Consequently, I don’t care about as many things as I used to.
Actually, that epiphany was more a result of becoming a mother than simply aging, but there’s a definite connection.
I’m old and parenthood has made me tired. Very tired. Thus, I don’t have the energy to care about all the minutiae I did prior to becoming the caretaker of another person’s soul.
With that said I’m sure you can guess where I stand on the media hype surrounding McDonald’s move to post calorie counts on the interior and drive-thru menu
signboards at each of the company’s 14,000 locations.
I’ve been eating McDonald’s food for the past 30 years. I’ve got their menu memorized. If I am ducking in there to order a bag full of Quarter Pounders, Big Macs and fries I’m not doing so because I want to eat healthy that day.
In other words, despite the fact that McDonald’s now plans to fully disclose how many calories are in its Big Mac, it won’t change what or how I order.
Bottom line: I don’t need to know how many calories are in McDonald’s meals because I don’t go there to eat low-calorie, low-fat foods. I go there to indulge in convenient greasy grub.
Sure, the Golden Arches offers salads and other healthier (than Quarter Pounder) menu options. However, if I want an outstanding bowl of fresh greens peppered with slices of seasonal fruit and other nutritious yet delicious toppings, I’m not going to get in my car and drive to the world’s largest fast food chain to get it.
Ditto for healthy kids’ meals.
I’m pretty sure most parents don’t regard McDonald’s as a health food store, regardless of its move to shrink its French fry count and stick apple slices in Happy Meals.
Still, if you are one of those parents, who just really needs to know how many calories you are consuming in the course of a day, then you will be thrilled to see this staring at you on your next trip to McDonald’s:
*Big Mac: 550 calories
*Double Cheeseburger: 440 calories
*Filet-O-Fish: 380 calories
*Angus Deluxe: 750 calories
*6-piece Chicken McNuggets: 280 calories
*Medium fries: 380 calories
*Medium Iced Latte: 100 calories
*Baked Apple Pie: 250 calories
*Strawberry Sundae: 280 calories
Do you really want to know how many calories are in McDonald’s food items?