As we all know, we are living in a fast food nation. American’s are constantly on the go so we like everything quick and convenient. We like or songs in an mp3 format, our cell phones to be smart and our meals prepared in less than 45 seconds possibly while in our car. Houstonians are eating out in increasing numbers; many families eat fast food on a daily basis. From a survey in 1977-98 to 1994-95 Americans increased their purchases of food eaten outside the home from 26 percent of their total food budget to 46 percent.
According to an October 11, 2010 article in Time Magazine titled Supersize Me, the Burger King Pizza Burger made its debut on Broadway this past summer. It is currently only sold in New York City at the BK Whopper Bar. It’s a good thing we live in Houston because the Pizza Burger which is 9.5 inches in diameter has over 2,500 calories, 144 grams of fat, 59 grams of saturated fat, 380 milligrams of cholesterol and 3,780 milligrams of salt! That is nearly a day and half supply of calories. This Pizza Burger gives new meaning to the phrase “eat your heart out”. The American Heart Association has now documented research that shows the link between this trend in eating out and obesity. The meals eaten out have begun to parallel negative health outcomes such as Type II Diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Menu labeling is necessary to reduce these preventable morbidity factors. How else would you have known that this “pizza” contributes to the nearly 27% nationwide obesity rate that is constantly growing?
Now the good news-- November 2, 2010 is Eat Healthy Day. You can choose to take charge of the health and well being of you and your family.
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