In 1940, in the sun-soaked city of San Bernardino, California, two brothers unknowingly sparked a revolution that would transcend food, business, and culture itself.
I can’t help thinking about MAHA and the obesity problem in America. There is so much to explore in this story. The fast food industry has made it possible for dual breadwinner families to get food quickly and relatively inexpensively, alleviating the burden of cooking from the working mom. It has made it easier for workers to grab a quick lunch over the lunch break. McDonalds in particular is a known quantity for tourists, so for the less adventurous travelers can get the tried and true. It has simplified eating on the road for people in a hurry. And so much more.
On the other hand, people who frequently eat at fast food locations are not eating as healthily as people who eat traditional home cooked meals do. Family meals are becoming more rare (not the only reason, but a contributing factor), leading to less close-knit families. Though fast food is not as expensive as traditional restaurants, the cost adds up for those who frequently eat out.
First, thank you for sharing this op-ed. Second, I agree with every point you make here. Third, I haven’t eaten at McDonald’s in more than 20 years. Not even a single fry. Mostly for health reasons, but, also I just don’t particularly enjoy fast food. Aside from In N Out, and the occasional Chik Fil A.
I just now read that In N Out is removing dyes from beverages and replacing (high fructose corn syrup?) with sugar in its catsup. Things are moving fast! It’s pretty rare for us to eat out unless life is crazy. I’m not a fan of McD, but what they created is impressive.
I’m impressed that companies are already acting upon the new policies. The results of poor additives won’t disappear overnight, but this is a start. Unfortunately, a lot of junk is added to foods and is not always acknowledged on the ingredients list.
I can’t help thinking about MAHA and the obesity problem in America. There is so much to explore in this story. The fast food industry has made it possible for dual breadwinner families to get food quickly and relatively inexpensively, alleviating the burden of cooking from the working mom. It has made it easier for workers to grab a quick lunch over the lunch break. McDonalds in particular is a known quantity for tourists, so for the less adventurous travelers can get the tried and true. It has simplified eating on the road for people in a hurry. And so much more.
On the other hand, people who frequently eat at fast food locations are not eating as healthily as people who eat traditional home cooked meals do. Family meals are becoming more rare (not the only reason, but a contributing factor), leading to less close-knit families. Though fast food is not as expensive as traditional restaurants, the cost adds up for those who frequently eat out.
First, thank you for sharing this op-ed. Second, I agree with every point you make here. Third, I haven’t eaten at McDonald’s in more than 20 years. Not even a single fry. Mostly for health reasons, but, also I just don’t particularly enjoy fast food. Aside from In N Out, and the occasional Chik Fil A.
I just now read that In N Out is removing dyes from beverages and replacing (high fructose corn syrup?) with sugar in its catsup. Things are moving fast! It’s pretty rare for us to eat out unless life is crazy. I’m not a fan of McD, but what they created is impressive.
https://www.foxnews.com/food-drink/in-n-out-burger-makes-major-ingredient-changes-drinks-popular-condiment
Another interesting piece just after that one: https://www.foxnews.com/video/6372761071112
Those are fascinating reads. I don't drink soda, so the dyes were never an issue for me, but it is nice that changes are being made industry wide.
I’m impressed that companies are already acting upon the new policies. The results of poor additives won’t disappear overnight, but this is a start. Unfortunately, a lot of junk is added to foods and is not always acknowledged on the ingredients list.