Thursday, March 24, 2011

Do They Really Think We're Stupid?

Saw this on the news this morning: The FDA wants movie theaters to post the caloric content of their concession snacks and/or start providing 'healthy snacks' for movie goers: yoghurt, fruit, or granola bars.

As it turns out, everyone's favorite snack, the buttery popcorn, has the same amount of calories as three Big Macs. The Big Mac combo has fewer calories.

My take on today's 'news': So what?

I've said this before: When I go to McD's, I know I'm getting calorie-laden chicken nuggets, the best french fries in the world, and the best sweet tea. If I want to eat 'healthy', I'll either fix it myself or go to Subway (although, to be perfectly honest here, I only eat ham and cheese on Monterray Cheddar bread, and only put mustard on my foot-long). When I go to Dairy Queen or any ice cream store, I want lots of chocolate syrup on my sundae, or Brownie Batter ice cream. I don't want to eat 'healthy' for these treats.

So why mess with the movie theatre? Granted, I don't go to the movies that often anymore; we can't afford it. But sometimes I'll recreate that feeling with some microwave popcorn and add my own melted butter all over it. Or, grab my bag of pistachio nuts while indulging in my favorite DVD or rented one.

Does the FDA really think we're that dumb, that we don't know what we're eating anymore? Yes; once upon a time, people played dumb and sued fast food restaurants because of their weight issues, or even the temperature of their coffee (massive eye roll). But in the past ten years or more, people have wised up to the calorie/heart healthy/diabetic diets. THEY KNOW what they should and should not eat. And it's their CHOICE. Don't destroy my CHOICE to indulge in a greasy, buttery, salt-laden bucket of movie popcorn. That's half the fun of going to the movies.

My second favorite movie food? Junior mints. Milk Duds were a close 3rd...until I had braces and they were too sticky. So I was then hooked on Junior Mints and popcorn. But as the prices rise, I'm more selective. And I still can't drink very much during the movie; they won't pause it while I dash to the ladies' room. Another reason to stay home and watch it on DVD.

4 comments:

Unknown said...

They better not do anything to the popcorn. I love the popcorn at the theaters. My favorite thing, plus Milk Duds. :)

Carrie said...

I don't think it's about changing what's already there, but enhancing it. Think about it, if you're healthy conscious and want to enjoy a snack at a movie, why shouldn't you have healthy choices too?

It should be considered more about making people who want to continue to eat healthy not feel discriminated against.

Personally, with all of my food allergies, I'd stick with popcorn anyway - no matter what, because I love popcorn. However, there are times I just wish that I could get some plain popcorn during the movies...I can't so I don't get it at the theaters anymore...

Molly Daniels said...

You're right Carrie; I've no objection to the addition of healthy snacks; just don't take mine away:)

Marie Rose Dufour said...

We all know what we are getting. They just want to spoil our fun! I say bring on the popcorn and the extra butter. I will eat salads for a few days to make up the difference. ;)