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Fast-Food Chains like Mcdy's?

Mar 20, 2014#1

Naiwen

We all know Mcdonalds' are bad for our health and are exploiting the minimum-wage workers and etc, what's your feelings about fast-food chains like Mcdonalds' or Burger King's? And how often do you eat there?

And what I don't really understand is, why do people keep eating at their restaurants if they already know it's bad for their health?

Mar 20, 2014#2

Ravenpoe

Naiwen said:
We all know Mcdonalds' are bad for our health and are exploiting the minimum-wage workers and etc, what's your feelings about fast-food chains like Mcdonalds' or Burger King's? And how often do you eat there?

And what I don't understand is, why do people keep eating at their restaurants if they already know it's bad for their health?

Why do people smoke/drink/do any plethora of things that they know they shouldn't? Because they enjoy it.

Mar 20, 2014#3

Gilgamesh

Ravenpoe said:
Why do people smoke/drink/do any plethora of things that they know they shouldn't? Because they enjoy it.

A-yup!
Living in Texas I have access to some of the best Mexican food in the world.... yet I still stop at Taco Bell every now and then. I know it's garbage, I know it's barely real food, but damn do I crave it every now and again.

Mar 20, 2014#4

Naiwen

Gilgamesh said:
A-yup!
Living in Texas I have access to some of the best Mexican food in the world.... yet I still stop at Taco Bell every now and then. I know it's garbage, I know it's barely real food, but damn do I crave it every now and again.

Why do you crave for something that's not good for you? I think it's illogical.

Mar 20, 2014#5

Ravenpoe

Naiwen said:
Why do you crave for something that's not good for you? I think it's illogical.

You like chips. They're not good for you.

Mar 20, 2014#6

Charlie Don't Surf

Naiwen said:
Why do you crave for something that's not good for you? I think it's illogical.

are you a Vulcan

Mar 20, 2014#7

Naiwen

Ravenpoe said:
You like chips. They're not good for you.

Got a point, but still, Mcdy's trio (a coke, a burger and a fry) causes much more harm than some crisps occasionally.

Mar 20, 2014#8

Chad Sexington

Naiwen said:
Why do you crave for something that's not good for you? I think it's illogical.

W...

Charlie Don't Surf said:
are you a Vulcan

Never mind, I can't beat that.

Mar 20, 2014#9

Charlie Don't Surf

when i smoke weed and then eat an entire 20 piece chicken mcnugget meal, it feels fucking amazing. It makes my entire fucking existence feel justified

Mar 20, 2014#10

Chad Sexington

Naiwen said:
Got a point, but still, Mcdy's trio (a coke, a burger and a fry) causes much more harm than some crisps occasionally.

Sure and chain smoking cigarettes causes more harm than a coke, burger and fries. People do that.

Mar 20, 2014#11

Naiwen

Chad Sexington said:
Sure and chain smoking cigarettes causes more harm than a coke, burger and fries. People do that.

I guess it depends on how often you eat it, right?

And do you eat healthy or fast-food usually speaking?

Mar 20, 2014#12

Cajungal

I think it's a great place to eat with your white significant other and complain about American bullies. Also, McFlurries.

Mar 20, 2014#13

Ravenpoe

Naiwen said:
Got a point, but still, Mcdy's trio (a coke, a burger and a fry) causes much more harm than some crisps occasionally.

Here's the body of a man that eats a metric fuckton of McDonalds:

The food itself isn't harmful to you, it's the amount ingested, the total fat and caloric intake, and what you do with it afterwards.

And goddamn I wish I smoked weed so I could know what Charlie's talking about, that sounds amazing.

Mar 20, 2014#14

Naiwen

Ravenpoe said:
Here's the body of a man that eats a metric fuckton of McDonalds:

The food itself isn't harmful to you, it's the amount ingested, the total fat and caloric intake, and what you do with it afterwards.

And goddamn I wish I smoked weed so I could know what Charlie's talking about, that sounds amazing.

but they say Mcdy's foods' got tons of calories and fat....

Mar 20, 2014#15

Chad Sexington

Naiwen said:
I guess it depends on how often you eat it, right?

I'm just saying, whether or not it's logical, people choose unhealthy behaviours. Chips are bad for you, but in moderation probably don't cause any lasting harm; fast food is bad for you but a meal a year, twice a year, once a month? Probably not going to be the cause of your untimely demise. Cigarettes are probably the worst of the three, and yet, if I smoke one cigar in the summer with my dad, probably not so destructive. Moderation can make dangerous behaviours safe. Lack of moderation because dangerous behaviours are enjoyable can outweigh the 'logical' choice of not indulging them frequently. In addition there are factors like addiction, genetics, etc. It's a question with innumerable variables, the fact that people choose something unhealthy - sometimes to incredible excess - does not surprise me nor even strike me as illogical. I sympathise, as I go to pour myself a scotch I know will only be the first tonight.[DOUBLEPOST=1395365655,1395365484][/DOUBLEPOST]

Naiwen said:
And do you eat healthy or fast-food usually speaking?

Oh, for myself? I have a pretty healthy diet. I'm not health-conscious, per se, but I love to cook, and so does my girlfriend, so most of my eating is pretty good homecooked meals. Not to say we don't indulge in pizza or pub food now and again. I very seldom eat fast-food, as I prefer to eat my own, and it's expensive to eat it regularly, but I do really love a Wendy's burger. Probably have one two or three times a year, and it's always amazing.

Mar 20, 2014#16

MindDetective

Naiwen said:
Got a point, but still, Mcdy's trio (a coke, a burger and a fry) causes much more harm than some crisps occasionally.

Actually, the Supersize Me claims seem to be unreplicable. It may need be as bad for you as people say. That's not to say a diet of pure fat and carbs won't eventually mess you up, of course.

Mar 20, 2014#17

Cajungal

Also, I can't find the link, but wasn't there a guy recently who lost weight eating at McDonaldms for a few months? He just bought the oatmeal and yogurt and salads as well as burgers and fries.

Mar 20, 2014#18

Naiwen

Chad Sexington said:
I'm just saying, whether or not it's logical, people choose unhealthy behaviours. Chips are bad for you, but in moderation probably don't cause any lasting harm; fast food is bad for you but a meal a year, twice a year, once a month? Probably not going to be the cause of your untimely demise. Cigarettes are probably the worst of the three, and yet, if I smoke one cigar in the summer with my dad, probably not so destructive. Moderation can make dangerous behaviours safe. Lack of moderation because dangerous behaviours are enjoyable can outweigh the 'logical' choice of not indulging them frequently. In addition there are factors like addiction, genetics, etc. It's a question with innumerable variables, the fact that people choose something unhealthy - sometimes to incredible excess - does not surprise me nor even strike me as illogical. I sympathise, as I go to pour myself a scotch I know will only be the first tonight.[DOUBLEPOST=1395365655,1395365484][/DOUBLEPOST]
Oh, for myself? I have a pretty healthy diet. I'm not health-conscious, per se, but I love to cook, and so does my girlfriend, so most of my eating is pretty good homecooked meals. Not to say we don't indulge in pizza or pub food now and again. I very seldom eat fast-food, as I prefer to eat my own, and it's expensive to eat it regularly, but I do really love a Wendy's burger. Probably have one two or three times a year, and it's always amazing.

Yes, but there are some people who can't eat fast-food within moderation, and who would become fast-food addicts.

Mar 20, 2014#19

Chad Sexington

Naiwen said:
Yes, but there are some people who can't eat fast-food within moderation, and who would become fast-food addicts.

Yes, that is what I'm saying. There are other factors that cause people to do unhealthy things, despite knowing they're unhealthy, including addiction.

Mar 20, 2014#20

Naiwen

Chad Sexington said:
Yes, that is what I'm saying. There are other factors that cause people to do unhealthy things, despite knowing they're unhealthy, including addiction.

Like what else for example? And do you think too much food at Mcdonald's or any fast-food chain could cause someone's death?

Mar 20, 2014#21

Chad Sexington

Naiwen said:
Like what else for example? And do you think too much food at Mcdonald's or any fast-food chain could cause someone's death?

I mean, they could choke on it... There are too many things happening in a person's life, coupled with the inevitability of death, to say that any one dietary decision is to blame.

But as to other factors: people choose unhealthy things because they just plain like them. Or they do them in moderation but are genetically predisposed to suffering more significantly than most people from the same habit.

Mar 20, 2014#22

jwhouk

My biggest problem with McDonald's is that it's all the way on the other side of town from where I live.

That is both a good and a bad thing.

Mar 20, 2014#23

Hailey Knight

Chad Sexington said:
I mean, they could choke on it...

Chad, you're killing me tonight.

Mar 21, 2014#24

phil

I've cut down a lot on my fast foodings.

Honestly for me it's 100% convenience. After I get off work I usually just don't feel like cooking. At my worst this was probably my main reason for having Wendy's like three times a week.

Mar 21, 2014#25

AshburnerX

I'd like to point out that you can get salads, nuts, whole milk, fruit, and yogurt at McDonalds now. If the challenge is to eat nothing but stuff off the menu, you'd be fine.

Mar 21, 2014#26

phil

AshburnerX said:
I'd like to point out that you can get salads, nuts, whole milk, fruit, and yogurt at McDonalds now. If the challenge is to eat nothing but stuff off the menu, you'd be fine.

Didn't the guy in supersize me show that the salads were almost just as bad as the other stuff? That was like 10 years ago though so maybe it's better now.

Mar 21, 2014#27

Ravenpoe

phil said:
Didn't the guy in supersize me show that the salads were almost just as bad as the other stuff? That was like 10 years ago though so maybe it's better now.

The salads aren't bad, unless you get the chicken bacon ranch and smother it in full fat ranch dressing.

Mar 21, 2014#28

AshburnerX

phil said:
Didn't the guy in supersize me show that the salads were almost just as bad as the other stuff? That was like 10 years ago though so maybe it's better now.

You can get salads with grilled chicken, crispy chicken, a bit of bacon or no meat at all. It's way better than it was 10 years ago and it's mostly because of that movie.

Mar 21, 2014#29

bhamv3

A friend of my wife's was a big health nut. Ate incredibly healthily, loved to exercise, didn't smoke or drink or do drugs. His six pack was amazing.

He died of cancer last December. He was 29.

Sometimes you can do everything right, and still get the short straw. So enjoy what you enjoy now, because tomorrow you might not have the chance.

Mar 21, 2014#30

Frank

Ravenpoe said:
The salads aren't bad, unless you get the chicken bacon ranch and smother it in full fat ranch dressing.

Full FLAVOUR ranch dressing.

Get it right.

Mar 21, 2014#31

Chad Sexington

Zero Esc said:
Chad, you're killing me tonight.

The... good kind, I hope.

Mar 21, 2014#32

blotsfan

I agree. Eating McDonalds is illogical if there is a Wendys in close proximity.

Also, I'll be thinking of you next time I eat a ~~double~~ triple baconator with extra mayo.

Mar 21, 2014#33

phil

Chad Sexington said:
The... good kind, I hope.

If Zero doesn't post in 24 hours I'll be informing the police of a Possible homicide. Consider this your head start, you monster.

Mar 21, 2014#34

Chad Sexington

Dammit, I hate it when I have to get a new passport.

Mar 21, 2014#35

Dave

I've cut down on my fast food, mainly because it's expensive and we're saving money for a trip. But holy crap do I miss it.

Mar 21, 2014#36

sixpackshaker

McDonald's is fast, CHEAP (really the leading reason,) and tasty. The food is not completely devoid of nutrition. There was a high school teacher that lost on the neighborhood of 50-70 lbs during one school year by planning a 2,000 calorie diet, and sticking to it. It still allowed for an ice cream sundae a couple times a week.

Mar 21, 2014#37

Naiwen

AshburnerX said:
I'd like to point out that you can get salads, nuts, whole milk, fruit, and yogurt at McDonalds now. If the challenge is to eat nothing but stuff off the menu, you'd be fine.

But salads contain just as much fat and calories than burgers and fries at Mcdonalds'? So you can get fat eating them too.

Mar 21, 2014#38

Ravenpoe

Naiwen said:
But salads contain just as much fat and calories than burgers and fries at Mcdonalds'? So you can get fat eating them too.

You can get fat eating anything if you wrap it in bacon. I don't understand why this doesn't make sense to you. Are there unhealthy options to add to salads? Yes, this is true whether you're eating at McDonalds or just bobbing for bacon bits at any salad bar.

Pulling some nutritional facts from google, let's take a look at my favorite salad at McDonalds, the Southwest Salad. With grilled chicken, it clocks in at 290 calories and 8 grams of fat, which is a perfectly respectable amount for a lunch meal. You can then use the premium southwest dressing, which adds another 100 calories, or go with a vinaigrette, which is my personal preference. On the nutrition side of things, this also brings you 28g of carbohydrates, 7g of dietary fiber, and 27g of protein.

All of this information, by the way, is easily and quickly obtainable by google, if you want to research for yourself instead of just going by what you've been told.

Mar 21, 2014#39

WasabiPoptart

I can't think of any non-American fast food chains. I highly doubt you'd want to support us imperialist pig-dogs.

Mar 21, 2014#40

Eriol

WasabiPoptart said:
I can't think of any non-American fast food chains. I highly doubt you'd want to support us imperialist pig-dogs.

https://www.whitespot.ca/ White spot. Canadian. BC & Alberta. Sit-down. Then they opened up a fast-food derivative called Triple-Os based upon their burger menu: https://www.tripleos.com/

The derivative place is way too good for how fast it is. I'm not saying it's healthy, but damn are their burgers good on the fast-food scale, and measures up better than most sit down because of the price point. There's PLENTY of bar-burgers and other sit-down places that are far worse burgers than Triple-Os for 50-100% more money.

Mar 21, 2014#41

Frank

I like Jack's Burger Shack in St. Albert. It's one of those asshole one of a kind places that puts all the chains to shame and costs the same (well, it's a little more expensive). And he makes proper poutine, unlike 99% of places in this Godforsaken province that use shredded mozza.

http://www.jacksburgershack.ca/

Mar 21, 2014#42

Tinwhistler

Frank said:
I like Jack's Burger Shack in St. Albert. It's one of those asshole one of a kind places that puts all the chains to shame and costs the same (well, it's a little more expensive). And he makes proper poutine, unlike 99% of places in this Godforsaken province that use shredded mozza.

http://www.jacksburgershack.ca/

I want to try poutine...so bad

You have no idea

Mar 21, 2014#43

Covar

*looks up what a poutine is*
:Leyla:

*goes off to research more about poutine gravy and cheese curds*

Mar 21, 2014#44

Gared

Frank said:
I like Jack's Burger Shack in St. Albert. It's one of those asshole one of a kind places that puts all the chains to shame and costs the same (well, it's a little more expensive). And he makes proper poutine, unlike 99% of places in this Godforsaken province that use shredded mozza.

http://www.jacksburgershack.ca/

Shredded Mozz on Poutine? WTF?!

Mar 21, 2014#45

GasBandit

I just want to chime in and remind people that the Supersize Me documentary has been debunked, and a biology teacher in Iowa ate nothing but McDonalds food for 90 days and lost 37 pounds, with his cholesterol level going down 79 points.

It's not McDonald's that makes you fat, it's your choices that make you fat.

As to why people would do this? Because it tastes AMAZING, which is instant gratification, and you get fat later, which is delayed consequences.

Mar 21, 2014#46

Timmus

IIRC in the movie his main move was to always supersize if offered and the movie was mostly making the super obvious point that you shouldn't supersize your McDonald's meal all the damn time.

Mar 21, 2014#47

blotsfan

Also, part of the documentary was that he was going to lower his fitness regimen to that of the average american (ie not much).

Mar 21, 2014#48

Tinwhistler

Timmus said:
IIRC in the movie his main move was to always supersize if offered and the movie was mostly making the super obvious point that you shouldn't supersize your McDonald's meal all the damn time.

He only supersized 9 meals.

Also, people have tried to do the math on his meals, based upon his rules (since he won't release his food log), and have a hard time coming up with the supposed 5000 calorie/day figure that he cites in the movie. Supersize Me is a bullshit 'documentary'.

http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4088

You see, Morgan Spurlock is not the only person to have ever tested fast-food-only diets, or even McDonald's-only diets. After his movie came out, many people repeated his experiment themselves, including a number of scientific institutions that applied controls and conducted the research in a scientific manner. At least three other documentary movies were made, Bowling for Morgan, Portion Size Me, and Me and Mickey D, in which the filmmakers lived exclusively on McDonald's food for 30 days but (unlike Spurlock) did not force themselves to overeat when they were not hungry. All filmmakers lost weight during the period and suffered no ill effects; and the subjects in Portion Size Me, which was scientifically controlled, also had improved cholesterol.

Most famously, Swedish scientist Fredrik Nyström conducted an experiment with eighteen students; only he upped the ante — considerably. Rather than Spurlock's 5,000 calories per day, Nyström's subjects were required to consume a measured 6,000 calories per day. The food was controlled to ensure that most of the calories were from saturated fats. The subjects were not allowed to exercise during the 30 days, also unlike Spurlock, who made sure that he walked a normal distance every day. Considering these differences, Nyström's subjects should have been considerably worse off than Spurlock was, but they weren't. They did all gain 5-15% extra body weight, and complained of feeling tired; but none suffered any other negative effects. There were no mysterious psychological problems, no strange conditions that baffled the doctors. Nyström and his medical staff noted no dangerous changes at all. After his experiment, Nyström was asked his opinion of Spurlock's extreme reaction, especially his liver problems. Having never examined Spurlock, Nyström could only guess, but among two of his perfectly reasonable hypotheses were that Spurlock may have had pre-existing undiagnosed liver problems; or that his normally vegetarian diet may have rendered his liver poorly prepared to suddenly deal with a diet high in carbohydrates and saturated fat, a problem that anyone eating a normal diet would not experience. Any cynic can also easily propose a third possibility, that Spurlock was simply trying to make as dramatic, engaging, and commercial a movie as he could, which is the goal of every filmmaker.

Mar 21, 2014#49

Sparhawk

Naiwen said:
But salads contain just as much fat and calories than burgers and fries at Mcdonalds'? So you can get fat eating them too.

Anything can be made to be "unhealthy." By adding stuff to it (salad dressing, cheeses, mayonnaise...) you change the numbers.

Celery, by itself, is one of the most diet friendly items out there. But you stuff it with pimento cheese, or peanut butter, or cream cheese... not so much.

Salads, at their base level, are lettuce, veggies and/or fruit. The are super healthy. You start adding meat (turkey, chicken, beef) and salad dressing (which I don't eat at all) and the calorie counts go up and the healthy level goes down.

Also, doesn't matter if you eat nothing but salads or health foods every day if you do nothing but sit on your butt all day and do no exercise at all. The reverse is also true, if you are a workout monster and basically live doing activity and exercise you can pretty much eat what you want without worrying about how many calories and fat grams.

Mar 21, 2014#50

GasBandit

Sparhawk said:
Also, doesn't matter if you eat nothing but salads or health foods every day if you do nothing but sit on your butt all day and do no exercise at all. The reverse is also true, if you are a workout monster and basically live doing activity and exercise you can pretty much eat what you want without worrying about how many calories and fat grams.

That's a good point. Here's the 12000-calorie-per-day typical menu that Olympic Swimmer Michael Phelps ate while training:

Breakfast: Three fried-egg sandwiches loaded with cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, fried onions and mayonnaise. Two cups of coffee. One five-egg omelet. One bowl of grits. Three slices of French toast topped with powdered sugar. Three chocolate-chip pancakes.

Lunch: One pound of enriched pasta. Two large ham and cheese sandwiches with mayo on white bread. Energy drinks packing 1,000 calories.

Dinner: One pound of pasta. An entire pizza. More energy drinks.

No, those aren't choices, HE ATE IT ALL AT ONCE.

Mar 21, 2014#51

AshburnerX

WasabiPoptart said:
I can't think of any non-American fast food chains. I highly doubt you'd want to support us imperialist pig-dogs.

Yoshinoya, though it only has a (very) few locations in the US. It's basically a Japanese owned Mongolian beef bowl place that also serves green tea.

Mar 21, 2014#52

WasabiPoptart

AshburnerX said:
Yoshinoya, though it only has a (very) few locations in the US. It's basically a Japanese owned Mongolian beef bowl place that also serves green tea.

I had no idea that it was Japanese owned. There was one near where we lived in CA. But I don't think of Mongolian beef bowls as being like McDonalds. If that's the case, then I guess I could add Genki Sushi, too. There are quite a few of those here.

Mar 21, 2014#53

AshburnerX

WasabiPoptart said:
I had no idea that it was Japanese owned. There was one near where we lived in CA. But I don't think of Mongolian beef bowls as being like McDonalds. If that's the case, then I guess I could add Genki Sushi, too. There are quite a few of those here.

Yoshinoya is basically Japanese McDonalds. It has over a thousand locations in Japan.

Mar 21, 2014#54

Hailey Knight

I do not understand people saying McDonald's tastes amazing. I'm not saying this out of the unhealthiness aspect or whatever; it tastes terrible to me. Flavorless burger, cardboardy bun, water fries.

Burger King, on the other hand ...

Mar 21, 2014#55

Zappit

Naiwen said:
Got a point, but still, Mcdy's trio (a coke, a burger and a fry) causes much more harm than some crisps occasionally.

And it's scientifically formulated to trigger mild addiction receptors in the brain, ensuring we keep on coming back for more mostly-cow-based beefy goodness.

Mar 22, 2014#56

Frank

Zero Esc said:
I do not understand people saying McDonald's tastes amazing. I'm not saying this out of the unhealthiness aspect or whatever; it tastes terrible to me. Flavorless burger, cardboardy bun, water fries.

Burger King, on the other hand ...

Honestly, I like the quarter pound BLT better than almost any burger from a fast food chain (exceptions being a Five Guys burger or Fat Burger. Rodeo Burger is good too). Ok, I like McD's better than Burger King and Wendy's. Talking about soggy fries, Burger King has that issue a thousand fold over McDonalds. Burger King has the worst fast food fries out of all chains.

It could be that they just use more salt in Canada. All fast food places do here for some reason.

Mar 22, 2014#57

Sparhawk

Zero Esc said:
I do not understand people saying McDonald's tastes amazing. I'm not saying this out of the unhealthiness aspect or whatever; it tastes terrible to me. Flavorless burger, cardboardy bun, water fries.

Burger King, on the other hand ...

I'll be honest up front, I prefer Wataburger over McD or BK or Jack any day... and all those over Carl/Hardees any day.

Burger King needs to cook their fries longer, they're mushy and without any browning at all in this area. The onion rings used to be pretty good though. The meat is usually dry on the burgers and the buns are just lke McD, Their fries are almost as bad as Jack in the Box.

Mar 22, 2014#58

AshburnerX

I live near Columbus, OH so I'm used to a better fair when it comes to fast food... I've never had any of these problems you guys have had, mostly because the greater Columbus area is where everyone tests their new menu items and corporate is VICIOUS here. I've literally seen the suits come in and shutdown a franchise while I was in line for food.

... except for Wendy's. The food there has taken a noticeable dive ever since Dave Thomas died. It used to be THE BEST of the best for everything because Thomas watched all his franchises like hawks. But the day he died, everything just got cheaper and worse.

Mar 22, 2014#59

Hailey Knight

Frank said:
Honestly, I like the quarter pound BLT better than almost any burger from a fast food chain (exceptions being a Five Guys burger or Fat Burger. Rodeo Burger is good too). Ok, I like McD's better than Burger King and Wendy's. Talking about soggy fries, Burger King has that issue a thousand fold over McDonalds. Burger King has the worst fast food fries out of all chains.

It could be that they just use more salt in Canada. All fast food places do here for some reason.

That sounds like a Canada issue. Salt should dry out the fries, not turn them soggy. BK fries in the U.S. are pretty salty, but they're thicker and crisper than McDonalds.

Well, at least they were. I'll admit, I haven't been to either in maybe nine years.

Mar 22, 2014#60

Bowielee

Frank said:
Honestly, I like the quarter pound BLT better than almost any burger from a fast food chain (exceptions being a Five Guys burger or Fat Burger. Rodeo Burger is good too). Ok, I like McD's better than Burger King and Wendy's. Talking about soggy fries, Burger King has that issue a thousand fold over McDonalds. Burger King has the worst fast food fries out of all chains.

It could be that they just use more salt in Canada. All fast food places do here for some reason.

I think Burger King has the best fries...

My absolute favorite fast food place over all others is Wendy's.[DOUBLEPOST=1395497301,1395497111][/DOUBLEPOST]

Ravenpoe said:
You can get fat eating anything if you wrap it in bacon. I don't understand why this doesn't make sense to you. Are there unhealthy options to add to salads? Yes, this is true whether you're eating at McDonalds or just bobbing for bacon bits at any salad bar.

Pulling some nutritional facts from google, let's take a look at my favorite salad at McDonalds, the Southwest Salad. With grilled chicken, it clocks in at 290 calories and 8 grams of fat, which is a perfectly respectable amount for a lunch meal. You can then use the premium southwest dressing, which adds another 100 calories, or go with a vinaigrette, which is my personal preference. On the nutrition side of things, this also brings you 28g of carbohydrates, 7g of dietary fiber, and 27g of protein.

All of this information, by the way, is easily and quickly obtainable by google, if you want to research for yourself instead of just going by what you've been told.

I've had people tell me this "McDonald's salads are as unhealthy as their burgers" schtick before. So... how is McDonalds lettuce magically more full of fat than any other type of lettuce?

Mar 22, 2014#61

AshburnerX

Bowielee said:
I've had people tell me this "McDonald's salads are as unhealthy as their burgers" schtick before. So... how is McDonalds lettuce magically more full of fat than any other type of lettuce?

Most of their salads have meat in them. Ether chicken or bacon. You CAN get them without, but who would? It's like ordering milk or apple fries... yes, they HAVE them, but the only people getting them are people who hate their kids.

Mar 22, 2014#62

Bowielee

AshburnerX said:
Most of their salads have meat in them. Ether chicken or bacon. You CAN get them without, but who would? It's like ordering milk or apple fries... yes, they HAVE them, but the only people getting them are people who hate their kids.

Or, y'know, people who actually like salad.

I know, crazy to imagine, but some people actually like lettuce.

Mar 22, 2014#63

GasBandit

I like the Wendy's Baconator. But Wendy's fries are tasteless and papery.

But I think the place that overall tastes the best is Dairy Queen - but everything there costs 50% more than it should.

Mar 22, 2014#64

Bowielee

I don't think I've ever gotten Fries from Wendy's. Why get fries, when you can get a freakin' baked potato?

Mar 22, 2014#65

blotsfan

Eating a baked potato with one hand while driving is hard.

Mar 22, 2014#66

AshburnerX

GasBandit said:
But I think the place that overall tastes the best is Dairy Queen - but everything there costs 50% more than it should.

THIS. As a chain, Dairy Queen puts out great stuff. It just costs WAY too much. If I was going to pay a surcharge for a burger, I'd go to Steak & Shake, where stuff costs more but is also top notch.

Mar 22, 2014#67

GasBandit

Whenever I get Wendy's, I usually sub chili in for the fries... but the chili's not very good either.

Mar 22, 2014#68

AshburnerX

GasBandit said:
Whenever I get Wendy's, I usually sub chili in for the fries... but the chili's not very good either.

Take it from somebody who's worked there... never buy the chili. If you knew where the meat came from, you'd never buy it again.

Mar 22, 2014#69

GasBandit

AshburnerX said:
Take it from somebody who's worked there... never buy the chili. If you knew where the meat came from, you'd never buy it again.

Honestly I'm not very picky about where my meat comes from. Horse... Rat... whatever. I've caught myself wondering about long pig from time to time.

But anyway, when it comes to Wendy's chili, the meat source would only really be a concern if there was more than a half teaspoon of meat IN the chili to begin with.

Mar 22, 2014#70

Bowielee

AshburnerX said:
Take it from somebody who's worked there... never buy the chili. If you knew where the meat came from, you'd never buy it again.

My guess would be the leftover meat that's been sitting under a heat lamp all day.

Mar 22, 2014#71

blotsfan

My guess is people. And not the good parts either.

Mar 22, 2014#72

Dei

I crave fast food fries so bad after practice. I know it's my body's way of telling me I need salt, and there are probably healthier ways to get it but I DOOOON'T CAAAAAARE. Also, I live near an interstate exit, so I can pick one of 6 places to get said fries. I usually go with Wendy's, but I sometimes also pick McDonald's or Arby's. I am not a fan of BK at all.

Mar 22, 2014#73

drifter

Best fries I ever had were these waffle cut fries at this local place that closed shop. I still miss those damn fries.

Mar 22, 2014#74

AshburnerX

Bowielee said:
My guess would be the leftover meat that's been sitting under a heat lamp all day.

Close. It's the left over bits from the grill. They just scrap it, strain it, and toss it into the chili. It's never FRESH stuff and it's not like they dump it out every day and make a new base ether.

Mar 22, 2014#75

MindDetective

drifter said:
Best fries I ever had were these waffle cut fries at this local place that closed shop. I still miss those damn fries.

Ditto, but at the zoo, of all places. They don't serve them any more, though.

Sent from my MB886 using Tapatalk

Mar 22, 2014#76

Sparhawk

drifter said:
Best fries I ever had were these waffle cut fries at this local place that closed shop. I still miss those damn fries.

Well, duh. Local will be better than chain 99.99% of the time. But that's like comparing apples to obsidian.

Mar 22, 2014#77

Naiwen

What about A&W's fries and burgers ? Anyone tried that?

Mar 22, 2014#78

PatrThom

Fast food (as an industry) spends a lot of time and R&D trying to craft things that are inexpensive and quick to prepare, attractive to customers, and relatively shelf-stable.
As a result, they tend to create foods which are rich in salt, sugar, and fats, and which are further enhanced through caramelization or the Maillard reaction (Think of this the next time someone asks you, "Do you want that toasted?"). They taste delicious because they are designed to be appealing to your basest senses, taste and smell. Marketing pressure might result in different formulations ("high fiber" or "low-carb," for instance) or toppings (lettuce and tomato to add color and eye appeal), but generally their aim is to get you sufficiently addicted to their food (physically or psychologically (or socially)) that you become a repeat customer and source of revenue, nothing more. It is a business, not a service...that is, their primary interest is one of making money, not one of providing healthy meals or relieving you of kitchen drudgery.

--Patrick

Mar 22, 2014#79

WasabiPoptart

Naiwen said:
What about A&W's fries and burgers ? Anyone tried that?

I haven't seen an A&W in quite a few years.

Mar 22, 2014#80

Naiwen

WasabiPoptart said:
I haven't seen an A&W in quite a few years.

There's quite a few where I live. I plan on trying their burgers and fries. Never been to one before.

Mar 22, 2014#81

drifter

Sparhawk said:
Well, duh. Local will be better than chain 99.99% of the time. But that's like comparing apples to obsidian.

This place was actually part of a local chain. Just couldn't compete with this other, larger local chain (which has very good, but comparably inferior fries).

Mar 22, 2014#82

GasBandit

Naiwen said:
What about A&W's fries and burgers ? Anyone tried that?

My late wife loved.. LOVED... A&W.

Mar 22, 2014#83

Bowielee

I was from a SUPER small town growing up and A&W was the closest thing we had to fast food that wasn't a few towns over. It was only open during the summertime, but jesus christ did I love their hot dogs.

Mar 22, 2014#84

Frank

A&W is great, their onion rings are a cut above other fast food chains and their burgers taste good.

Mar 22, 2014#85

Eriol

A&W in huge in Canada, and it's good. Don't know what it's like in the 'states, because once I was in one that was attached to a gas station and it was beyond terrible, and I never saw another one. Not that I've been looking hard either. Honestly, before I moved to a place that had Triple-Os, I went there when I had a choice over McD, BK, or Wendy's. Now I go to Triple-Os.

Mar 22, 2014#86

PatrThom

There are still A&Ws here in MI, but they are not common, and there are only a few of the full-on drive-in ones left.

--Patrick

Mar 22, 2014#87

GasBandit

There was the occasional one in Colorado, but they're pretty much extinct here in Texas from what I've seen.

Mar 22, 2014#88

AshburnerX

We have A&W here in Columbus, but the only one I can think of is a combination A&W/Long John Silvers. I'm told stuff is good there but I usually don't get it.

Mar 22, 2014#89

Gilgamesh

GasBandit said:
There was the occasional one in Colorado, but they're pretty much extinct here in Texas from what I've seen.

There's two in Austin I've found.

However I'm fond of our local chain P.Terry's.

Mar 22, 2014#90

WasabiPoptart

Teddy's Bigger Burgers is a local chain that makes a great burger because they make it to your specifications. The menu I linked doesn't include the specialty burgers. Apparently they also have franchises in WA, IA, and one in Japan.

Mar 22, 2014#91

AshburnerX

WasabiPoptart said:
Teddy's Bigger Burgers is a local chain that makes a great burger because they make it to your specifications. The menu I linked doesn't include the specialty burgers. Apparently they also have franchises in WA, IA, and one in Japan.

It's surprising how often you see diner style places in Japan now. It's kind of how they picture "American" restaurants to be and not every town has a place where you can get a burger so...

Mar 23, 2014#92

Charlie Don't Surf

Gilgamesh said:
There's two in Austin I've found.

However I'm fond of our local chain P.Terry's.

Dan's / Pat's is the best burger in Austin

Mar 23, 2014#93

Gilgamesh

Charlie Don't Surf said:
Dan's / Pat's is the best burger in Austin

Actually #1 would be Wholly Cow, easy.

Mar 23, 2014#94

AshburnerX

Best burger I've had at a restaurant? George's All American Grille here in Columbus, OH. Been around in various locations for over 50 years so it's become a Westside institution. Ignore the Yelp reviews... it has the best coneys and burgers you can get outside of Columbus proper and probably the best coneys in 100 miles. The only place I've been to where you can get hand dipped onion rings too.

Best burger I've had from a chain? Probably the Bison Burger at BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse. It's a big bison hamburger with pico de gallo on top. Super, super lean for red meat.

Mar 23, 2014#95

GasBandit

I'd eat at fuddrucker's more often if it wasn't all the way on the other side of town.

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