Pretty disturbing numbers

I came across this article - those are some seriously disturbing numbers. I can't help thinking about how much of this junk I used to eat when I lived in the US.
No wonder I got fat(ter).

http://www.manolith.com/2009/04/19/17-foods-with-the-most-caloric-bang-for-your-buck/

Wow.... I have never been a "food junkie" glad I wasn't, otherwise I would have been so large, I wouldn't have been able to walk. (my sins were lack of exercise and alcohol)

While the numbers are staggering, it's sadly not surprising. I've spoken to exchange students who came to America from New Zealand, and myself have studied abroad in Tokyo. No matter which way you're traveling, you tend to gain weight in America, because the trend of eating out is a commonality, rather than a treat. Apparently in New Zealand, McDonald's is viewed as a special occasion restaurant, and most of the places to 'eat out' at in Tokyo feature fresh prepared menu options. That isn't to say there aren't fast food joints in Tokyo, more so that there are better options available among them.

Seems like a lot of these can be avoided by skipping appetizers and desserts. Yes, you can still get into plenty of trouble on the main course, but at least you're not compounding that by eating a full meal's worth of calories before it even gets there!

Nearly all fast food and many restaurants in America have over-sized portions. Nobody knows what a normal portion of food is anymore. This out-sized portion mentality is what caused me to gain all my weight. Now that I have trained myself to recognize a normal portion, I can keep my weight under control.

We are a super-size nation and our waistlines are paying for it.

when my husband and i go out we almost always share a meal. not because we are cheap but because they give you too large a a portion and i dont want to take it home. if he wants something i do not want (usually meat) then i will take 1/2 of mine home for another complete meal.
i saw a very disturbing show on "the heart attack cafe" where they serve a burger and fries that is over 8,000 calories! the cooks are dressed like dr's the waitresses like nurses and you have to wear a hospital gown as a bib. the best part??? if you are over 350 pounds(yes they have a scale) then you eat for free!!! i would never set foot in the place but apparently a lot of people do because the owner is rich(and thin) sadly their spokesman died he was over 500 pounds!

Sadly, the super-size attitudes not only effect people who come to America, but it is having a serious impact on their 1st generation children, as described in this article:

Moving to the Land of Milk and Cookies

I have personally seen this tendency among the children of immigrants from India. Their children pester them about serving American food, instead of their traditional Indian foods, and they have a real problem with juvenile obesity.

I think Baskin Robbins withdrew that shake after it was featured in Eat this Not That. They now have a light one with reduced fat in it. Their large one has only 37 gram fats and 1390 calories (243 carbs)- the cup says reduced fat and light on it LOL

Would it help if people could clearly see what the nutrition in the meals they were ordering was? I know most chains like Baskin Robbins does not hide their nutrition but what if it glared at you from the menu as you were about to order it

Oh man, I cannot believe the amount of sodium in most of that crap (the stuff that actually showed anyway), especially now knowing that 2300-2400mg is the recommended amount! Rediculous!

Adding to what Runesinger said, America doesn't even use regular sized dinner plates! Although I heard they can be purchased online, I don't think I've ever seen one, to be honest...so sad.

Still an interesting/scary read. Bump.

Interesting article Keld. The food really looks tasty, I could go for some of that right now! XD

I do have a bit of a pet peeve when people compare or blame this on the US or US restaurants. I have traveled through many countries. KFC & McDonalds are doing awesome business all over the world. People in the US have more options and more of these restaurants, but if there were as many places like that anywhere, the results will be the same. It is happening in the Middle East right now, and I am sure everywhere else these restaurants are popping up.

The food court here in Bahrain has dozens of restaurants of all varieties. Only 2 are consistently packed, McDonalds and KFC. Why, because it tastes good!

Some countries like Japan or Italy have an issue where they feel "Only our food is best". Its not a bad thing, actually its good. Eventually they will learn that fries and burgers taste best too!

Much like with drugs, or booze, we cant ban fast food, it wont help. People would cook burgers in their back rooms! OMG! lol Its about education. Its about what most of us do here on FS.

Anyway, interesting article. I think it goes straight to the point of food porn, "Ohh that sounds/looks yummy! I Want that!" with no regard to the ramification afterwards. Sadly when people go out to eat at restaurants, thats what they want. That is why no healthy food restaurants will ever survive. Its just bad business, making no money.

My turn for the Nelson laugh... I knew I was on the right track considering Cheese Cake for indulging. What's somewhat interesting about this in a nonhealthy eating view is these foods would be top of the list if our country(s) were in crisis or survival mode. Preppers have similar websites where canned green beans are at the bottom of the ladder - not because of sodium - but because an entire can has less caloric bang for the buck than ....pinto beans. I know - offtrack for the purpose of this post and the article but interesting how we take the availability of food for granted and devote focus to 'what to avoid' rather than countries trying to figure out 'what to eat that will last until the next meal is available.'

I certainly think it would help those interested in making better food choices to display nutritional information right on the menu. Mcdonalds is posting calories right next to the items here in NC, and I'm pretty sure they are going to do it everywhere if they haven't already. I don't understand why people (customers) not only the business itself, tried so hard to block it. People know that this food is terrible but they don't want to know how terrible? It is beyond me. If Mcdonalds is what I want, I'm going to eat it. I think it's a good idea to help me make the "best choice" I can if I'm going to eat there.


Like Firelair said, portion sizes are what's really killing us. It's all about getting the most bang for your buck in America, and bad food is cheap and plentiful. Once you start counting calories and realize a 20oz coke, a dollar bag of chips, and several types of candies contain 2.5 portions. When was the last time you shared a 20oz coke with the hubby and a child? It is impossible to escape the terrible foods America has concocted (fried twinkies, triple layer burgers, FRIED BUTTER?!?!) so portion control and moderation are important.

How the hell did they manage to fit so many calories into a tuna roll??? Just how big is the roll?????????????

So glad that junk food does nothing for me - tasteless and salty blah!!

Interesting article considering what I wrote in my journal today.

The article is a bit disingenuous.