Has McDonalds Made You Fat?

This morning I was watching (rather listening) to the news talking of a new commercial about a dead man holding a McDonalds cheeseburger. (Just for the record, I will assume McDonalds will not sue me since I’m defending their honor.) Let me say, some days it’s not easy to write a blog but on days like this, it is. Also, there's one more thing I need to say...I am not politically correct. I don't care about being politically correct. The words fat, obese and overweight mean the same thing to me. So don't get mad for me calling you fat (if you are) instead of obese. Ten pounds of fat weighs the same as ten pounds of obese.

My first question is “Why are people so quick to blame McDonald’s for their problems?” My second question is “How big is this gun McDonalds is holding to fat Americans’ heads?”

I will be the first to admit I’m fat. I know. I’m the one who can’t fit into my jeans from last season. I’m the one who has noticed the pounds getting higher on the scale. And I’m the one who doesn’t exercise. The last time I ate at McDonalds was back in October or November and it was to get the McRib sandwich (once in a lifetime event almost). But I’m not going to blame McDonalds for me being fat. I should probably blame the Chinese takeout restaurant or I could blame Ingles where I do my grocery shopping because 9 out of 10 times, we eat home cooked meals. However, my home cooked meals usually require cooking oil, bleached flour, salt, sugar, and definitely red meat.

I know that in order for me to not be fat, I’m going to have to get off my butt and exercise. I have my excuses for not doing it at this moment in time but at least I know my situation. I have friends that are in super shape and no surprise here, but they exercise. I see my friends running up and down the sidewalks in town all the time. I assume they know like I know that in order to be in great shape, you must discipline yourself to do it. I have no discipline.

I just don’t understand why McDonalds is the target of the blame for obesity. Other places have foods that are just as bad if not worse. San Francisco has banned the toys in Happy Meals because it encourages unhealthy eating in children. Does Burger King not have toys in their kids’ meals? I’ve heard also that McDonalds has caught blame for obese children because of the playgrounds. Wouldn’t the playgrounds encourage kids to be active? My kids must eat their meals before playing on the playground and what’s a better way to tire out the kids before going home! As far as adults are concerned, who is requiring them to go spend their money at McDonalds? Are their paychecks specifically written out to McDonalds? Don’t think so!

So in conclusion, to all the fat folks blaming McDonalds for you fat problems, do what my friend Delores told me once….Back that ass up from that table!