Have you ever gotten into a debate over a controversial topic? Typically most peoples opinions are seen differently, and some might even say that no one understands their view on things, so we hope that this could help shine a light on the fact that you are not alone when it comes to your thoughts. We chose to make this section just that. Each week Bri and Brie will address the pros and cons of various food related subjects. This will help people obtain the real facts behind their beliefs.
The Pro’s of McDonalds
By:Brieanna Arsenault
By:Brieanna Arsenault
McDonald’s Food; one’s first thought is greasy and old yet quick and delicious. There are many speculations about McDonald’s food but the dilemma is that most of all people never take the time to really look into the food. After much research, blood, sweat and tears, (exaggeration..haha) the first thought I have is how healthy McDonald’s food can really be on a budget. Although it is up to you, the consumer, to take the initiative to balance out and moderate meals that you choose to eat from McDonalds. Just as someone would take the time to read over nutrition labels in the grocery stores, research diets online and/or spend money on fancy T.V adds for healthy food plans.
On McDonald’s official website there are many ways that it helps you configure a healthy meal for adults and children. They definitely didn’t forget about those of you with special eating difficulties. There are “simple steps” on how to manage personal needs like diabetes, cutting down on calories and saving on sodium. Also, there is a list of McDonald’s healthiest foods that are provided with some nutrition facts that surprised even me.
-1% low fat white & chocolate milk > 30% of the daily recommended calcium
-Apple Dippers & 100% Apple Juice > ½ cup of fruit & meet ¼ of individuals daily need for fruit
-Premium Honey Wheat Roll > 8g of whole grains & ½ serving of recommended intake of grains
-Premium Salads > 3 cups of vegetables which is 100% of daily recommendation
MORE SHOCKING was a meal comparison that was provided.
A happy meal consists of:
-4 piece Chicken McNuggets, Apple Dippers w/low fat caramel dip, and 1% low fat milk.
It contains 390 calories, 15g of fat and 18g of protein.
A ham sandwich meal consists of:
-2 slices of bread, 1 slice of ham, 1 tspn of mayonnaise, 1oz. potato chips, and 1 cup of fruit punch(8oz.)
It contains 540 calories, 21g of fat, and 15g of protein.
The link if provided here for those who are non-believers.
Now how about everyone’s favorite topic to abase, the MEAT! Yes some of McDonald’s meat comes from major meat corporations such as Tyson and Dean who uphold certain reputations but they still make sure that some of their meat comes from a good corporation which happens to be Lopez Foods. Their cows are fed corn to keep up with the demand, but what company can afford not to. Even with the demand though, there is still a portion of their cows in New Zealand and Australia that are fed grass. This treatment falls under animal welfare which McDonalds upholds to be one of its upmost important factors of it’s food. This video below explains what animal welfare is and how McDonalds lives up to it’s said reputation of animal welfare.
All of the above is according to:
-U.S Department of Health & Human Services (USDHHS)
-U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA) 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans
McDonalds takes their healthy choices seriously so there are a few people hired to make sure that all the food is living up to it’s potential of being the healthiest it can be for people to obtain. Dr.Cythia Goody, Director of Nutrition and a member of the American Dietic Association. Also Julia Braun who is Labeling Manager and apart of U.S Nutrition.
The Cons of McDonalds
By: Brianna Mattos-Akey
By: Brianna Mattos-Akey
Over 25 percent of Americans consume fast food every day. There’s really no way around it anymore. When you’re in a rush, you need something quick, fast and effective; but have you actually given thought as to what you’re really putting into your mouth?
Typically families that eat at fast foods are in a rush. They might be on their way home from a long busy day, and it’s cheaper getting a Big Mac, large fry, and soda, then actually going grocery shopping for healthier options, and then still having to prepare it. Let’s face it, most customers aren’t going to McDonalds for a “healthy snack.” They’re going there for a nice juicy burger and fries.
Take McDonalds for instance, if you go to their website they’ll show you a list of items on their menu, that show healthier options. Are those same facts in the actual restaurant? Does the window person remind or suggest to you about these healthier options? Probably not ; right? The point of fast food is the quickness, so while McDonalds might have a website sharing these facts with you, realistically people aren’t going to Google all this information in the drive-thru or while they’re inline waiting to take their order.
What about the effects it has on your body? Fast food places are the causes as to why America’s population is becoming more and more obese, and more and more people are getting diseases. They put chemicals in the cows and chickens to help them grow faster than normal, and those chemicals are carrying through into your body when you’re just trying to eat a delicious meal.
On average people should consume 2500 calories a day. From McDonalds you can get half of your daily intake in one meal.
For example:
- Big Mac = 540 Calories
- Large fry = 500 Calories
- Medium Milkshake = 420 Calories.
All together that’s 1460 calories. If McDonalds was really as healthy as they claim wouldn’t they try to get better ingredients or better cooking methods? It’s such a simple idea, but the people that are in charge of making changes are to focused on making money and not the well being of their customer.
