Disorder in the food court
Mall food courts are basically invitations to throw nutrition cares to the wind.
A Cinnabon for lunch? A half-gallon of Boardwalk Fries for dinner? Sure, why not? You’re at the mall. You’re not supposed to do much thinking at the consumers paradise.
Nevertheless, a recent Rachael Ray Show featured a segment titled “Healthier Choices at the Food Court.”
That’s a gusty challenge!
Rachael’s guest was Liz Vaccariello, editor-in-chief of Prevention magazine. I’m not sure what Prevention is designed to prevent, but on that show Liz was preventing clear dietary thinking.
When the topic rolled around to burgers and what to eat on the side, Liz pointed out that French fries and onion rings are not “ideal” because they’re fried. Absolutely true. So the “healthier choice” here is obvious, right? Without question, you eat the burger and don’t order a side. You sure don’t need those trans fats and empty calories.
But no.
Liz’ suggestion: Go with the French fries.
Here’s her reasoning: “They have some vitamin C, some vitamin B, some potassium…the only thing onion rings have is that odor-causing sulfur so you’re not getting any nutrients.” And she adds: “Potatoes are very heatlhy.”
Stupefying.
First: No nutrients in onions? How about flavonoids? They’re loaded with antioxidants. Onions also contain vitamins C and B6, as well as folate and potassium.
Meanwhile, a potato — in ANY form — is a really bad choice. Sure, you’ve got nutrients there, but the carbs are simply junk. A baked potato is as close to a pure, refined starch as you can get without actually refining it. And potatoes are unique in that deep frying makes them even worse — dangerous actually — because the high cooking temperature creates acrylamide, a suspected carcinogen.
So if you WANT to promote weight gain, increase abdominal fat, and set the stage for type 2 diabetes, sure go with the French fries. And a Cinnabon, and an Auntie Anne’s Pretzel, and a Frappuccino, and…just about anything else in the food court.
To Your Good Health,
Jenny Thompson
Source:
“Healthier Choices at the Food Court” Rachael Ray Show, 2/19/10, rachaelrayshow.com
