Surviving the Super Size

By Cindy Williams, RN

Coordinator, Health Ministries

Super Size Me, a 2004 American documentary directed and starring Morgan Spurlock, focused on the dangers of fast food, specifically McDonalds. Morgan ate and drank only food and beverages from McDonalds for 30 days. His doctors predicted that he would gain a little weight and that his cholesterol and triglycerides would go up. Morgan experienced weight gain of 25 pounds, had headaches, depression, fatigue, massive food cravings, chest pain and pressure, his cholesterol increased, and he developed a fatty liver. His doctors told him to stop the experiment by day 21 because they feared he would permanently damage his body.

Most of you reading this probably eat fast food infrequently, maybe even rarely. It may be only when traveling, when a meeting runs late at work, or after a long day of running errands. You are tired and hungry and fast food is convenient and tastes good. I have been in this situation myself in the past. COVID has reduced the number of trips and amount of time I spend out and about. I have also been thinking about ways to reduce both the need and the temptation to get fast food when I am out. Here are a few things that I have come up with. I hope they are helpful.

• Make a car survival kit with healthy snack foods such as dried fruits, nuts, fruit leather, cereal and granola bars, bite-sized whole grain cereal, small containers of canned fruit, vegetarian baked beans, shelf-stable juice or milk boxes, and pretzels. Be sure to include a paring knife, can opener, spoon, and any cups, bowls, or plates that you might need. Put your kit in a mouse-proof container so you don’t have any surprises later.
• Make an office survival kit. This could include the same items as the car survival kit but access to a microwave in the office greatly expands the possibilities. Canned and dry soups, chili, and pre-cooked rice and quinoa are available. There are also good frozen options if you have a freezer at your workplace. 
• Make a plan for days when you know you will travel, have meetings late at the office, or have lots of errands to run. Pack an insulated lunch box with easy-to-grab veggies, a wrap or sandwich, and a cold-water bottle.

This article is part of a continuing series of health during these COVID times. For other articles, please see www.uccsda.org/healthministries.

Photo by Jurij Kenda on Unsplash