A friend of mine is on a diet. The doctor says his health is great, so maybe it is just a preventative thing, but he’s on the glycemic index diet. So, he’s watching carbs and calories. I’ve decided to try to lose the 30 pounds I’ve packed back on before it’s too late. After all, I turn 50 next year and I know that the older you are, the harder it is to lose weight.
McDonald’s has no doubt played a part in my weight gain. Oh sure, Ronald McDonald didn’t hold me down and force the Big Macs down my throat, but when I don’t see how bad something is for me, it’s hard to resist.
But, McDonald’s just made that resistance easier.
McDonald’s got a bad rap in Morgan Spurlock’s 2004 documentary Super Size Me. In this film, Spurlock goes on a strictly McDonald’s diet for 30 days. Any time the cashier asks “Do you want to super size that?”, Spurlock decided he would always reply “Yes.”
Needless to say, his health suffered. He packed on about 25 pounds, suffered heart palpitations, lost energy, and became depressed among other health issues. The documentary was very successful and thus, a backlash against McDonald’s began.
But, there are some pseudo-healthy items at McDonald’s today. Their Egg McMuffin is one of the healthier breakfast choices available. Since I am counting calories, I pulled in the other morning to order one and was surprised to see the number of calories listed next to the name.
In fact, calories were listed next to EVERY menu item. That’s right, order a bacon, egg, and cheese biscuit and you will be hard pressed not to notice that it is 420 calories. Since I am supposed to be restricted to 1200 a day, it’s a no brainer to avoid that.
I have to give McDonald’s kudos for several recent moves. Much to my son’s dismay, the Happy Meals (something that people blame for childhood obesity) now contain a smaller fries and apple slices.
But, before we go giving McDonald’s too big a pat on the back, you should know that as early as next year, all major chains will be required by law to post their calorie information. McDonald’s just beat the rest to the punch.
Hopefully this move will help America lose weight.