Feature Articles: Food, Fitness and Weight Control
Super Sizing of America: More Weight for Your Buck
Erin Bartels, Dietetic Student, University of Missouri & Candance Gabel, MS, RD, LD, Associate State Nutrition Specialist, University of Missouri
Updated by Ann Nothwehr, Dietetic Student, University of Missouri & Robin Gammon, RD, LD, Extension Associate, University of Missouri Extension
As Americans we have been brought up to believe in the
"bigger is better" rule. Just look at what we purchase:
oversized SUV's and 60-inch big screen TV's. Eight ounce
steaks, jumbo cookies and ever larger hamburgers prove how
we cling to this motto for even our food selections. We may
be getting more for our buck and a bigger meal, but we are
ending up suffering the consequences by having to carry
around extra pounds.
Why is America expanding?
Not only do we like large things, Americans also find it
hard to pass up a good bargain. A meal including a
quarter-pounder with cheese, a large non-diet pop and large
fries is a whopping 1400 calories and 55 grams of fat. This
total is almost what most women need for a whole day, not a
meal. Looking at food in this way helps explain where our
added weight may be coming from. Choosing a meal of a
hamburger, apple slices, and water means a more reasonable
total of 300 calories and 14 grams of fat. Or you can even
save more calories and fat grams by packing your own lunch
that incorporates more nutritious vegetables and meat.
Have Americans always eaten like this?
Absolutely not! Just look back to the 1950's - even ethnic food that first came to the U.S. were offered in smaller portions.
| 1950 | 2006 |
| 6.5 (oz) coke.......................................... | 20 (oz) coke |
| 1.5 cups spaghetti.................................. | 3 cups spaghetti |
| 1.5 (oz) cookie....................................... | 4 (oz) cookie |
| 1.5 (oz) hamburger.................................. | 8 (oz) hamburger |
| Ethnic foods first arrival | 2006 |
| 5-inch quesadilla (from Mexico)................ | 10 inch quesadilla |
| 1.5 (oz) bagel (from Poland)..................... | 5.5 (oz) bagel |
| 2 cups chicken stir fry (from China).......... | 4.5 cups chicken stir fry |
You can see why obesity is increasing in the U.S.
What's the bottom line?
Ask for a nutrition facts sheet when at a fast food
restaurant. Think about how hungry you are and then order.
If you listen to your stomach and eat when you are hungry
and stop when you are full, you will reduce your intake of
unnecessary calories and be making a significant nutritional
change.
For more information:
Are Fast food meals really that bad?
Last update: Tuesday, May 05, 2009
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