Saturday, February 13, 2010

NOT Good Food to Lose Weight

I think of the hamburger that wouldn't die each time I drive by fast food row. For all of you stopping I suggest you read Eric Schlosser's book, "The Fast Food Nation" (published by Perennial 2002) and get an insight into this industry. Eric Schlosser relates in his book that in 1970, Americans spent about $6 billion dollars on fast food; in 2001, they spent more than $110 billion. Americans now spend more money on fast food than on higher education, personal computers, or new cars. They spend more on fast food than on movies, books, magazines, newspapers, videos, and recorded music combined.

The fast food industry is getting more and more of our dollars spent on food in this country and the rest of it is going to health care since the stuff we eat at fast food is killing us. Fast food has replaced home cooked meals. White bread, white flour, potatoes, rice, soda drinks, and a touch of lettuce and maybe a thin slice of tomato covering a highly fat-saturated piece of meat. If this is not bad enough, our potatoes are usually cooked in 320 degree lard (or vegetable fat, which at these high temperatures creates even more rancid fat) and then we boldly state "Oh, by the way, Super-Size it". Another great movie inspiration.

It is estimated that the average American eats three hamburgers and four orders of french fries each and every week. The marketing has been very effective. Except for the lettuce and tomatoes most of what you order and eat at a fast food restaurant is canned, frozen, dehydrated, or freeze-dried. It is the epitome of highly processed carbohydrates and also loaded with high saturated fats. And all the processing, canning, freezing, dehydrating kills the foods taste. So all the flavor needs to be put back, usually with the help of lots and lots of heart stopping sodium. Not a pretty picture.

There is another way to live - It's easy, its cheaper than eating out and lots more fun than a heart attach or stroke.

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