Fast Food - Should It Be Banned?

[Azuteor]

It's a shame that something so delicious can destroy you. I don't think that fast food should be banned since basically everyone eats them and will eventually crave for the greasy, fattening delicacies. I would recommend that fast food restaurants enforce moderation rather than continue putting out unhealthier foods at cheaper prices.

Btw, check this out to see why you're fat. The website puts out photos that we actually consume (ex. Pizza Burger With Bacon And Baked Beans). Disgusting, yes, but it kinda makes you hungry or feel your heart burning in hell. This is nothing compared to McDonalds and Burger King.

In supporting the opinions of both Govinda and Sean, I found a website that compares nutritional values of the salads from different fast food restaurants. They are not as healthy as these restaurants say they are.

[Clint]

Just want to THANK Dr. Egon Spengler for giving me bad rep for reacting on his post.

This is not a discussion between you and Govinda. If you don't like other people reacting on your posts, pay a visit to Govinda's profile and leave a message there, don't post in this thread.

Look, Toad, you replied to a post that in no way concerned you. It has nothing to do with a discussion between me and Govinda, because her post wasn't the only one that my post was a response to. I gave you negative rep because you responded to something that didn't need you to respond to, pure and simple, and if you get worked up so much over something as stupid as a freakin' number, then you have some serious growing up to do. It's one thing to call somebody out in private for giving negative rep, but to call somebody out like this, in public, is disgraceful, both to me, and to this thread.

[OceanEyes28]

Guys, please take your argument to PM. You are both getting off topic. Stop it or I'll warn you. I may have already warned you.... Or have I?

Rocky, what the hell? It's like you don't care!

I kind of like the "tax fast food" idea and make healthier food cheaper idea. That would save me a lot of money. Personally, I find fast food gross. I don't like the way it makes me feel, I don't like how it smells... So it's easy for me to say adios if it ever does get the boot (which it won't).

[RagnaToad]

I think a fast food tax would be a great initiative to get less people visiting those kind of places regularly. Plus like someone mentioned, the extra money is indirectly spent on medical costs anyway, so in a way it would have a double positive effect. It's a fact that preparing healthy food at home with all the necessary veggies isn't actually cheap, and fast food is an attractive alternative to a home cooked meal.

Someone brought up the alcohol prohibition thing they had in the 1920's. It didn't work because taking away a right from the population in order to punish a small group will never be well received. The measures that were taken afterwards and the limitations on alcoholic beverages were a good solution. Maybe we should consider some restrictions on overweight people's eating habits. What are they doing clogging up their arteries even more anyway, when they should be taking serious actions for their own sake. Note that I'm talking about dangerously fat people here.

EDIT: Removed the rest of my post.

peace,

Rags

[OceanEyes28]

@ Dr. Egon Spengler:
1. Now you are judging what posts in a thread I can give my opinion on and which not?
2. You bring up the fact that I "care" about a number, but that rep served its purpose for your anger management, didn't it?
3. Another person who brings up the 'grow up' phrase as an argument for the other one being wrong. Sigh...

peace,

Rags

Guys, please take your argument to PM.

AHEM.

Dr. Spengler, please do not respond to his post in this thread.

[Rocky]

Rocky, what the hell? It's like you don't care!

Affirmative.

As I see with this situation, it's not about the fast foods, but yet about the people who eat them. However, this is a classic scenario of people who don't like other people because they may weigh more or have green skin or something similar, so therefore the argument has already been warped by our narrow minded ignorance from all parties.

There are people that can eat all kinds of food without gaining an ounce (or gram for you foreign kids) and there are people who are naturally bigger than us all. For the latter group, it takes more effort to manage their weight. Is it impossible for them? No. Is it fair to say that they may be trying there damndest to lose those extra pounds? That is possible.

The way Ragnatoad is speaking is quite flamebaiting, and I'm suprised by his view on he had to say. "What are they doing clogging up their arteries even more anyway, when they should be taking serious actions for their own sake. Note that I'm talking about dangerously fat people here." Who has ever heard of dangerously fat people? I mean come on now, what has a fat person ever done to someone just by walking down the street that has made them put another human's life in danger? I know you're trying to make a statement, but hot damn try not to sound like an ignorant jackass while you're at it, unless that is what you're going for, idk.

Anywho, Fast food will never ever be banned, simply due to it's business nature. You go in, grab a meal to eat, you can be out in 10-15 minutes if you're in a hurry, and you go on your merry way to work or what else have you. However, I am still extremely suprised that Fate hasn't been banned yet, but I guess everyone's gotten so lax here so I'm not even all that extremely suprised, if that isn't contradicting enough, lol.

Anywho, I am going now to bang my extremely hot girlfriend, and then after showering, the two of us will probably go to Burger King to grab something to eat. Gotta replace something with all of those calories lost. Peace...KIDS!!!

[RagnaToad]

The way Ragnatoad is speaking is quite flamebaiting, and I'm suprised by his view on he had to say. "What are they doing clogging up their arteries even more anyway, when they should be taking serious actions for their own sake. Note that I'm talking about dangerously fat people here." Who has ever heard of dangerously fat people? I mean come on now, what has a fat person ever done to someone just by walking down the street that has made them put another human's life in danger? I know you're trying to make a statement, but hot damn try not to sound like an ignorant jackass while you're at it, unless that is what you're going for, idk.

Obviously, I meant dangerous for their own lifes. I can't see how you can't understand that statement.
As I stated before, the "being fat" on the outside isn't the real problem. Although it certainly is no advantage to be fat for social/business purposes, I don't think that should bother you when it's not causing any trouble. People have worked with worse partners than just "fat" ones I reckon. But what I meant was that overweight is mostly a sign of a bad eating pattern, meaning bad things are happening on the inside.

I have no fear that I will be crushed by an overweight person on the bus whatsoever. ^_^

I wasn't flame-baiting at all. The only thing I've done wrong is the 1 off-topic post. And I've had a warning for that, so it shouldn't be an issue anymore.

[Govinda]

Ah... I didn't know the salt thing. That really is kinda bad. You really do learn something new everyday!
I was thinking though, are Subway sandwiches a bad kind of fast food too? I've never had one, an it just crossed my mind. I remember my friend going on about how that is the healthy alternative to convenient food.

You average six-inch Subway sandwich, even the diet ones, contain as much salt as you'd find in three packets of Walkers crisps.

I see what you mean about the salt thing though. They really do hide it. Most people only pay attention to fat and calorie content, so low-fat/calorie meals can put themselves forward as being a healthy option when they're crammed to the gunnels with salt for flavour.

I like Boots Meal Deals for the way they package their food (I get alot because their £2.99 lunches are the cheapest in the airport). On each item, the calories, fat, salt, sugar and carbs are listed in a 'traffic light' system which is actually honest. Red for treats, yellow for it's not that bad, green for eat as often as you like. They open your eyes a little. I had no idea how much sugar there is in Tropicana fruit juices. I know it's natural sugar, but there's still a massive amount of it.

As for your mother, Dr. Egon, I'm sorry that she is unhealthy. But there is a stigma attached to obese people, you have to understand that. It happens to anyone who is in a group which looks different. When my mother steps out for dinner with her blind boyfriend, people ask if she is his carer. Their faces fall off when he placidly informs them that he's a partner in Glasgow's biggest law firm, and that the woman with him is his girlfriend. It's a pity he can't see their faces change.

As for a tax on unhealthy foods, I think that's unfair. People are well aware of what eating badly does for you if you do it too often. It's their own fault. I don't want my occaisional takeout to cost more just because some people can't be trusted with it. It's like hiking the cost of drink to help alcoholics.

[RagnaToad]

Hmm.

The thing is, we need all those substances as fuel. But regular physical exercise has been a rarity in the last couple of decades. I think there has been some improvement with all the popular gyms who offer sports like Squash too, though obesity becomes more common everyday, even with children.

We, as a society, just don't have to make a physical effort to get somewhere. That's how things roll...

[Govinda]

We, as a society, just don't have to make a physical effort to get somewhere. That's how things roll...

Not literally, no. But there have been multiple studies done which show that when hiring, interviewers do tend to be biased against obese people. A lack od discipline about one's body shows a lack of apparent discipline in other areas. And there are a lot of jobs, good ones, where you have to be fit - policeman, fireman, jet pilot, soldier...

The way to live is: all things in moderation. We need a little of everything to sustain us, and some more of certain things than others. But everything in moderation. I might drink a bit too much, or smoke a bit too much, but I try to live by moderation as best I can.

[Furore]

I like my girls a decent size.

Not the gargantuan kind, mind, but I've not really been a big fan of the skeleton showing through skin look as to me it seems quite unnatural despite all the fashion models people aspire to be looking like.

I think that yeah, some people are way too big in general and in that case it can be helped, but some people are naturally larger and they don't look as bad as some assholes make out. What I notice now with all the fad lettuce and springwater diets and all that crap that malnourishment is probably a bigger problem in some places right now and I think that a nice big bucket of chicken on occasion could probably fix that. Not enough fat can be just as devastating on the human body. It provides warmth, cushions the organs etc...

Hooray for people who aren't twigs.

[rJ floW]

^ Thats just what people with low standards say

I'm a big man (6'6, 220lbs) and I like them looking like barbie and dont settle for anything less....and I am the happiest man ever....so happy infact I find myself posting with 12 year olds on TFF...HAHA

[Maridia]

I think it's laughable to want to ban fast food. Sure it's shit for ya, but so many things aren't good. More than just fast food isn't great, eating 4 slabs of ribs at Fridays will be unhealthy too, not just your quarter pounder with cheese. Again it's all about moderation, people need self control and we all have the ability to choose what we do. Some people smoke, drink do drugs, eat too much, like sweets, name it. You can take anything and drive the point home that it's bad. If you want to get a big gulp, smoke the fattest blunt, eat a 50oz sirloin more power to you!

[RagnaToad]

I like my girls a decent size.

Not the gargantuan kind, mind, but I've not really been a big fan of the skeleton showing through skin look as to me it seems quite unnatural despite all the fashion models people aspire to be looking like.

I think that yeah, some people are way too big in general and in that case it can be helped, but some people are naturally larger and they don't look as bad as some assholes make out. What I notice now with all the fad lettuce and springwater diets and all that crap that malnourishment is probably a bigger problem in some places right now and I think that a nice big bucket of chicken on occasion could probably fix that. Not enough fat can be just as devastating on the human body. It provides warmth, cushions the organs etc...

Hooray for people who aren't twigs.

I don't think that was ever the issue, Silver ^_^

You can like girls of a "decent size". We're talking about the unhealthy consequences. Like I said, it's not because you're not overweight that you're healthy. But overweight generally does mean that you're not healthy on the inside.

And yeah, the models in these times are unhealthy in being too skinny, just a fact... My gf is perfect, she's not chubby at all, but she's not anorexic in any way. Some people just are bigger than other people even though they have the same lifestyle, healthy or not.

Besides, most of the models and actrices these days are pretty, but I think it's a shame that photographers and movie producers tend to choose women that barely have an ass, hehe. Still, I don't want to diss on "everything not fat". Women come in all sizes, but I don't like them as skinny as society seems to oblige them to be...

[SOLDIER #819]

The way to live is: all things in moderation. We need a little of everything to sustain us, and some more of certain things than others. But everything in moderation. I might drink a bit too much, or smoke a bit too much, but I try to live by moderation as best I can.

I completely agree with this, but I think that it's much harder than people make it out to be. Plus, moderation when trying to lose is different than moderation when trying to maintain. You're in the negative and depriving yourself of nourishment. Those that have been overweight and have dieted, successfully or not, probably know how difficult it is to actually lose weight and then keep it off. People who say it isn't... I really wish I had your amazing metabolism or love of exercise.

That said, fast food is just deceitful, haha. People know it's bad, but since we've grown up around it it's just one of those notions we take for granted. So we don't really know how bad it is unless we're proactive about being healthy. And it tastes good pretty good, too. But putting aside the additives and whatnot... If you're on a 2000 calorie diet then a (TINY) double cheeseburger by itself is already more than 1/5th of your diet. Half of the double cheeseburger is fat. If you're actually losing weight then fat in itself isn't terrible... or wasn't until I read this. So yeah, it sucks.

Since most Americans are raised on it it's a pretty hard habit to break... Especially when dieting and just about everything makes you drool. Ugh.

[RagnaToad]

I completely agree with this, but I think that it's much harder than people make it out to be. Plus, moderation when trying to lose is different than moderation when trying to maintain. You're in the negative and depriving yourself of nourishment. Those that have been overweight and have dieted, successfully or not, probably know how difficult it is to actually lose weight and then keep it off. People who say it isn't... I really wish I had your amazing metabolism or love of exercise.

That said, fast food is just deceitful, haha. People know it's bad, but since we've grown up around it it's just one of those notions we take for granted. So we don't really know how bad it is unless we're proactive about being healthy. And it tastes good pretty good, too. But putting aside the additives and whatnot... If you're on a 2000 calorie diet then a (TINY) double cheeseburger by itself is already more than 1/5th of your diet. Half of the double cheeseburger is fat. If you're actually losing weight then fat in itself isn't terrible... or wasn't until I read this. So yeah, it sucks.

Since most Americans are raised on it it's a pretty hard habit to break... Especially when dieting and just about everything makes you drool. Ugh.

I've never had to diet in my life, since it's almost impossible for me to gain weight. But I've seen my mom diet several times when she believes she's become monstrous after the holiday season. (You know how women are.) I don't know if I'd be able to diet if I suddenly had to, since I've never had to in my life (and probably never will, knock on wood).

Yup, we are used to the "dangerous" food in our environment, which makes it so hard to "judge" fat people. Like I've stated before it's not the pure space you take up that is what bothers other people, it's what your size tells us about your health. (Though some media are really weird about a little too much fat in the stomach area. Like being not anorexic is a crime now...) Because fast food has become a common thing, we don't get to say anything about overweight people.

If a lung cancer patient would light up a cigarette, everyone would be in total awe. Whereas when a fat person would eat a dozen of fatty hamburgers, people around the table wouldn't dare to comment on it cause you "can't blame them, they have a disease"...

Come again?

But yeah, fast food is something I can really enjoy and I'm glad I have the opportunity to. But the same liberty that brings so many good things in our everyday life brings as much bad things to people who have more trouble controlling themselves.

I guess discipline is the key. But our fast money driven world I so despise doesn't make it easier.

[SOLDIER #819]

If a lung cancer patient would light up a cigarette, everyone would be in total awe. Whereas when a fat person would eat a dozen of fatty hamburgers, people around the table wouldn't dare to comment on it cause you "can't blame them, they have a disease"...

Come again?

But yeah, fast food is something I can really enjoy and I'm glad I have the opportunity to. But the same liberty that brings so many good things in our everyday life brings as much bad things to people who have more trouble controlling themselves.

I guess discipline is the key. But our fast money driven world I so despise doesn't make it easier.

Haha, hmm... I don't think I've ever gotten sympathy for being fat. I've always been told it's a matter of choice, and at some points teased in that light. I don't think most people have gotten it either, even if they truly have a condition that would cause them to be overweight. Culture has managed to assimilate both being overweight AND its reasons/excuses for being as such, so people will think what they want regardless of the situation.

It's the same with quitting smoking now that you mention it... so I also can understand it being difficult despite never having done it. People who have never experienced it can make it seem so easy... and I really wish it was, but that isn't how it is (for me).

But you're right, for most people it really is a matter of discipline. But I think that condensing the process into one word trivializes it and the numerous variables involved with it. I remember explaining calorie counting to a friend who simply went and said, "You don't have to count! Just get some exercise every once in a while and eat less!"

But then you have to wonder what once in a while is and what "less" really means, especially bringing fast food into the equation. Common sense can easily betray you, and when you get serious about being healthy you inevitably branch out into the sciences. And everyone's bodies, habits, and dispositions are different. It's just very hard to strike that balance... which is probably why so many people crash with their diets or why diets fail to yield ideal results much of the time.

Soooo, health-wise the world would be much better off without fast food. But since food can actually be awesome on many different levels (which any of us know if we go out to eat, or drink), there's yet another balance that needs to be considered.

[Govinda]

It's the same with quitting smoking now that you mention it... so I also can understand it being difficult despite never having done it. People who have never experienced it can make it seem so easy... and I really wish it was, but that isn't how it is (for me).

But you're right, for most people it really is a matter of discipline. But I think that condensing the process into one word trivializes it and the numerous variables involved with it. I remember explaining calorie counting to a friend who simply went and said, "You don't have to count! Just get some exercise every once in a while and eat less!"

Losing weight is nothing like trying to give up smoking. At all. When you don't have cigarettes it takes over your mind; nicotine's as addictive as heroin.

I'm on a diet and exercise regime just now, and I know it's not easy. I dream of toast, but I eat my bran crackers. I want to sit around and relax, but I make myself go to the gym or do my stupid exercise DVD. The going is really, really slow; but it makes you feel better as you go. I get the impression that my thighs just really like being huge. But when my jeans start hanging off, I feel I've done a good thing and it encourages me to do more. I am fully aware of the science, and I like to know how my body works and why it is responding to changes I'm making.

In a way, it is like giving up smoking, kind of; healthy eating and working out are a lifestyle. It pisses me off that some people can eat whatever they like and stay slim, but I'm not one of those people. Sucks, but what am I meant to do about it? Complain? Get fatter?

The thing with eating healthy is that you should never deprive yourself. I've taken to making my own recipes that are low on size, but big on flavour. Salad for me is like tapas. It's not a pile of leaves with some balsamic. It's leaves, yeah, but with tuna and egg, or pesto chicken, or...

It's about self-respect. If a friend says they want to get lunch at Burger King, that's fine. I'll get something else on the way and munch it there, or maybe even have a burger as a treat; I get one every two weeks. It's annoying that my friends can eat whatever they like, whenever they like; but that's not me. Oh well.

[SOLDIER #819]

In a way, it is like giving up smoking, kind of; healthy eating and working out are a lifestyle.

That's more or less what I meant. For a lot of people it's a complete shift in lifestyle. It's not just giving up a plate of food; you have to commit to a number of things you wouldn't otherwise. It may not manifest physical symptoms, but it's taxing and something you can easily screw up if you let up on it. The reward for either is good health... but as you said, the going's slow.

Not to make light of quitting smoking, however. It probably just matches up better in words than in experience.

Sucks, but what am I meant to do about it? Complain? Get fatter?

That's more or less how I feel right now. Regardless of what others may think, people need to make their own decisions to get where they want to go.

[Furore]

^ Thats just what people with low standards say

I'm a big man (6'6, 220lbs) and I like them looking like barbie and dont settle for anything less....and I am the happiest man ever....so happy infact I find myself posting with 12 year olds on TFF...HAHA

Low standards my balls.
See, I WOULDN'T want my girl looking like barbie as it's not to my tastes.
I also find it extremely funny that most people in society seem to just roll with whatever the better part of society sees as prettier or whatever rather than just taking the time to realise what exactly they as an individual actually appreciate more.

Besides, plastic tits suck.

Oh and Ragna, this is general chat. I brought it up as I noticed some fatslamming but then I also notice that what society pushes as 'healthy' currently really isn't and that some people might actually benefit from occasionally eating the crap in fast food. It'll give them the fat content that the salads and water some people now eat exclusively don't. As a side note, if they're gonna be sticking with salads and water you'd think they'd also try to introduce other things like protein rich lentils or whatever other foods will provide what lettuce and water don't. But do I see that? Nope.
Either they're not doing their homework or rediculously skinny is the next big thing.

There's no negative health issues with an average frame even if some call it fat now.

[rJ floW]

^ Plastic tits sucks?????????

Ohhh dear I have had my share of both, and let me tell ya, motorboatin plastic tits is SO much fun, it adds so much more texture!!!!!!!!!!

HORRAY FOR FAKE $5000 dollar tits to make goodlookers into bombshells and the subpar into 6.5's

[DragonHeart]

If you're going to institute some kind of policy about it, it might as well be something like every store does with medications that contain Pseudophedrine HCL. That would be to Keep a log of everyone who buys it, with ID. People who are trying to eat too much fast food, much like people buying too many allergy meds are flagged. after a certain point, you can't Buy anymore for a certain period of time.

Except that the federal pseudophedrine law is an attempt to prevent people from making crystal meth out of it, not because they're just buying too much.

Anyways, as for the topic at hand, I don't think fast food should be banned.

I do think that the government needs some sort of program in place to help children make better choices about things like this than their parents. I was actually discussing this with my mom yesterday heh. Focusing on adults won't do anything, like that soda tax they're proposing. People are far too steeped in habits and vices to change their ways. Cigarettes are proof enough of that.

What we need to be doing is helping the next generation be better educated and able to avoid things like credit card debt and yes, fast food and other unhealthy things. If anything, the best way to help the parents change is by teaching their children healthy habits. Mandatory 'healthy choices' type classes or even some sort of incentive for healthy habits, things like that.

As for myself, fast food will never be a regular part of my diet. I can't even comprehend how people eat it every day. I get fast food maybe once or twice a year and I regret it every single time. It literally does make me sick and even worse, I can literally feel my arteries hardening. It's disgusting.

Blech, now I feel all queasy.

~DragonHeart~

[SilkAngel]

Why should we ban fast food?! It is up to the individual that orders it, so it is their own fault if they weigh 600 pounds and sweat grease >.< I rarely eat it, but it is helpful when I go on out of state trips...(I get hungry T.T) It should be eaten in moderation with exercise, so I don't see a problem with it.

However, there are some people that eat it too much. I think that a better system should be worked out for them to help stop over-consumption. Ex. A limit of how much you can eat out every week. (But then the government would be controlling what we can do, and that is no good.) >.< Gosh, just let people get fat. XD

[Zephon]

O.o i really don't know hard question :/

[Calvan]

I love cheeseburgers. but there so much better when i make them myself.

[Crazy Chocobo]

O.o i really don't know hard question :/

Why even post then?

Fast food should not be banned. Sure it's unhealthy for you but it you eat it in moderation then all is good. Some people go overboard and eat it everyday but that's their problem. They could always go for a healthier option, like Subway instead of eating greasy KFC or McDonalds. A home made meal is always the best in my opinion but, whenever we go out we buy something, I either have McDonalds or Subway. If you know how to have it in moderation and not over do it then it's alright. I couldn't imagine the fast food industry ever going away, there's just no way if they're making piles and piles of money every day.

I read about the salads at McDonalds, they're not as healthy as people think. I heard they had lots of sugar and what not so I wouldn't even bother with that. May as well just get a Big Mac.

[Storm]

The whole thing on "McDonalds made me fat" thing annoys me to high hell, and I know it is not just because i've had no problems with weight.

I can't see fast food being banned. There is such a large amount of money generated from the market, and what political leader would choose the public's health over capital? Even if they did ban it, there would be such a large public outrage. Other people living in Britain may recall a school that decided to become healthy and serve no more junk food, then a load of parents started taking orders from a Chippie (fish and chip shop, a greasy British favorite of battered fish and fries, they also sell battered sausages, burgers etc) and were passing them though the gates!

The reason fast food is there (I think anyway) is for convenience, something to have maybe if you are running a bit late or for a little treat once in a while. It's unfortunate that children are bought up on the stuff because mum and dad are too lazy (I can understand once in a while), but it shouldn't be ceased because of this. Hopefully things should start sorting out with the spread of the word, (although I do find it funny how it takes the voice of a celebrity chef like Jamie Oliver to reiterate the point that a hearty meal made of fresh vegetables and some meat is healthier than a slab of slimy lard that doesnt fill one up for a reasonable amount of time) and leaflets in supermarkets. I personally think that cookery lessons in schools should focus on things making spagetti bolognaise/ vegebol and roast dinners rather than basic starters and desserts- this may already be happening, but I remember back when I was in school being annoyed as our cookery lessons were pointless! Kids should have real food from as soon as they can eat solids- you can purefy almost anything in a blender to get them accustomed to the taste. Everybody has things they don't like, however a lot of kids seem to assume that they won't like something, either from popular culture or from parents doing the whole "you won't like that" thing.

Whether people want or don't want to eat real food cannot be controlled, I think education is probably the best way forward.

[Chez Daja]

Will power is a good term.

You know, sometimes when you're hungry, it might be hard to say no to something junky, but if you chose a healthier option you feel so much more full afterwards. A cheeseburger crawling with grease and shit might filled you for two hours, but you'll still most likely crave something later on. Sean had a good point and Soldier and Silver had some good things to say about the subject.

I find that in this country (or at least people I know), the people who are obese are more likely to gain pounds from eating pastries and drinking on a regular basis. I don't know many people who use fast food joints a lot and some of them are still a little overweight. It's different for everybody. You might get somebody who really likes cake, or really likes crisps and become overweight just because of those things and eating them excessively. Fast food restaurants shouldn't have the blame fully placed on them.

I'd take a salad over junk food anyday, but that's just me. It's not just because it's the healthier object but because it's tasier an makes me feel better.

[RagnaToad]

I'd take a salad over junk food anyday, but that's just me. It's not just because it's the healthier object but because it's tasier an makes me feel better.

That's what I call the "secondary" taste.

Just like we love heavy food because it contains lots of energy, we tend to like healthy food because it doesn't. It's not just what it tastes like, it's the whole concept of what you're eating.

When you were a kid you'd eat all the candy you could get. But most adults can't even stand the pure sugar. Because they know it's pure sugar, and it doesn't taste good at all.

We used to have this show "You are what you eat" over here, showing really fat people and their eating habits. There was this woman who just put a spoon full of mayonaise in her mouth, ate it, and said "Hmm, feels like a little angel pissing on my tongue". Apart from the awkward phrase, that was just disgusting to look at.

How can you even find that tasty? Maybe their secondary taste is so messed up that they'll love to eat anything that has a lot of fat in it.

There are some messed up people in the world.

[SOLDIER #819]

Other people living in Britain may recall a school that decided to become healthy and serve no more junk food, then a load of parents started taking orders from a Chippie (fish and chip shop, a greasy British favorite of battered fish and fries, they also sell battered sausages, burgers etc) and were passing them though the gates!

That sounds pretty horrible on the parents' part, hahaha. Rather than giving them something decent (if the cafeteria food was bad to begin with) they pass their kids the worst stuff they can find and act like they're doing a good thing.

Although the opposite was true for my elementary school. The cafeteria food probably wasn't healthy at all between the sloppy joes and whatnot. And awards given out for good grades or attendance or whatever were free burgers at In N' Out. Certainly not the cause of childhood obesity, but it's funny how children are rewarded (in America anyway).

When it comes to instilling a good diet, schools seem to have the "damned if they do, damned if they don't" thing going against them.

Chez & RagnaToad: I feel pretty bad for eating something unhealthy, but I'm not so sure about being fuller after eating something healthier. That satisfaction of "having done good" certainly is there though. I was never one to eat the fat off a steak or mayo a la carte, which sounds gross by taste alone, but I love me a huge cheeseburger with thousand island and a mound of fries every once in a while. It fills me up nicely, too. All the while a (nearly dressingless) salad with some chicken will have me coming back to eat more later... granted it is a less substantial meal, with most of the carbs being fiber. Dieting is just such a mixed bag.

Regardless of what you're eating, it is better to just eat small meals throughout the day regardless of what they are, so it's more of a matter of being "satisfied enough" rather than being "full". Something about digestion burning calories, avoiding insulin production spikes, etc.