Browse: Home / Obesity / Have the hamburger and fries but don’t do the cold drink

Menu

Skip to content
  • About
  • Better Body Chemistry School
  • Book a health conversation
  • Speaking query
  • The “Big” Spoons
Header image

BBC

Small things can make a big difference to your health

advertisement

Menu

Skip to content
  • Home
  • Free Resources
    • 31 days to Better Body Chemistry
    • Willpower Report
    • Weight loss e-course
    • Better Body Chemistry for Expecting Moms
    • The ups and downs of insulin resistance
    • Candy Floss Boards
    • Weight tracker
    • Sound bites
  • Library
  • Shop
  • Lucky dip
  • Buy me a coffee
  • Video gallery
  • Contact

Have the hamburger and fries but don’t do the cold drink

Posted by Dr Sandy on in Obesity | 1251 Views | Leave a response
Tweet
Share
Pin
Share

cold drink the real trouble in fast food mealsEating out is often blamed for the obesity epidemic.

But is there really SUCH A BIG difference, between a sandwich with all the toppings eaten at home, followed by a low-fat twinkie and a hamburger eaten at McDonalds ?

Sort of….

But the difference has less to do with the fried up nature of the McDonalds meal and more to do with the accompanying drink.

It’s in the cold drink

Most Mom’s try to limit the availability of fizzy cold drinks on the home front, so the “fast” food type lunch, on the home front, invariably does not come with a huge cold drink. “Unlucky” kids have to make do with water, those not experiencing tough love, will typically get milk, juice or Oros™ squash.

A team from University of Illinois believe it is the supersized cold drink, accompanying the meal, that is a BIG part of the problem in fast food eating.

Picking apart fast food lunches

The Chicago team analyzed exactly what the average kid was eating, when they had lunch at a fast food joint, compared to having food, usually also quite fast, at home,

Among the factors investigated…..

  • Overall calorie count
  • Diet quality
  • Consumption of sugar sweetened beverages

# The average kid in the study, had been part of the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey between 2003 and 2008. As part of this study, food questionnaires were completed for 4 717 children between the ages of 2 and 11 and 4 699 adolescents, ranging in age from 12 to 19.

Soda fountain a wash with calories

As expected, restaurant meals tended to have higher amounts of sugar, total fat, saturated fat and sodium and lower amounts of nutrients overall.

This more of everything “BAD”, translated to more calories.

For little ones, a trip to a fast food joint added 126 calories to their day. For teens, the trip added 309 calories. A similar phenomenon, was seen when the family sat down for the meal, rather than ate it from the box, the calories consumed at full service restaurants, came in at an extra 160 calories for little ones and an extra 267 calories for teens.

A big part of those extra calories, came in the very large, accompanying cold drink.

And the calorie problem multiplied, when the restaurant provided FREE REFILLS, on top of the oversized first glass.

Fast fooding is the norm

Eating on the run happens a lot…..

Sometimes it is because you’re just too tired to care, often it is because you are too busy to cook from scratch or you’re just not anywhere near the kitchen, at feeding time.

The stats from this group of youngsters suggested 41 % of teens and about a third of little ones, consumed a fast food meal on any given day.

That adds up to a lot of extra calories over time. And in the long term….

Too many calories in, ultimately translates to more calories in the cupboard. Leaving extra wobbles and potential health troubles.

Don’t go or don’t combo

The easiest way to fix the problem, is to cut back on eating out, make it a weekly / monthly treat, not the standard way the family does dinner.

If you’re rushed off your feet and need fast meals. Eating fast food at home, even if it is coming out of a box, is probably still a better choice, because it won’t be coming with an oversized glass of coke. In an ideal world, make time to prepare REAL FOOD options that can be whipped out at a moments notice, the freezer and the microwave are your friend. I know, I know…. who has the time ?

When eating at a fast food joint – downsize your order or stop when you’re full.

Remember, a combo meal is designed to make it easy for the restaurant, but you can order individual items from the menu. Admittedly the clerk at the till, may forget to wish you a fantastic day – because your order will take a little more work.

Order what you need to be satisfied and watch the fizzy cold drink consumption. A combo may be cheaper, but you’re not saving money in the long run, if you have huge medical bills to pay at some future date.

Also, if you eat it or you don’t, there will still be starving people in Africa, so don’t be afraid to leave the food on the plate, once the “I AM FULL” signal comes through. And remember, just because they served it FAST, does not mean you need to eat it FAST.

Fast food in moderation

Puritan health gurus will tell you to avoid fast food like the plague, but modern living is for the most part, FAST living. Avoiding fast food all together is not easy.

Everything in moderation. And if you do nothing else, watch those liquid calories.

Fast-Food and Full-Service Restaurant Consumption Among Children and Adolescents: Effect on Energy, Beverage, and Nutrient Intake. Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine (2012)  Powell LM, Nguyen BT.
 

 Interested in learning more about the chemistry behind those extra fat layers ?

Subcribe to E-spoons, to get e-mail updates once a month to learn how to keep your body chemistry balanced so you can burn off the extra fat.

View previous E-spoons.

Close

NOTE : Privacy & spam policy. Spoonful of Science will not rent, trade or sell the e-mail list to anyone. You can unsubscribe at any time by following the unsubscribe link.

Know someone who will find this post useful ? Share it on facebook, linkedin, twitter

Further reading

BPA spicing up cold drinks a diet of sweets and soda makes your brain dumb serve up dinner in bite size chunks
Cold drinks in cans are more than cans full of sugar Nibbling and sipping soda as you swot is causing brain rot The secret to eating less is to serve up a little more

The 7 Big Spoons™…. are master switches that turn health on.

balance eicosanoids rein in insulin dial down stress sleep vitamin D microflora think
Balance Eicosanoids Rein in insulin Dial down stress Sleep ! Increase Vit D Culivate microflora Think champion

Hire Dr Sandy from a Spoonful of Science to be the keynote speaker at your next event.

Did you learn something new or do you have a different perspective ? I’d love to hear from you so post me a comment below

Tweet
Share
Pin
Share
Posted in Obesity | Tagged calories, coke, cold drink, eating out, epidemic, fast fppd. Milk, fat, I am full, juice, liquid calories, obesity, restaurant meals, sugar

Sugar gremlins are REAL

Connect with us

facebook you tube pinterest 40 Linkedin

Instagram

betterbodychemistry
@betterbodychemistry
Follow
Discover the unexpected link between type 2 diabetes and weight! Even if you're not visibly "fat," losing weight might be crucial. Find out why!  Go to the BETTER BODY CHEMISTRY library,  when you get there look up F for  FAT TRESHOLD.  The link to the library  is in my bio.

Click for more https://bsapp.ai/iDM-8oUrr #SkinnyFat #skinnydiabetics #MetabolicHealth #FatThresholdHypothesis #DiabetesAwareness #BeyondTheScale #InsulinResistance ##Type2Diabetes #ReversingDiabetes #BetterBodyChemistry
betterbodychemistry
betterbodychemistry
•
Follow
Discover the unexpected link between type 2 diabetes and weight! Even if you're not visibly "fat," losing weight might be crucial. Find out why! Go to the BETTER BODY CHEMISTRY library, when you get there look up F for FAT TRESHOLD. The link to the library is in my bio. Click for more https://bsapp.ai/iDM-8oUrr #SkinnyFat #skinnydiabetics #MetabolicHealth #FatThresholdHypothesis #DiabetesAwareness #BeyondTheScale #InsulinResistance ##Type2Diabetes #ReversingDiabetes #BetterBodyChemistry
1 day ago
View on Instagram |
1/9
🌱 Did you know that the bacteria in your mouth play a vital role in blood pressure control? They convert dietary nitrates into nitrites, which contribute to the production of nitric oxide—a gas that relaxes blood vessels, promoting healthy blood pressure. However, using mouthwash disrupts this conversion, leading to lower nitrite levels and a potential rise in blood pressure. It's time to rethink our oral hygiene practices and embrace a more bacteria-friendly approach for better cardiovascular health. 

Click for more https://bsapp.ai/y8M_4MSDm #BloodPressure #HealthTips #HeartHealth #HealthyMouthHealthyHeart #MicrobialBalance #HealthyHabits #BloodPressureControl #OralHealth #NaturalHealth #BetterBodyChemistry #MouthBacteria
betterbodychemistry
betterbodychemistry
•
Follow
🌱 Did you know that the bacteria in your mouth play a vital role in blood pressure control? They convert dietary nitrates into nitrites, which contribute to the production of nitric oxide—a gas that relaxes blood vessels, promoting healthy blood pressure. However, using mouthwash disrupts this conversion, leading to lower nitrite levels and a potential rise in blood pressure. It's time to rethink our oral hygiene practices and embrace a more bacteria-friendly approach for better cardiovascular health. Click for more https://bsapp.ai/y8M_4MSDm #BloodPressure #HealthTips #HeartHealth #HealthyMouthHealthyHeart #MicrobialBalance #HealthyHabits #BloodPressureControl #OralHealth #NaturalHealth #BetterBodyChemistry #MouthBacteria
1 day ago
View on Instagram |
2/9
Imagine a world where you enjoy nature on your terms and reduce stress levels at the same time. Our research shows that as little as 10 minutes in nature can bring about a remarkable drop in cortisol. Take control of your body chemistry and unleash your inner stress warrior. 

Click for more https://bsapp.ai/nmNGZnd0T #BalanceYourCortisol #BetterBodyChemistry #HealthyLiving #ManageStress #QuantifyStressRelief #GoGreen #TransformWithNature #BreakFreeFromStress #SelfCare #PracticalStressSolutions #StressRelief #HealingPowerOfNature
betterbodychemistry
betterbodychemistry
•
Follow
Imagine a world where you enjoy nature on your terms and reduce stress levels at the same time. Our research shows that as little as 10 minutes in nature can bring about a remarkable drop in cortisol. Take control of your body chemistry and unleash your inner stress warrior. Click for more https://bsapp.ai/nmNGZnd0T #BalanceYourCortisol #BetterBodyChemistry #HealthyLiving #ManageStress #QuantifyStressRelief #GoGreen #TransformWithNature #BreakFreeFromStress #SelfCare #PracticalStressSolutions #StressRelief #HealingPowerOfNature
3 days ago
View on Instagram |
3/9
No more dreading the gym! Discover the secret to transforming your exercise routine from a painful experience to a pleasurable one. Get ready to fall in love with fitness! 🏆

Click for more https://bsapp.ai/gDYoXPtMX #HealthyHabits #HealthyLifestyle #PositiveProgression #ExerciseMotivation #BetterBodyChemistry #FitnessVictories #ExerciseHacks #ExerciseTips #FitnessForAll #MindBodyConnection #LoveYourWorkout
betterbodychemistry
betterbodychemistry
•
Follow
No more dreading the gym! Discover the secret to transforming your exercise routine from a painful experience to a pleasurable one. Get ready to fall in love with fitness! 🏆 Click for more https://bsapp.ai/gDYoXPtMX #HealthyHabits #HealthyLifestyle #PositiveProgression #ExerciseMotivation #BetterBodyChemistry #FitnessVictories #ExerciseHacks #ExerciseTips #FitnessForAll #MindBodyConnection #LoveYourWorkout
3 days ago
View on Instagram |
4/9
Attention health-conscious warriors! It's time to unravel a hidden aspect of soy-based meat substitutes that might impact your well-being. While these products offer a plant-powered alternative to traditional meat, it's crucial to address the potential hormonal implications. Soy contains compounds called phytoestrogens, which mimic the effects of estrogen in the body. This means that consuming soy-based meat substitutes,  could potentially disrupt hormonal balance, particularly in men.

Click for more https://bsapp.ai/P_Qtv7VEa #FoodAwareness #HormoneHealth #HealthEducation #EstrogenicActivity #MeatSubstitutes #TofuBurger #BetterBodyChemistry #HormoneBalance #HormonesInFood #HealthConcerns #SyntheticHormones
betterbodychemistry
betterbodychemistry
•
Follow
Attention health-conscious warriors! It's time to unravel a hidden aspect of soy-based meat substitutes that might impact your well-being. While these products offer a plant-powered alternative to traditional meat, it's crucial to address the potential hormonal implications. Soy contains compounds called phytoestrogens, which mimic the effects of estrogen in the body. This means that consuming soy-based meat substitutes, could potentially disrupt hormonal balance, particularly in men. Click for more https://bsapp.ai/P_Qtv7VEa #FoodAwareness #HormoneHealth #HealthEducation #EstrogenicActivity #MeatSubstitutes #TofuBurger #BetterBodyChemistry #HormoneBalance #HormonesInFood #HealthConcerns #SyntheticHormones
4 days ago
View on Instagram |
5/9
Did you know that exercising before a meal can help control your sugar levels? BETTER BODY CHEMISTRY TV can teach you how to incorporate this into your daily routine.

Click for more https://bsapp.ai/b4OljcAHu #metabolism #insulinresistance #healthyeating #exercisesnacking #smallchangesbigresults #glucosecontrol #healthylifestyle #sugarcontrol #betterbodychemistry
betterbodychemistry
betterbodychemistry
•
Follow
Did you know that exercising before a meal can help control your sugar levels? BETTER BODY CHEMISTRY TV can teach you how to incorporate this into your daily routine. Click for more https://bsapp.ai/b4OljcAHu #metabolism #insulinresistance #healthyeating #exercisesnacking #smallchangesbigresults #glucosecontrol #healthylifestyle #sugarcontrol #betterbodychemistry
4 days ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
Ready to make a change? Discover the incredible benefits of leg fidgeting and how it can empower you to take control of your heart health and life. 

Click for more https://bsapp.ai/vk8oySki1 #SedentaryLifestyle #FidgetingForHealth #PreventHeartDisease #HeartWellness #HeartHealth #HealthyHabits #LegPower #EndothelialFunction #HealthyLiving #AtherosclerosisPrevention #BetterBodyChemistry #HeartProtection
betterbodychemistry
betterbodychemistry
•
Follow
Ready to make a change? Discover the incredible benefits of leg fidgeting and how it can empower you to take control of your heart health and life. Click for more https://bsapp.ai/vk8oySki1 #SedentaryLifestyle #FidgetingForHealth #PreventHeartDisease #HeartWellness #HeartHealth #HealthyHabits #LegPower #EndothelialFunction #HealthyLiving #AtherosclerosisPrevention #BetterBodyChemistry #HeartProtection
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
🌱🍬 Sweetness meets greens in the ultimate flavor makeover! Discover the Coffee Principle and turn your veggies into culinary masterpieces!

Click for more https://bsapp.ai/Y9w5eXntH #BetterBodyChemistry #ParentingTips #TasteTransformation #GreensForLife #FamilyHealth #HealthyHacks #GreenVegetables #PickyEaters #HealthyLiving #TastyGreens #HappyHealthyKids #NutritionHacks
betterbodychemistry
betterbodychemistry
•
Follow
🌱🍬 Sweetness meets greens in the ultimate flavor makeover! Discover the Coffee Principle and turn your veggies into culinary masterpieces! Click for more https://bsapp.ai/Y9w5eXntH #BetterBodyChemistry #ParentingTips #TasteTransformation #GreensForLife #FamilyHealth #HealthyHacks #GreenVegetables #PickyEaters #HealthyLiving #TastyGreens #HappyHealthyKids #NutritionHacks
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
Don't let poor indoor air quality take a toll on your health. Discover how adding a few houseplants to your home or office can help filter out toxins and improve air quality.

Click for more https://bsapp.ai/J9OBpyx_S #BetterBodyChemistry #NaturalSolutions #HealthTips #CarbonDioxide #BreatheBetter #PollutionSolutions #AirFilters #HealthyLiving
betterbodychemistry
betterbodychemistry
•
Follow
Don't let poor indoor air quality take a toll on your health. Discover how adding a few houseplants to your home or office can help filter out toxins and improve air quality. Click for more https://bsapp.ai/J9OBpyx_S #BetterBodyChemistry #NaturalSolutions #HealthTips #CarbonDioxide #BreatheBetter #PollutionSolutions #AirFilters #HealthyLiving
6 days ago
View on Instagram |
9/9
View on Instagram
willpower report
  • Popular
  • Featured
  • Recent
  • asprosin the sugar plum fairy

    Why sugar levels are high despite NOT eating

    22157 views / Posted
  • poop getting stuck

    The fix for constipation is to go on a low fibre diet

    21289 views / Posted
  • oatmeal breakfast being beaten by egg

    Which is a better breakfast, egg or oatmeal ?

    19789 views / Posted
  • chewing gum relieving postoperative ileus

    A stick of chewing gum gets the gut going after surgery

    16836 views / Posted
  • carbonated water bubbles fill you up

    Fizzing up the water flattens your appetite

    15733 views / Posted
  • sun extracting cholesterol

    Make sure you have your “annual” check-up in the summer time

    / Dr Sandy
  • sending your kid to bootcamp won't stop childhood obesity

    Moving more won’t stop your kid from getting fat

    / Dr Sandy
  • cholesterol at the scene of the accident

    Bone cells are stiffening up your arteries not cholesterol

    / Dr Sandy
  • brain size the problem in ADHD

    Are kids with ADHD just acting according to their brain age

    / Dr Sandy
  • plastering the blood vessel with calcium

    Calcium supplements are building bones and breaking hearts

    / Dr Sandy
  • fat cell groom trying to pull triglyceride bride over the threshold

    Go on a diet even if you think you have nothing to lose

    / Dr Sandy
  • img-47

    The vitamin B12 heist that happens when you take metformin

    / Dr Sandy
  • hepcidin waving his calculator with cell city and ferriportin pump in the background

    Iron loaded macrophages

    / Dr Sandy
  • img-49

    Unlocking the Hidden Dangers of Iron Supplements

    / Dr Sandy
  • baby bottle sitting in a sea of tiny plastic particles

    Guarding Your Baby’s Gut: The Alarming Reality of Microplastics in Bottles

    / Dr Sandy

RSS Recent posts

Dr Sandy Dr Sandy Evans, PhD

Located in Johannesburg, South Africa

Disclaimer : The stories and articles are provided as a service. Dr Sandy's opinions are for information only, and are not intended to diagnose or prescribe. For your specific diagnosis and treatment, consult your doctor or health care provider.
 

Book an appointment

Calendar icon
 

Connect with Dr Sandy

facebook 40
you tube 40
pinterest 40
linkedin 40
 

Categories

Featured posts

  • asprosin the sugar plum fairy

    Why sugar levels are high despite NOT eating

    22157 views / Posted
  • poop getting stuck

    The fix for constipation is to go on a low fibre diet

    21289 views / Posted
  • oatmeal breakfast being beaten by egg

    Which is a better breakfast, egg or oatmeal ?

    19789 views / Posted
 

©2011-2023 Spoonful of Science

Menu

  • Meet Dr Sandy
  • Disclosure/disclaimer
  • Privacy policy
  • Comment policy
  • Contact
Tweet
Share
Pin
Share