Who doesn’t love a good fast food meal, right? But more parents are advising against it, like Alaska-based chiropractor, Jennifer Lovdahl, who runs her own clinic. The mom shared a post about the alarming discovery she made about McDonald’s nutrition – or lack thereof.
The concerned mom purchased a happy meal that had not decomposed even after 6 years
“It’s been 6 years since I bought this Happy Meal at McDonald’s. It’s been sitting at our office this whole time and has not rotted, molded, or decomposed at all!’ wrote Lovdahl. “It smells only of cardboard.”
Continuing, she explained why she and her colleagues at her clinic set out to conduct the experiment.
“We did this to show our patients how unhealthy this ‘food’ is. Especially for our growing children!! There are so many chemicals in this food!” she emphasises.
“Choose real food!” she urges in the eye-opening post. “Apples, bananas, carrots, celery….those are real fast food.”
Her post has been shared over 682,000 times since it was shared back in 2016.
Lovdahl isn’t the first one to conduct this experiment. Back in 2004, a fast-food documentary called Super Size Me became a hit after exposing the dangers of having only fast food for an entire month.
In one particular scene, the director Morgan Spurlock compares how McDonald’s burgers and french fries don’t decompose even after 10 weeks stored in the same container as regular fries and burgers.
Though enlightening, some were quick to comment that a dry container is a lot different from the human stomach, where the acids would surely break the food down.
Whatever you think about these experiments, we can all agree that we could all make healthier food choices, especially when it comes to our kids.
We have reached out to Lovdahl and will be updating this article with her response.
McDonald’s nutrition: how the fast food giant is making an effort to offer healthier meals
To be fair, Mcdonald’s nutrition is improving! They are making some sort of effort to improve the nutritive value of their meals. | Image source: file photo
Perhaps in response to posts and complaints similar to the Alaskan mom, McDonald’s is making an effort to cut back on the calories in their menu.
CNN reports the fast food giant is trading in the happy meal for a healthier meal, by removing cheeseburgers by 2022. However, parents can still order them, should they prefer.
The main options will be hamburgers, six-piece chicken nuggets, and a small portion of fries.
Moving forward, bottled water and chocolate milk with less sugar will be added to the happy meal.
Across the world, McDonald’s branches are also striving to provide healthier options, including a delicious grilled chicken sandwich, which I recently tried in Taipei. It is also available in Italy.
In Australia and France, McDonald’s is exploring the possibility of adding more protein-rich and veggie-based dishes.
McDonald’s Singapore is also going the extra mile by providing menu options all under 500 calories as part of their Eat Light Campaign.
Should moms and dads ban fast food from their kid’s diets?
Uncertain about McDonald’s nutrition? Kids just love fast food! But you can still offer them healthier alternatives that are just as healthy! (image source: file photo)
Ask any kid what they want to eat and they’re most likely to ask for fast food or something equally unhealthy.
While there’s nothing wrong with the occasional fast food meal, the danger lies in letting your kids make a habit out of having processed foods.
But instead of making them feel deprived, why not offer healthier – equally delicious – alternatives right at home?
Not only will they get a similar fast food experience, you can be sure that they are not just getting empty calories, or worse consuming dangerous chemicals!
Here are some fun dishes to try!
Tacos
You can easily recreate this Mexican restaurant staple at home. Best of all, you can sneak in some veggies in there to make it an even healthier snack for kids.
You can get the full recipe here.
Pizza Pockets
With less than 400 calories per serving, this cheesy delicious treat will be a hit with the whole family!
You can get the full recipe here.
Fish & Chips
This baked dish gives you the crisp and flavour of your favourite fast food french fries, but doesn’t pack too much sodium or chemicals.
You can get the full recipe here.
Mozzarella Sticks
Instead of deep fried eats, go for oven-baked instead! These mozzarella sticks are scrumptious and low in calories.
You can get the full recipe here.
Garlic French Fries
This oven-baked family favorite is easy to whip up. You can also experiment with healthy veggie dips for the whole family!
You can get the full recipe here.
Fried Chicken
A favorite for kids and parents alike, good ol’ fried chicken can be healthier when prepared at home. The secret? Use your oven instead of your deep fryer.
You can get the full recipe here.
What other fast food alternative recipes do you love, mums and dads? Let us know in the comments below!
Sources: CNN Money, Food Network
