Imagine this, you are in the car on a long road trip where everything is going well; however, all of a sudden in the back seat you hear a little voice, "Mommy, I'm hungry." Well the only options is to go to through one of the nearest fast food restaurants. I am sure many parents and families have experienced something similar. But what parents do not think about all the time is that these fast food meals will add up calories, and after awhile that child, unfortunately, will probably suffer from obesity. When it comes to the topic of obesity, most of us will readily agree that fast food restaurants are the cause of obesity. Where this agreement usually ends; however, is on the question of people's responsibility and personal choice.
Whereas some people are convinced that fast food restaurants are the cause of obesity, other maintain that it is up to the person to decide what to eat. In David Zinczencko's article "Don't Blame the Eater", he agrees that fast food restaurants cause obesity, because these places are found all though America, and the food is not clearly labeled and has no forewarning of what the total amount of calories are.
David Zinczenko describes some pretty valid points as to why fast foods restaurants are causing obesity. He states that there is an overabundance of fast food restaurants throughout America making it easier for people to eat there, and these places are catering to a younger crowd. Zinczenko also says that fast food places are sometimes the only option for dinner if the parents do not feel like cooking, or they have no time for dinner. He is not totally begrudging people from eating there, but he would like to see these fast food places have warning labels, like tobacco, listing the health hazards to children who eat at these restaurants. Some of the most common health problems are Type 2 Diabetes and obesity.
I have the same opinions as Zinczenko, but in the same respect fast food places should not have to change their business practices, we all know that people are fully capable of making their own choices on weather to eat McDonald's or not. It does not make it easier for people to make better choices when these fast food places advertise all over on television, billboards, papers, or advertise their meal with a toy. Most of these, unfortunately, are more appealing to children than most adults.
I have to agree with Zinczenko with the way the worked is today everyone is in a hurry to get somewhere, so they patronize the fast food due to time constraints; however, when it comes time eating a normal meal of meat, potato, and vegetables kids would rather have a Happy Meal. This is where parents need to intervene, and teach their children how to choose responsibly, but the question is how are parents suppose to intervene if the fast food restaurants advertise all over.
In today's society parents let their kids play on all forms of technology, tablets, smart phones, or e-readers, all of theses devices have apps that you can download for free. As a result theses free apps fast food restaurants take advantage of these free downloads, so that they can create games that go along with the restaurants toy of the month (Fast Food F.A.C.T.S.). When people or children download these apps McDonald's or Wendy's it makes the parents jobs harder to keep their children on the path of eating healthy.
Unfortunately, fast foods do not just advertise through apps, but they have television commercials, billboards, and advertisement in magazines, and sending sheets of coupons in the mail. It is difficult for the parents to monitor what their children eat because the advertisements are found everywhere. If parents want to protect their children from all the advertisements they might as well have their children never leave the house, and cut them off from the out side world. In reality, what parent wants to shelter their children like that? When parents hear that these fast food places are now offering a healthier choice, they need to closely read between the lines.
Zinczenko gives an example of an average salad from a fast food restaurant with a long list of items that are in the salad served. When one sees "salad" they automatically think I'm getting my vegetables, proteins, and salads are good for me; however, what people do not realize is that yes these salads are healthy until you put all the condiments on it. Once the cheese, croutons, dried fruit, the two serving salad dressing packets, and last but not least the super sized drink that one person cannot drink in one sitting (Zinczenko), that salad is no longer the greatest option.
While people do have the choice to choose the healthier option as fast foods, really in the scheme of things it is not that healthy after all. According to the Fast Food F.A.C.T.S. website 33 out 5500 children's meal met nutritional standard; consequently, this is creating a decrease in the healthy alternatives to choose from. What do you choose from to eat if fast food restaurants can take an salad and turn it into the same caloric meal as a greasy burger?
Fast food restaurants are found everywhere, and they are limiting people's choices to eat healthy. David Zinczenko had made clear statements that fast food restaurants are making people lose the chance to choose responsibly, especially for the younger generation. Adults understand and realize they are fully capable to eat responsibly, but the challenge is making sure that our children have the same opportunity.
Once children are old enough to understand personal responsibility to choose healthier food they will want that greasy burger. With advertisements at every corner children think that fast foods are the only places to eat, only to find out that at these places that promote the healthier options turns out not to be as healthy after all. So parents, family, and friends have to educate the younger generations to know what is good for them, and what is not in order to lead a healthy life.
