Remember when the Center for Science in the Public Interest came out with a devastating report on movie theater popcorn? How it was loaded with calories and fat in numbers so high we could hardly imagine it?
We kept on eating it, sure, but it was also a nice tap on the shoulder that we even if we read labels in the store, we’re kind of flapping in the wind when it comes to eating outside our homes.
Then some 10 years later, we get people who want to pass laws forcing that kind of information to be available in restaurants too! But we cry out! “Idiots,” we say, “fast food is fattening! Get over it!” And then we try to order salads and stuff. Make good choices. Attempt to be a little healthier without new laws or the help of anyone.
That’s why I love stories like this, “16 Secrets Restaurants Don’t Want you to Know,” because, sure, while we know that fries are a caloric indulgence, did we know we’re feeding those hungry thighs with just a few dips of salad dressing? That our little antioxidant smoothie pick-me-up is going straight to the muffin-top and using up a huge percentage of our daily calorie needs?
Here’s a list of the 20 worst foods in America, according to Men's Health. It includes the worst kids meal of all restaurant kids meals. Any guesses? Burger and shake? No. Chicken nuggets and a big juicy Coke? No. The freaking macaroni and cheese kids meal at Macaroni Grill! (That’ll teach you to eat there!) It's like eating a box and a half of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese. In one sitting. More than 1,200 calories. For a little kid.
Oddly, one of the healthiest kids meals is also there: grilled chicken, pasta and broccoli. What they don’t mention is that Macaroni Grill also doles out ice-cream with chocolate sauce with the kid’s meals too. Which, if little Aiden and Sophia had the mac ‘n’ cheese, they’re going to be rolling out to the car for sure after dessert.
I’m a label reader at the grocery store and, personally, I’d love full disclosure in chain restaurants too. Not just a little heart icon next to the menu items, but an actual number.
What about you? Prefer denial?
