10000 Ways to Ruin Your Diet
I’ve never was a fast-food junkie. Sure I had my Micky D’s every once and awhile, but I think its been several years since I’ve eaten at any major burger or casual dining place. I find the food lacking in flavor and when you have to eat small portions, the bits need to pack a punch.
Despite the economy, fast-food places are holding their own. McDonald’s and others are seeing an increase in sales as diners downgrade from fast-casual to less expensive alternatives.
Given the ubiquity and ease of eating at these joints, I wondered how many calories could you consume a day by living on a fast food diet. In his movie Supersize Me, Morgan Spurlock gained nearly 25 lbs eating at McDonald’s for a month. Here’s my own mini survey of how you could get 10,000 calories a day from stopping off at some favor fast foods restaurants.
Breakfast: Burger King
Double Croissan’wich with Double Sausage
Hash Browns (medium)
Mocha BK Joe Coffee
1650 Calories, 900 from fat, 2800 mg sodium
Lunch: Whataburger
Triple Whataburger
Large Fry
Large Soda
Apple Pie
3850 Calories, 1540 from fat, 4747 mg sodium
Afternoon Snack: Starbucks
Venti Mint Chocolate Chip Frappacino w/ Whipped Cream
Chocolate Chunk Cookie
1110 calories, 360 from fat, 790 mg sodium
Dinner: Pizza Hut
8 Piece Hot Hings
9″ Panormous Meat Lovers Personal Pizza
Cinnamon Sticks w/ icing
32 Oz Mountain Dew
3010 calories, 1080 from fat, 6387 mg sodium
Late Nate Snack: Marble Slab Creamery
Large Rocky Road Ice Cream
1288 calories, 698 from fat, 21 mg sodium
GRAND TOTAL:
10,908 Calories
4,578 Calories from Fat
14,747 mg of salt
Ready to puke?
Synopsis
I have nothing against any of these establishments. They were chosen as they are within a few miles of my house. I can get to any of them in less than 5 minutes. With cheap, calorie-packed food so easily available, I’m not surprised at the obesity and health issues in our communities. I’ve not priced up these meals, but I think a pretty safe bet is under $30 for the day. That’s enough calories to feed 5 adults.
Aside from the big chains, small local chains are just as egregious. Just because it is local does not mean they don’t pack in the calories as much as any international chain. They likely woo you with the local appeal, friendlier service, or nicer decor. In the end, nearly all fast-food is laced with calories, fat and salt. Even “healthy” sounding alternatives, often have calorie packed foods. So it is always eater beware.
huck on September 11th 2009 in Eating Out, Weight Loss
Nicki responded on 12 Sep 2009 at 8:53 am #
The thought of 10,000 calories when I don’t even hit 2,000 most days makes my stomach hurt. I don’t eat fast food if possible, but I do like Chick-Fil-A (I know how many calories are in just about everything on their menu and their salads are awesome). This week when I was feeling sick I got a baked potato from Wendy’s with no “butter” never mind what they serve is not butter anyway. I then stopped at Chick-Fil-A for soup and a side salad. My kids were in heaven, but I had a reasonable meal with conservative calories that fulfilled my sick/comfort food needs.
I don’t eat at Burger King or Starbuck’s ever. Pizza Hut has a “Pizza Mia” crust that is slightly healthier than their average pizza. (I had to send pizza to the kids’ school one day and spent 2 hours reading the calorie count of food at Pizza Hut).
I love Mellow Mushroom pizza, but I can’t begin to guess the calories. The good thing about these evil chains is that they are required to post nutritional information. Local chains don’t do this, which means the food might be healthier made, but still have too many calories.
What are we to do!? Great info, Foodie.
huck responded on 14 Sep 2009 at 2:13 pm #
I think it is a mis-conception that local chains are any healthier than large fast-food chains. In fact, I suspect it to be the opposite, which may be why they tend to taste better. Unless the chain has a health focus, you can be assured that they use just as much fat, salt and pre-made foods as the big guys. The small food chains’ secret is called Sysco. You see their trucks and products at almost every small food chain. Many restaurants use them for pre-made items ranging from soups to canned foods to bathroom supplies. So, though the chain may appear healthy, you are probably getting just as much salt and fat as a major chain — unfortunately, there’s now way for you to know.
Remember this rule — the only way you know what in the food going into your mouth is if you have bought and prepared it yourself. And I mean preparing meals from fresh, whole foods — No shortcuts.
Sure I eat out quite often, especially as lunch, but I don’t delude myself in knowing what is in my meal. I try to control breakfast, dinner and snacks carefully. I have lunch out about 2-3x weekly and dinner out 2x weekly. However, there are 21 meals in the week. So if I’m controlling 75% of them, I’m in good shape. And when I eat out, I go for the simple dishes as they are typically the most natural.