Burger King's Quad Burger -- Obesity on a bun

It's not up to Burger King and McDonald's, etc. to offer healthier food. Nobody goes to fast food joints for healthy food.

I agree that healthy food costs more in stores, and it is sold in much smaller quantities, but it is our responsibility to eat moderately, and to teach that to our children.

Burger King is just out to make $.

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It would be nice if a fat tax could be structured in such a way that it would provide a discount on healthy food. If our governments are already providing subsidies to some farmer/ranchers - find a way to structure them so that they impact foods that are delivered fresh and healthy, instead of deep fried and over processed.

Will this deter addicts? Of course not. What it would do is make it easier for people who want to eat healthier but cannot afford it. Align financial realities with healthy realities and we'd all be better off.

I haven't read one comment suggesting that this food be outlawed, merely that the costs of the consequences of eating a diet that is generally unhealthy be attached to the intial purchase of that diet.

Our entire continent is experiencing a major health crisis due to our weight. It's not all related to our diet, but it is certainly a major contributor. Lets do what we can to help people who want to make the best choices for their diets do so without having to choose between clothes for their kids or feeding them junk.

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Monica-THANK YOU for saying what I actually wanted to say, and couldn't articulate.

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My fiance saw that and instantly said "Now, THAT is MY kind of burger!" I am trying to keep him away! We have enough weight problems (along with the fact we can't afford to eat out) to let him eat this!

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Oh, y'all--these comments hit so close to home. Yeah, that burger is gross, and I wish it were not held up on billboards and in TV ads as A Choice That Makes Sense or Should Exist At All. But it will sell.

I've been on all sides of this debate. I was the founding editor of a magazine for fast food (quick-service) executives. Now I'm a full-time mom and writer and blogger.

We have to remember that these big chains watch where we spend our money. If we take our kids to the restaurants and choose good things like fruit cups, milk, trans-fat-free choices, and organic or naturally raised choices, like Panera's kids menu or the chicken at Arby's, then the companies will provide more of those choices, and we'll keep a really good ball rolling.

IOW, we need to put our money where our mouths are, literally.

Here's where I come down on all this, and it sounds a lot like many of these comments: (1) I am most responsible for my child's menu now, when she's small, and for her choices later when she's old enough to make them. (2) Fast food is going to be unavoidable in her daily life. It's on public TV, it sponsors rec-league sports teams...I cannot shelter her. And, our family is going to eat fast food several times a month. (3) I need to use my expertise to help her learn to make the best choices...among which this disgusting burger would NOT figure!

And to the posters struggling to shop and eat on a budget: Better choices are not always more expensive. The major chains' salads are higher in fat and calories than cheeseburgers once you add the toppings and dressing! Try plain burgers, skip the fries except for treats several times a month. Try rice-and-bean burritos, no sour cream, with lettuce and tomatoes and salsa. Those things are really good for you, and cheap.

It IS possible to eat some fast food and still be healthy, and that's what our kids need to see us do.

Okay, I'll stop ranting here and take it to my site instead. Comments and debate most welcome!

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Monica, I loved your post. I really wish U.S. production were structured in a way that could reward sustainable, healthy, even organic farming. But corporate farming, and the enormous strength of food and restaurant lobby groups, will keep that from happening.

The only reason Wal-Mart and other large supermarket retailers are adding organic sections is because **it is selling like hotcakes.** (Now the organic label is getting diluted, but that's a different post.)

Again, if we align our spending with what we want for our families, we can create change in supermarkets and restaurants.

Unfortunately, incentives for healthy farm production aren't likely to happen. Let's just say the gov't will roll those out around the same time subsidized day care rolls out. :)

Meanwhile, very unfortunately, the opportunity to shop at places like Whole Foods are reserved for those of us with the means to pay the premium.

One wonderful development is the proliferation of farmer's markets...shop locally! Buy directly from your farmers! I love walking away from our state farmers' market with, like, ten bags of veggies, fruits, breads, and cheeses for $10.

- L

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Fat tax sounds like a good idea... and use the money to subsidize healthy products, esp. for the economically disadvantaged. Now that would be great. The prices on fast food, soda pop & such are so low, it is ridiculous. Kids, young families, etc. are sorely tempted to live on a fast food/junk food diet... because it's the most available option. Farmers markets are a great thing, unfortunately we can only take advantage of them when fruits and veggies are in season, which is like 3-4 months out of the year.
Oh, and when food manufacturers stop putting corn syrup in everything... that'll be the day.
And yes, I know a few people that quit smoking because the price went up... including my own husband!

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