|
Health Options
Alan Titchenal |
Shrinking super sizes
is a good startLast week, the rains finally slowed and a small patch of blue sky became visible. No, we are not talking about the weather. We are referring to the first significant portion downsizing in American fast foods.
McDonald's downsizing of its french fries and soft drinks is likely to be much more significant than a mere gesture. When the world's leading food-service retailer does something new, the world watches -- and as history indicates, the rest of the industry often follows. By the end of 2004, super-sized fries and drinks will be phased out of more than 13,000 McDonald's restaurants in the United States.
Question: Can this small change be of any consequence for nutrition and health?
Answer: Only time will tell. But because the trend toward "super sizing" of food portions started with a single market research study from a large company, it would likely take a large company or corporation to reverse the trend. Pepsi Cola's market research showed that the bigger the package, the higher the sales. Soon after Pepsi's introduction of the liter soda bottle came ever-expanding package sizes for snack foods. The fast-food industry followed suit by increasing portion sizes.
Q: Isn't McDonald's to blame for the growing obesity problem in America?
A: Over the years, McDonald's has been blamed for a large number of the world's problems including the downward spiraling of America's health. In our opinion, it is time for the consumers to take an appropriate amount of responsibility for their own health problems.
McDonald's has been working to be socially responsible and has created an impressive list of international expert advisors to help them deal with the environment, animal welfare and nutrition. Their Eat Smart, Be Active Council was developed to address the need for balanced, healthy lifestyles.
Q: Nutritionally, what is the potential decrease in calories from downsizing these two food items?
A: Decreasing the 42-fluid-ounce super-sized soda to 32 fluid ounces is a decrease of 100 calories. Choosing large-size fries instead of super-sized fries lowers calories another 70 calories. Cutting 170 calories per day for one year would translate into nearly 18 pounds of fat loss.
Q: What will it take for the ever-growing serving size and body size trend to be reversed?
A: Consumers need to make healthier decisions about what goes in their mouths. They can do this by making wiser food purchases. Also, companies have to care enough about their customers' health to make changes that encourage a healthier lifestyle.
People can make good food choices at any restaurant. Simply choose small, limit sauces, salad dressings and fried items. Add a salad and you'll be heading to a more healthful meal. And if you are wondering, we do not own stock in McDonald's.
See the Columnists section for some past articles.
Alan Titchenal, Ph.D., C.N.S. and Joannie Dobbs, Ph.D., C.N.S. are nutritionists in the Department of Human Nutrition, Food and Animal Sciences, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, UH-Manoa. Dr. Dobbs also works with the University Health Services and prepares the nutritional analyses marked with an asterisk in this section.