollar menu in that case apparently) Really? Where else can I eat for that little? $3.19??????? It is tempting to go back....I can't eat anywhere...except the soup kitchen for that little. True there is little or no nutritional value but hell, a full belly for $3.19. No wonder people continue to flock to the place (ok so the food is also a bit addicting)...it's affordable in our economically depressed age. The cheap prices draw people in.......and they are eating WAY TOO MANY Calories. Becuase lets face it.....how many people go in and actually order the McChicken Sandwich and a SMALL fry?????
mf