SUPER SIZING OF AMERICA:  MORE WEIGHT FOR YOUR BUCK

Erin Bartels, Dietetic Student, University of Missouri - Columbia

Candance Gabel, MS, RD, LD, Associate State Nutrition Specialist, University of Missouri - Columbia

As Americans we have been brought up to believe in the "bigger is better" rule. Just look at what we purchase: Hummers, 60-inch big screen TVs and extended cab trucks, 8 ounce steaks, jumbo cookies and super size fast food prove how we cling to our motto for even our food selections. We may be getting more for our buck and a bigger meal, but we are ending up suffering the consequences by having to lug extra pounds.

Why is America Expanding?

Not only do we like large things, Americans also find it hard to pass up a good bargain. For a small price increase we can get a larger amount of French fries and an even bigger drink. What we have not stopped to think about is what comes with those added fries and drink. One quarter pounder with cheese super-sized with a regular soda pop averages out to be 1,550 calories and 59 grams of fat. This total is what most women need for a whole day, not a meal. Looking at food in this way helps explain where our added weight may be coming from. Just eating this super sized quarter pounder meal four times a week could add one pound to your body weight. Instead of ordering the super size you can save 1,060 calories and 39 grams of fat by ordering a hamburger, small fries and a diet soda pop (total 490 calories and 20 grams of fat). Or you can even save more calories and fat grams by packing your own lunch that incorporates more nutritious vegetables and meat.

Has Americans always eaten like this?

Absolutely not!  Take a look at the comparisons below between serving sizes in the 1950's versus today:

1950 vs. 2003

~ 6.5 (oz) soda vs. 64 (oz) soda
~ 1.5 cups spaghetti vs. 3 cups spaghetti
~ 3 (oz) muffin vs. 6.5 (oz) muffin
~ 1.5 (oz) hamburger vs. 8 (oz) hamburger
~ 1 (oz) chocolate bars vs. 2.6 (oz) chocolate bar
~ 5 inch quesadilla vs. 10 inch quesadilla
~ 1.5 (oz) bagel vs. 4-4.5 (oz) bagel

You can see why obesity is increasing in the U.S.

What's the bottom line?

Ask for a nutrition facts sheet when at a fast food restaurant. Think about how hungry you are and then order. If you listen to your stomach and eat when you are hungry and stop when you are full you will reduce your intake of unnecessary calories and be making a significant nutritional change.