Super-Duper Sized

Start stretching your stomach for this...

It wasn't too long ago that America and it's fondness for fast food was dealt a healthy dose of reality: we were getting too fat, and fast food was a major culprit...and don't think America didn't notice. Ask Krispy Kreme what happens when your product is terrible for the waistline (yet so addictive!) Franchises all over the country went down in oil and frosting despite all the free "Hot Now" offerings. Even places like McDonald's began to offer smaller portions and menus that offered calorie/saturated fat listings in order to help consumers make wiser choices. Slowly, though, the notion that more is better is regaining the foothold that once dominated the restaurant industry.
Think about it: those of you who eat fast food on occasion NEVER leave having drunk just one soft drink. In the name of economy, we feel we just have to have at least two servings in order to get our money's worth...and all the fancy drinks from coffees to smoothies? Loaded with calories, sugar and caffeine. Think you can get by in a more healthy way by going inside a "real" restaurant? Maybe...most likely, maybe not. This according to the Center for Science in the Public Interest as noted in its latest newsletter Nutrition Action Healthletter.
The publication recently reported it Xtreme Eating Awards...a designation of some of the absolutely worst foods available for the consuming public. This year, there were eight "winners," but I'll stop at the top three because it makes me feel overfull to go further.
1. Denny's Fried Cheese Melt: Just as it implies, this sandwich consists of four fried mozzarella sticks between two slices of sourdough bread with melter American cheese inside as well. Served with fries and marinara sauce, this baby weighs in at 1260 calories, 21g. of saturated fat, and more than 3,000mg. of sodium. (feeling queasy already)

2. The Cheesecake Factory's Farmhouse Cheeseburger (pictured). Even without the 460 calories provided by the accompanying fries, this burger will test your limits with 1530 calories, 21g. of saturated fat, and 3210 mg. of salt. (unsteady on my feet as I leave the table looking for dessert)

3. Coldstone Creamery's PB&C shake will top off any calorie-hunter's meal. Weighing in at 24 ounces, this shake of chocolate ice cream, peanut butter, and milk sounds innocuous enough. However, when one figures this behemoth of a dessert item features 2010 calories and a whooping 68 g. of saturated fat (all equal to 2 16-oz. T-Bone steaks and a buttered baked potato), it's enough to long for the days when five kids fought over four pork chops.

I will admit, there are healthy choices out there, and it's up to the consumer to be smart enough to make the right choices, but thee things often are pictured to be SO GOOD that temptation is virtually irresistible.
At 200 calories, a Krispy Kreme doughnut looks good in comparison...wish I had one.