Comments on: The Unmistakable Cultural Influence of McDonald’s (Episode 119) http://www.thelivinlowcarbshow.com/the-unmistakable-cultural-influence-of-mcdonald%e2%80%99s-episode-119/ With Jimmy Moore Thu, 28 Aug 2008 04:11:49 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.0.4 by: Winnie http://www.thelivinlowcarbshow.com/the-unmistakable-cultural-influence-of-mcdonald%e2%80%99s-episode-119/#comment-29681 Fri, 11 Apr 2008 23:05:05 +0000 http://www.thelivinlowcarbshow.com/the-unmistakable-cultural-influence-of-mcdonald%e2%80%99s-episode-119/#comment-29681 I agree about the high fructose corn syrup. It is not only aimed at kids, but also adults. Everything seems to have it, even whole grain bread in some brands. It is hard to find anything (other than meat and produce) that doesn't. Check labels for spaghetti sauce, and processed meats. I think it is the main cause of the obesity problems in the U.S. I agree about the high fructose corn syrup. It is not only aimed at kids, but also adults. Everything seems to have it, even whole grain bread in some brands. It is hard to find anything (other than meat and produce) that doesn’t. Check labels for spaghetti sauce, and processed meats. I think it is the main cause of the obesity problems in the U.S.

]]> by: Jimmy Moore http://www.thelivinlowcarbshow.com/the-unmistakable-cultural-influence-of-mcdonald%e2%80%99s-episode-119/#comment-27000 Mon, 17 Mar 2008 14:22:50 +0000 http://www.thelivinlowcarbshow.com/the-unmistakable-cultural-influence-of-mcdonald%e2%80%99s-episode-119/#comment-27000 I think you're the exception, Erica. Speaking from personal experience, once I ate fast food as a kid, I was HOOKED through my adolescence and adulthood until I started Atkins in 2004. It was a ruthless addition and I'm so glad I'm over it now. CONGRATS on not having the desire for McDonald's food. I think you’re the exception, Erica. Speaking from personal experience, once I ate fast food as a kid, I was HOOKED through my adolescence and adulthood until I started Atkins in 2004. It was a ruthless addition and I’m so glad I’m over it now. CONGRATS on not having the desire for McDonald’s food.

]]> by: Erica http://www.thelivinlowcarbshow.com/the-unmistakable-cultural-influence-of-mcdonald%e2%80%99s-episode-119/#comment-26896 Sun, 16 Mar 2008 08:21:40 +0000 http://www.thelivinlowcarbshow.com/the-unmistakable-cultural-influence-of-mcdonald%e2%80%99s-episode-119/#comment-26896 Wow, Karen. That's a fantastic idea!! I plan on having kids in a few years time, that is definitely something I will have to note down! Jimmy, you stated "Amy, your daughter is EXACTLY what this study was all about. It’s scary how easy Mickey D’s was able to get such a firm grip on her and she’ll have that with her throughout her life and the life of her children someday". I disagree - I was completely 'indoctrinated' when I was a kid as well. Later in high school it was very popular to drop by the nearest McD's during lunch break for some. But by the time I got to Uni, it was a sort of rebellion of mine and about everyone I knew (at Uni and outside) and I stopped having McD's when I was, say, maybe 19 or so. Tried it once when I was about 21 and it tasted disgusting. I learnt from that lesson. Wow, Karen. That’s a fantastic idea!! I plan on having kids in a few years time, that is definitely something I will have to note down!

Jimmy, you stated “Amy, your daughter is EXACTLY what this study was all about. It’s scary how easy Mickey D’s was able to get such a firm grip on her and she’ll have that with her throughout her life and the life of her children someday”. I disagree - I was completely ‘indoctrinated’ when I was a kid as well. Later in high school it was very popular to drop by the nearest McD’s during lunch break for some. But by the time I got to Uni, it was a sort of rebellion of mine and about everyone I knew (at Uni and outside) and I stopped having McD’s when I was, say, maybe 19 or so. Tried it once when I was about 21 and it tasted disgusting. I learnt from that lesson.

]]> by: Jimmy Moore http://www.thelivinlowcarbshow.com/the-unmistakable-cultural-influence-of-mcdonald%e2%80%99s-episode-119/#comment-26548 Thu, 13 Mar 2008 16:55:59 +0000 http://www.thelivinlowcarbshow.com/the-unmistakable-cultural-influence-of-mcdonald%e2%80%99s-episode-119/#comment-26548 You're teaching those kids of yours well, Karen! I agree that too much Mickey D's sets a bad precedence. That's what my mom did--McDonald's, Church's Chicken, Taco Bell, Captain D's...and let's not forget the high-carb Hamburger Helper meals, sugary cereals, Little Debbie snack cakes, and the rest. It's a ruthless cycle that took me 32 years to beat. And it all starts in childhood. You’re teaching those kids of yours well, Karen! I agree that too much Mickey D’s sets a bad precedence. That’s what my mom did–McDonald’s, Church’s Chicken, Taco Bell, Captain D’s…and let’s not forget the high-carb Hamburger Helper meals, sugary cereals, Little Debbie snack cakes, and the rest. It’s a ruthless cycle that took me 32 years to beat. And it all starts in childhood.

]]> by: karen B. http://www.thelivinlowcarbshow.com/the-unmistakable-cultural-influence-of-mcdonald%e2%80%99s-episode-119/#comment-26545 Thu, 13 Mar 2008 16:34:41 +0000 http://www.thelivinlowcarbshow.com/the-unmistakable-cultural-influence-of-mcdonald%e2%80%99s-episode-119/#comment-26545 Hi Jimmy. Great topic. I do take my kids to McD's every now and then and I have had the yogurt parfait on occasion. Every now and then I taste a french fry from one of their bags and I tell them that they taste like the oil is old, they aren't served hot enough (they only taste good when piping hot) and that they aren't salty enough, too salty, etc. They are slowly beginning to realize that I'm right and that the fries there aren't very good. I think they taste like old, used oil most of the time and I tell them that the managers are too lazy to change the oil enough. If kids are taught to really taste the food they eat they do become better at determining what REALLY tastes good. We used to go to Mcd's on Wednesday nights after a busy sports and music lesson filled afternoon. Now they prefer a Japanese restaurant and we get a bunch of different kinds of sushi, edamame and miso soup. My boys are 10 and 13 and they both cook, love international food and are excited about trying new flavors. I think eating junk food is fine on occasion but when parents make a habit out of feeding it to their children, it's just setting them up for a lifetime of bad health. JMO, of course. Hi Jimmy. Great topic. I do take my kids to McD’s every now and then and I have had the yogurt parfait on occasion. Every now and then I taste a french fry from one of their bags and I tell them that they taste like the oil is old, they aren’t served hot enough (they only taste good when piping hot) and that they aren’t salty enough, too salty, etc. They are slowly beginning to realize that I’m right and that the fries there aren’t very good. I think they taste like old, used oil most of the time and I tell them that the managers are too lazy to change the oil enough. If kids are taught to really taste the food they eat they do become better at determining what REALLY tastes good.
We used to go to Mcd’s on Wednesday nights after a busy sports and music lesson filled afternoon. Now they prefer a Japanese restaurant and we get a bunch of different kinds of sushi, edamame and miso soup.
My boys are 10 and 13 and they both cook, love international food and are excited about trying new flavors.
I think eating junk food is fine on occasion but when parents make a habit out of feeding it to their children, it’s just setting them up for a lifetime of bad health. JMO, of course.

]]> by: Jimmy Moore http://www.thelivinlowcarbshow.com/the-unmistakable-cultural-influence-of-mcdonald%e2%80%99s-episode-119/#comment-26406 Wed, 12 Mar 2008 14:56:34 +0000 http://www.thelivinlowcarbshow.com/the-unmistakable-cultural-influence-of-mcdonald%e2%80%99s-episode-119/#comment-26406 Taiwan gal, you are exactly right! The Western influence is unmistakable in Asia and it's gonna keep getting worse and worse. Mickey D's isn't solely to blame, but they obviously have played a role in it. Jon, I'm proud of you for being an example for Max. It makes you wonder if the human race has evolved to just instinctively know about McDonald's. Hmmm..... Taiwan gal, you are exactly right! The Western influence is unmistakable in Asia and it’s gonna keep getting worse and worse. Mickey D’s isn’t solely to blame, but they obviously have played a role in it.

Jon, I’m proud of you for being an example for Max. It makes you wonder if the human race has evolved to just instinctively know about McDonald’s. Hmmm…..

]]> by: Jon T http://www.thelivinlowcarbshow.com/the-unmistakable-cultural-influence-of-mcdonald%e2%80%99s-episode-119/#comment-26309 Wed, 12 Mar 2008 01:39:19 +0000 http://www.thelivinlowcarbshow.com/the-unmistakable-cultural-influence-of-mcdonald%e2%80%99s-episode-119/#comment-26309 Thanks for the great show Jimmy. My son Max is 3 and already does say "McDonald's for sups!" when we drive by one, we try very hard not to give in too often, I used to be a junkie for Dairy Queen's Large Chocolate Malts until I looked up the calorie count in one online - 1200!!!! in one drink! Thanks for the great show Jimmy. My son Max is 3 and already does say “McDonald’s for sups!” when we drive by one, we try very hard not to give in too often, I used to be a junkie for Dairy Queen’s Large Chocolate Malts until I looked up the calorie count in one online - 1200!!!! in one drink!

]]> by: Taiwan gal http://www.thelivinlowcarbshow.com/the-unmistakable-cultural-influence-of-mcdonald%e2%80%99s-episode-119/#comment-26298 Wed, 12 Mar 2008 00:09:46 +0000 http://www.thelivinlowcarbshow.com/the-unmistakable-cultural-influence-of-mcdonald%e2%80%99s-episode-119/#comment-26298 After living in Asia for 5 years (and traveling to other countries), I've seen the power of McDonald's worldwide. Last week, I saw at least a hundred Chinese schoolkids eating at McDonald's in Taipei. (My guess is that their parents didn't have a clue where they were spending their lunch money) Obesity is on the rise in Asia, and many people think restaurants like McDonald's are mostly to blame. I would have to agree with them; without McDonald's, these kids would never eat things like french fries. There's something about McDonald's that sucks people into that restaurant...and kids are definitely affected by all of the advertising. Their favorite athletes and pop stars are in the commercials and on the billboards; of course they notice those kinds of things! Great podcast, Jimmy! After living in Asia for 5 years (and traveling to other countries), I’ve seen the power of McDonald’s worldwide. Last week, I saw at least a hundred Chinese schoolkids eating at McDonald’s in Taipei. (My guess is that their parents didn’t have a clue where they were spending their lunch money) Obesity is on the rise in Asia, and many people think restaurants like McDonald’s are mostly to blame. I would have to agree with them; without McDonald’s, these kids would never eat things like french fries. There’s something about McDonald’s that sucks people into that restaurant…and kids are definitely affected by all of the advertising. Their favorite athletes and pop stars are in the commercials and on the billboards; of course they notice those kinds of things!

Great podcast, Jimmy!

]]> by: Jimmy Moore http://www.thelivinlowcarbshow.com/the-unmistakable-cultural-influence-of-mcdonald%e2%80%99s-episode-119/#comment-26238 Tue, 11 Mar 2008 16:38:02 +0000 http://www.thelivinlowcarbshow.com/the-unmistakable-cultural-influence-of-mcdonald%e2%80%99s-episode-119/#comment-26238 Amy, your daughter is EXACTLY what this study was all about. It's scary how easy Mickey D's was able to get such a firm grip on her and she'll have that with her throughout her life and the life of her children someday. It's a ruthless cycle. Brigitte, you aer so right! Putting a toy with high-carb junk food doesn't make it healthier. Even those little pedometers McDonald's put in some Happy Meals a few years back was missing the point. I could not agree with you more, Maya! Ultimately, it does come down to parental responsibility and parents needs to be parents to their kids. Too many parents use the excuse that they are too tired to cook, so McDonald's is convenient. Since I'm not a parent myself (although I'd REALLY like to be!), I will reserve judgment on why parents do this. But the final arbiter of what goes into your kid's mouth is YOU! Alex, I'm not in favor of bashing McDonald's because they are simply a business trying to make a profit. Yes, they happen to have MUCH more power than any other industry, so they do have a responsibility to offer better choices for their consumers. I'm not trying to "outlaw" McDonald's, so I'm not sure what you point is regarding pasta. The bottom line is people should be given better choices rather than being forced to choose between two evils when eating at Mickey D's. THANKS for those GREAT COMMENTS everyone! Anyone else? :) Amy, your daughter is EXACTLY what this study was all about. It’s scary how easy Mickey D’s was able to get such a firm grip on her and she’ll have that with her throughout her life and the life of her children someday. It’s a ruthless cycle.

Brigitte, you aer so right! Putting a toy with high-carb junk food doesn’t make it healthier. Even those little pedometers McDonald’s put in some Happy Meals a few years back was missing the point.

I could not agree with you more, Maya! Ultimately, it does come down to parental responsibility and parents needs to be parents to their kids. Too many parents use the excuse that they are too tired to cook, so McDonald’s is convenient. Since I’m not a parent myself (although I’d REALLY like to be!), I will reserve judgment on why parents do this. But the final arbiter of what goes into your kid’s mouth is YOU!

Alex, I’m not in favor of bashing McDonald’s because they are simply a business trying to make a profit. Yes, they happen to have MUCH more power than any other industry, so they do have a responsibility to offer better choices for their consumers. I’m not trying to “outlaw” McDonald’s, so I’m not sure what you point is regarding pasta. The bottom line is people should be given better choices rather than being forced to choose between two evils when eating at Mickey D’s.

THANKS for those GREAT COMMENTS everyone! Anyone else? :)

]]> by: Alex http://www.thelivinlowcarbshow.com/the-unmistakable-cultural-influence-of-mcdonald%e2%80%99s-episode-119/#comment-26167 Tue, 11 Mar 2008 07:05:55 +0000 http://www.thelivinlowcarbshow.com/the-unmistakable-cultural-influence-of-mcdonald%e2%80%99s-episode-119/#comment-26167 I'm all for bashing McDonald's but eating nothing but pasta can make one just as obese as consuming McDonald's fare. Why not outlaw pasta? I’m all for bashing McDonald’s but eating nothing but pasta can make one just as obese as consuming McDonald’s fare. Why not outlaw pasta?

]]> by: Maya http://www.thelivinlowcarbshow.com/the-unmistakable-cultural-influence-of-mcdonald%e2%80%99s-episode-119/#comment-26148 Tue, 11 Mar 2008 04:22:24 +0000 http://www.thelivinlowcarbshow.com/the-unmistakable-cultural-influence-of-mcdonald%e2%80%99s-episode-119/#comment-26148 Jimmy, I feel like this is the parents responsibility. My kids have eaten at McDonald's maybe 12 times and they are ten. I have taken them to taco h*ll more often but there are only a hand full of things I will buy. I'm the adult, I have the money therefore I have the power!!!! I can't fault the company for there freedom to make money. But I have freedom as well. When I last walked in one the nutritional poster was right on the wall and I made my choice using free will. Kids don't have all that info so parents are supposed to be the responsible. One thing I did for my kids when we still had direct TV was explain that commercials are supposed to make you want to by things. I would point out how something looked different on TV than in the store and the kids got it. One year when <b>I</b> got lazy they became complete TV addicts and whined about wanting EVERYTHING, so I turned it off. We haven't had cable or direct TV in 4 years and if there is something they want to watch we get it on DVD. They still know the fast food places exist. They may even get some once in a while, but they don't expect or beg for it like my nephews do. They know it's bad for you and my daughter has often left half the food sitting because, "it didn't taste good and will give me bad skin and hair". Jimmy, I feel like this is the parents responsibility. My kids have eaten at McDonald’s maybe 12 times and they are ten. I have taken them to taco h*ll more often but there are only a hand full of things I will buy. I’m the adult, I have the money therefore I have the power!!!! I can’t fault the company for there freedom to make money. But I have freedom as well.

When I last walked in one the nutritional poster was right on the wall and I made my choice using free will. Kids don’t have all that info so parents are supposed to be the responsible. One thing I did for my kids when we still had direct TV was explain that commercials are supposed to make you want to by things. I would point out how something looked different on TV than in the store and the kids got it. One year when I got lazy they became complete TV addicts and whined about wanting EVERYTHING, so I turned it off. We haven’t had cable or direct TV in 4 years and if there is something they want to watch we get it on DVD. They still know the fast food places exist. They may even get some once in a while, but they don’t expect or beg for it like my nephews do. They know it’s bad for you and my daughter has often left half the food sitting because, “it didn’t taste good and will give me bad skin and hair”.

]]> by: brigitte desimone http://www.thelivinlowcarbshow.com/the-unmistakable-cultural-influence-of-mcdonald%e2%80%99s-episode-119/#comment-26140 Tue, 11 Mar 2008 02:07:13 +0000 http://www.thelivinlowcarbshow.com/the-unmistakable-cultural-influence-of-mcdonald%e2%80%99s-episode-119/#comment-26140 Jimmy, Hello, I feel if they did not put that TOY in the crappy meal my kids would not want to eat there so bad.... Jimmy, Hello, I feel if they did not put that TOY in the crappy meal my kids would not want to eat there so bad….

]]> by: Amy Dungan http://www.thelivinlowcarbshow.com/the-unmistakable-cultural-influence-of-mcdonald%e2%80%99s-episode-119/#comment-26136 Tue, 11 Mar 2008 01:45:50 +0000 http://www.thelivinlowcarbshow.com/the-unmistakable-cultural-influence-of-mcdonald%e2%80%99s-episode-119/#comment-26136 Great topic Jimmy! My daughter is a McD's junky. She seems to think they have the best chicken in the world. I honestly believe she associates McDonalds with fun and good memories (I'll take the blame for that, we went a lot when the kids were younger) and so it's her favorite place. The food could taste like plastic (sometimes I think it does) and she'd still want to go there. Yet I could offer her chicken nuggets from another fast food place and she assures me it's not as good, although I can't tell the difference. It's just nutty. I'd love to see McD's offer some REAL food, especially to the kids. Not just apples with sugar to dip them in. Great topic Jimmy! My daughter is a McD’s junky. She seems to think they have the best chicken in the world. I honestly believe she associates McDonalds with fun and good memories (I’ll take the blame for that, we went a lot when the kids were younger) and so it’s her favorite place. The food could taste like plastic (sometimes I think it does) and she’d still want to go there. Yet I could offer her chicken nuggets from another fast food place and she assures me it’s not as good, although I can’t tell the difference. It’s just nutty.
I’d love to see McD’s offer some REAL food, especially to the kids. Not just apples with sugar to dip them in.

]]>