Fast Food Restaurants » Focus28 Blog

August 21, 2008

Fast Food Restaurants. Are They Affected by the New Laws? Or Will They Soon?

Filed under: Protein, Lisa Avellino - Focus28 Fitness Expert, Nutrition, Focus28 Experts Blog — Laura @ 9:15 am

The other day I went out to dinner with another couple for dinner. I was really surprised when my friend said, “I just went to Starbucks and did not buy my typical drink”. She said the drink that she often orders twice a day has more than 400 calories and 30 grams of fat. Might I add that it does not have protein or fiber, it’s high in caffeine and costs more than $6 a cup. I was surprised because she was a perfect weight and height, and healthy and fit. The reason I was shocked was because she said I am not willing to give up real food for a drink I thought did not count. She said she was not willing to exercise harder to burn off the 800+ calories and that she was unaware of the caloric responsibility and commitment to such a fun beverage. So, in this case, the new law caused 1 customer to re-think the urge to splurge-just like a hot plate– hands off. Imagine if the cup itself had a printed label that read-if you drink this you must power walk on the treadmill for 3 hours today! Ouch! That might be a hard sell.

So, once again, if fast food is what you desire than why not just make a different choice. Focus28 (http://www.focus28wellness.com/food-and-diet-products/) offers take along (on-the-go) packets of low calorie, high protein chocolate, vanilla and strawberry shakes (just add water), vanilla and chocolate ready to drink shakes, and for those coffee lovers, cappuccino drink, and of course a healthy protein bar, soy nuts or pudding packet are also available. You can think of these as fast food, because it takes no time to prepare. A low calorie, high protein on-the-go snack, what better kind of fast food is that?
Now I understand why the fast food giants lobbied to prevent the listing of calories on the big board when you order. Happy snacking everyone! Go ahead and splurge, just splurge consciously, responsibly and think and read the fine print first!!!

Visit USA Today for article regarding fast food chains (http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/weightloss/2008-07-18-calories-menus_N.htm)

Lisa Avellino

Focus 28 Fitness Expert

www.focus28.com

55 Comments »

My problem is fast food. I love McDonalds. Now that everything is posted, at least I know if I eat it, it’s nobody’s fault but my own. I must admit, I have stopped eating fast food since all the info was posted. I cheat once in a while.

Comment by Rosa A. — August 21, 2008 @ 9:32 am

Me too. It’s amazing how it makes a difference when you actually see what you are eating. You are what you eat.

Comment by Alex B. — August 21, 2008 @ 11:05 am

After actually seeing the calories in a fast food place wow it changes everything .I think it will make alot of people change their minds while ordering

Comment by Kate R — August 21, 2008 @ 11:21 am

I use my ready to drink shakes and my hot cocoa and cappuccino mixes when I need a quick fix. The protein bars are a big help also. No more fast food for me.

Comment by Charolette M. — August 21, 2008 @ 12:18 pm

What a shocker it was to see how many calories and fat grams in my favorite Big Mac. I will no longer eat there, and I will definately take my Focus 28 favorites with me.

Comment by Stephanie D. — August 21, 2008 @ 1:05 pm

I too was a big starbucks client. Once I seen all the calories and fat in my latte, I also stopped drinking it. I already see a difference.

Comment by Rihanna M. — August 21, 2008 @ 1:30 pm

I stopped eating fast food and drinking from those fast food places once they started to show me what I was consuming. I now converted to fast food Focus 28…lol. It’s true that it takes no time to prepare, and I can eat healthy on the go.

Comment by Barbara Z. — August 21, 2008 @ 1:37 pm

If these places arent affected yet just give it some time and people will begin to relize how unhealthy most fast food places are. Good artical..

Comment by Jim N — August 21, 2008 @ 9:03 pm

When im out with my kids and they are hounding me for happymeals i have had suprises for them .I have been packing my own little happymeals.After seeing some of the calories at these places i will not be allowing my kids to choose what they want.I pack all healthy snacks in cute little dollar store boxes and i even include a toy! Now i know they are eating the good stuff..The kids love it too.Takes more time and effort but all kids are worth it!!

Comment by Noreen K — August 22, 2008 @ 8:49 am

My wife and i went in to a BK and as usual i took a seat with the kids and she went to order two minutes later she comes to the table and says lets go .I said what happened ,she took me to the counter and showed me the calorie list for all the meals and said NO we cant do this any more to ourselves and our kids.We have know made nothing but good choices as far as our eating habits go.I am sure this will change many minds at the register.. NO MORE FAST FOOD FOR US!!!! Thanks

Comment by Craig F — August 22, 2008 @ 11:04 am

Once you see those numbers in calories next to what you have been eating.It makes the food appeal drop instantly.They didnt call it the big mac for nothing!! Im happy with my healthy food and snacks from focus28.

Comment by Gail M — August 22, 2008 @ 11:30 am

I take my focus28 snack bars and soy nuts and even my protein drinks every where with me.If i even venture into a fastfood place i know now the only thing i might be getting is a side salad.

Comment by Terry D — August 22, 2008 @ 12:03 pm

It is kind of scarey to see the amount of calories i have been indulging in for just one hamburger! All the fastfood places need to clean up their menus.

Comment by Marc G — August 22, 2008 @ 1:13 pm

All fast food places should consider adding a healthy choice kind of menu.This way people can have an option and dont have to stop fastfood cold turkey.

Comment by Lenora S — August 22, 2008 @ 5:36 pm

These laws should have always been in affect.I cant wait to see the changes they bring about to all fastfood places.

Comment by Aiden M — August 22, 2008 @ 7:12 pm

Holy cow a starbucks coffee 400 calories!I will more than likely give them a second thought on my way to work.They will be affected for sure by this new law.Hopefully in a good way.Thanks

Comment by Sammie T — August 22, 2008 @ 10:49 pm

I love my fast food but i will make more health concious choices from now on thats for sure.. Thanks for the info!

Comment by Barb G — August 23, 2008 @ 9:01 am

These laws were a fantastic idea thank goodness for the people behind it!!!

Comment by Mitch A — August 23, 2008 @ 11:14 am

If these resturants are not affected yet i am sure they will all be affected soon.People will more than likely think twice once they get a gander at the amount of calories they have been sitting down to.fast to eat a lifetime to work off!!

Comment by Amiee U — August 23, 2008 @ 12:55 pm

All fastfood places should have always had a calorie list. I hope it changes for the best..

Comment by Karney L — August 23, 2008 @ 1:20 pm

I agree. I would like to see more of a variety in low calorie obtions at these places instead of just a salad.

Comment by Stacy P — August 26, 2008 @ 1:08 am

I used to love eating fast food. Now I go and get a little disappointed but at least it keeps me focused.

Comment by Kathy A — August 26, 2008 @ 8:05 am

At least the these chains have a healthier choice on their menus since obesity has become such a national awareness

Comment by Carol A — August 26, 2008 @ 9:46 am

I would like to see these places add more nutritional meals like they have in the regular menu meal plans.

Comment by Peter L — August 26, 2008 @ 10:07 am

I have a harder time now eating fast food since they changed the law.

Comment by Lisa E — August 26, 2008 @ 11:44 am

Makes me think twice before eating out!!

Comment by Mae C — September 1, 2008 @ 7:00 am

As paying customers i believe we all have the right to know what we are consuming and how many calories it is and how unhealthy it is !

Comment by Sharie M — September 1, 2008 @ 9:12 am

Really is suprising when you put those meals into numbers.. If they arent affected yet it will only be a short while before they are ..

Comment by Lilly D — September 1, 2008 @ 9:49 am

It will be great to see a change for the better in all fast food places! Good artical.

Comment by Erin W — September 1, 2008 @ 10:57 am

I went to McDonalds one time since they posted nutritional info, and I left. I haven’t been back since and do not intend to.

Comment by Nancy C. — September 1, 2008 @ 1:07 pm

Fast food should be held accountable for what they serve to customers.. I was glad to hear of these laws!! Good job…

Comment by Anna D — September 1, 2008 @ 1:59 pm

My kids love fast food, and it is my fault. They don’t understand the nutritional information and I am having a very hard time explaining to them why all of a sudden they cannot eat it anymore. I only blame myself, but I am doing everything I can to fix it.

Comment by Judi P. — September 1, 2008 @ 4:28 pm

Working already!!!!!

Comment by Cece N — September 1, 2008 @ 7:13 pm

I have already seen began to see changes in some fast food places.

Comment by Marcy P — September 1, 2008 @ 10:38 pm

Good job!!

Comment by Donna N — September 2, 2008 @ 5:02 am

This should have been put into affect years ago!Im glad to see calories listed on the menus now i know what to choose and what not to choose..

Comment by Francis S — September 2, 2008 @ 6:44 am

Fast food the danger is in the title already..They should post customers beware!!

Comment by Lonnie F — September 2, 2008 @ 6:59 am

I only ate fast food like once a month, usually on the go, but now, I will not even go near it. It is not worth it.

Comment by Pauline R. — September 2, 2008 @ 7:09 am

After looking at the calorie list my kids and i decided to eat at home!!Good choice on my behalf!

Comment by Jeannie T — September 2, 2008 @ 7:37 am

I think that is the best thing that ever happened. Fast food is one of America’s biggest problems. No maybe people will think twice about eating it.

Comment by Randy Z. — September 2, 2008 @ 8:19 am

I think that every restaurant should have to post all nutritional information, not just fast food places.

Comment by Tonianne S. — September 2, 2008 @ 8:36 am

Im sure all these places did fight against having to post the calories on their menus. Now they will lose a ton of consumers…Those consumers will lose a ton of weight!!

Comment by Craig D — September 2, 2008 @ 9:41 am

I know that having the nutrition information posted, it has helped me to recognize what I shouldn’t be eating. I hope it helps other people as much as it helped me.

Comment by Staci S. — September 2, 2008 @ 10:01 am

Happy snacking is right . Thats all i do now is snack on healthy foods..

Comment by Jenna D — September 4, 2008 @ 12:42 pm

A new begining for fast food places.. They needed to redo thier menu anyway ..

Comment by Gia M — September 4, 2008 @ 1:05 pm

New laws ,new foods,new habits!

Comment by Tess G — September 5, 2008 @ 7:41 am

Fun beverage!Not exactly! Watch those calories.

Comment by Sandra A — September 5, 2008 @ 8:16 am

I have begun a quest to not eat anything but healthy snacks and foods.I am going on a fast food strike!

Comment by Connie L — September 5, 2008 @ 9:23 am

I am so much more aware of all the calories around me since reading this artical.

Comment by Sally E — September 5, 2008 @ 10:06 am

Calories are a scarey thing!Especially in the hands of the enemy!

Comment by Jamie W — September 5, 2008 @ 1:13 pm

Im glad these fast food places have to come clean!I mean that literally.

Comment by Sandra A — September 5, 2008 @ 1:20 pm

I believe if its natural the calories have to be less than all that stuff with additives.No fast food!

Comment by Onnie R — September 5, 2008 @ 2:01 pm

I have never been a fan of any fastfood chain and its ashame it took so long for others to see what they were doing to themselves.