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jilliibabii
Mrs. O'Connor
Member since 6/10 12821 total posts
Name:
Jillian
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Re: McDonald's skirts Happy Meal toy ban
Posted by greenfreak
Posted by jilliibabii
But the groundwork has been set. Kids will always look at McDonalds as a fun meal. The toy, Ronald McDonald, the play pit, the golden arches, the whole thing is iconic. Removing a toy from a happy meal won't change that. That's why I feel like it's still the parent's responsibility OR there needs to be a change made in the quality of the food. But if they did that, it wouldn't be McDonald's anymore. It would be healthier, but boring (in the eyes of kids and adults, alike, let's be real) and in all liklihood, more expensive, making it another option that people won't use. Then McDonald's would start losing money and they'd sacrifice quality for price and stick some toys back in there to entice kids and the whole vicious cycle would start again. So really, other than banning fast food and having the gov't dictate everything we can and cannot eat to make sure everyone is healthy, what other option is there? There's education, making healthy food more affordable... but you can only lead a horse to water, you can't make him drink.
Sorry, this spiel isn't directed at you GreenFreak, but just my crazy "what if" thoughts spinning out of control.
I'm not sure that making McDonalds healthier will be the death of it, look at all the other burger places gaining popularity. 5 Guys for example. It's still not healthy per se but it's better than McDonalds.
Have you seen Super Size Me? I think you'd like it. He went around trying to find the nutritional information that I believe is supposed to be visible at all times. It was comical, him trying to find them, and the employees being clueless.
I watch "I Used to be Fat" on MTV and the majority of the overweight kids have overweight parents. It is shameful how the parents just don't care or think that it's a problem, and are not part of the solution. Meanwhile it's not just the family that suffers, it's healthcare too, and the person sitting next to you on the airplane and all those other problems cropping up because of overweight Americans.
I know it's not directed at me, and I'm enjoying this conversation so no worries!  I wouldn't have even responded a year ago because I wasn't as concerned with my health and I didn't really know much about healthy eating. So this is all new for me too. 
You're absolutely right, I didn't think of 5 Guys or GoodBurger or places like that. But I guess maybe that's because I don't consider them "fast food" per se. I mean, really, they totally are, but either of those are MUCH more expensive than McD's and much less popular. I wonder why that is. I wonder if it's because they are newer or they don't spend as much cramming advertising down our throats like McDonald's does. Maybe the solution would be something along the lines of making sure a substantial amount of a food service's budget actually goes to food rather than gimmicks that try and bring the consumer in.
I actually have seen Super Size Me, and I did like it and it was a huge eye opener. I definitely have changed my eating habits because of it. But, I also feel like eating 3 meals a day at McDonald's for a month is unrealistic. At least, I hope it is!  So I take it for what it is and eat McDonald's in moderation. Yupp, I still eat it. It's deliciously bad. 
But honestly, I really agree with you for the most part. I just think there has to be a better way than targeting happy meal toys.
And I'm glad you know I'm not singling you out. You know it's the mandatory LIF disclaimer.
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Posted 12/1/11 11:51 AM  |
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Long Island Weddings
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greenfreak
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Member since 9/06 11483 total posts
Name:
greenfreak
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Re: McDonald's skirts Happy Meal toy ban
There is mention of McDonalds in comparison, you have to click the link - they just gave you a summary.
Those 5 Guys portions are what puts them over - slightly. If you ask for a cheeseburger at 5 Guys, you get two patties, not one. And their fries are double sized too. To compare, take a "junior" 5 Guys cheeseburger and compare it to a similar thing at McDonalds, add bacon, and supersize the fries. I eat a portion of fries the size of my fist, that's it. I don't know what the difference is between a Quarter Pounder with cheese meal at McDonalds and what I have at 5 Guys, but the difference in how I feel afterwards is amazing.
"Though Five Guys' food does have a high level of fat and calories, the quality and availability of the food may make it worth an occasional visit."
Maybe that's the difference for me - the quality of the food.
(I'm not saying McD's is healthier, just that basically no fast-food place is "healthy")
Completely agree! But if I choose to have it, I choose to have it someplace that doesn't make me feel like sh*t afterwards. 
Message edited 12/1/2011 12:14:49 PM.
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| Posted 12/1/11 12:12 PM |
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Goobster
:)
Member since 5/07 27557 total posts
Name:
:)
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Re: McDonald's skirts Happy Meal toy ban
Honestly I dont see the big deal. I would pay the 10cents for the toy.
Its all about moderation IMO. I enjoy McDonalds, not like I eat it daily.
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| Posted 12/1/11 12:54 PM |
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eroxgirl
My Loves
Member since 5/05 15697 total posts
Name:
Rebecca
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Re: McDonald's skirts Happy Meal toy ban
If they really want to "protect" children from the dangers of McDonald's, they'll take out all the play areas - not the stupid $.10 toy in the happy meal.
I take my DD there on occasion... not very often but every now and then if we're out and we need a quick place to eat. She's interested in the toy for about an hour but she's jonesing to go play from the moment I pull into the parking lot. If they didn't have those play areas I don't think she'd ever care to go.
And fwiw, she always eats the apples but usually can't finish her fries.
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| Posted 12/1/11 1:14 PM |
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HoneyBadger
YourWorstNightmare.
Member since 10/06 15979 total posts
Name:
BahBahBlackJeep
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Re: McDonald's skirts Happy Meal toy ban
Ok, and now I'm craving McDonald's or 5 Guys because of this thread...Damn you all!!! 
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| Posted 12/1/11 1:24 PM |
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Ophelia
she's baaccckkkk ;)
Member since 5/06 23378 total posts
Name:
remember, when Gulliver traveled....
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Re: McDonald's skirts Happy Meal toy ban
without the toy, a hhappy meal becomes a burger, side and a drink. 
it doesn't surprise me that they so easily found a way to circumvent the law..**** they are even MAKING MORE MONEY b/c of the law. so friggin typical.
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| Posted 12/1/11 1:26 PM |
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Ophelia
she's baaccckkkk ;)
Member since 5/06 23378 total posts
Name:
remember, when Gulliver traveled....
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Re: McDonald's skirts Happy Meal toy ban
what the govt CAN do is BAN all of the disgusting food additives they use.
if other chains can make do without them then so should McDonalds.
chicken mcnuggets skeeve the shizz out of me. I never liked them as a kid and now that I know what is in them I would feed my kid rubber dog **** shipped in from Hong Kong before I will let him eat one.
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| Posted 12/1/11 1:31 PM |
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NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..
Member since 11/09 54921 total posts
Name:
..being a mommy and being a wife!
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Re: McDonald's skirts Happy Meal toy ban
Posted by eroxgirl
If they really want to "protect" children from the dangers of McDonald's, they'll take out all the play areas - not the stupid $.10 toy in the happy meal.
I take my DD there on occasion... not very often but every now and then if we're out and we need a quick place to eat. She's interested in the toy for about an hour but she's jonesing to go play from the moment I pull into the parking lot. If they didn't have those play areas I don't think she'd ever care to go.
And fwiw, she always eats the apples but usually can't finish her fries.
And if you think about it- since she wants to go play she is getting exercise! And burning off those apples and fries!
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| Posted 12/1/11 1:32 PM |
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Jonsgirl04
Love my two girls! xoxo
Member since 9/08 6079 total posts
Name:
Stephanie
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Re: McDonald's skirts Happy Meal toy ban
Off Topic..Has anyone ever seen Fat Head?? It's a spinoff to Super Size me??
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| Posted 12/1/11 1:43 PM |
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Goldi0218
My miracles!
Member since 12/05 23902 total posts
Name:
Leslie
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Re: McDonald's skirts Happy Meal toy ban
My kids eat McDonalds 3-4 times a month out of convenience but NEVER EVER EVER as a reward. I have been in the "behavior business" WAY long enough to know that using food as a reward for good behavior is ineffective. Any decent behavior therapist would say the same.
That being said, Im lucky if I can get Abby to eat anything INCLUDING junk food. She's not into food. IF we go to McDonalds, it is never the toy that motivates her, it isn't even the fries. Lately, its the apple slices and the play place and if you pay attention, the play place is more likely to have a direct effect on her health because it is a HUGE breeding ground for germs. I can guarantee a cold or virus within a day or two of a visit and that is a huge deterrent to us going there.
I know what it means to have unhealthy habits. I was the fat kid that grew into the fat adult and I have 6 staples in my stomach to prove it. And I did NOT get fat on McDonalds. We never went there. I got fat on meals served familystyle with parents that did not set limits on my food intake and I was sedentary. I swore up and down that when I had kids that this would not be an option for them and I vowed to keep them active. This is why Abby swims and plays soccer (as will her brother) and this is why we spent money on a swing set for them so they could play OUTSIDE. So they can HAVE the treat every once in a while because activity is part of their lives now and not something they will dread. Its all they know. Its not always about the food or the toy - its about activity too.
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| Posted 12/1/11 2:48 PM |
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Goobster
:)
Member since 5/07 27557 total posts
Name:
:)
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Re: McDonald's skirts Happy Meal toy ban
Posted by Goldi0218
I know what it means to have unhealthy habits. I was the fat kid that grew into the fat adult and I have 6 staples in my stomach to prove it. And I did NOT get fat on McDonalds. We never went there. I got fat on meals served familystyle with parents that did not set limits on my food intake and I was sedentary. I swore up and down that when I had kids that this would not be an option for them and I vowed to keep them active. This is why Abby swims and plays soccer (as will her brother) and this is why we spent money on a swing set for them so they could play OUTSIDE. So they can HAVE the treat every once in a while because activity is part of their lives now and not something they will dread. Its all they know. Its not always about the food or the toy - its about activity too.
Bingo.
You can eat just as UNHEALTHY in your own home, with your mom's own home cooking. So add that and a sedentary lifestyle, and that's what makes people overweight. NOT McDonalds per se.
I agree.
Growing up, my brother and I were thin as rails. We ate the same food as my sister who was very overweight. Difference was we stopped eating when we were finished/full, whereas my sister was an overeater. Same food, different people. Food was mostly homecooking, McDonalds or takeout rarely. Two of us were thin and one was very overweight.
There are so many other factors when it comes to being overweight. That's why I let my DD have McDonald 2-3 times a mth. She could eat just as unhealthy when I make her food at home if it's a full fat product, such as cheese, etc. It's all about moderation IMO, that's the key to being thin.
Message edited 12/1/2011 3:17:14 PM.
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| Posted 12/1/11 3:13 PM |
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HoneyBadger
YourWorstNightmare.
Member since 10/06 15979 total posts
Name:
BahBahBlackJeep
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Re: McDonald's skirts Happy Meal toy ban
Posted by Goldi0218
My kids eat McDonalds 3-4 times a month out of convenience but NEVER EVER EVER as a reward. I have been in the "behavior business" WAY long enough to know that using food as a reward for good behavior is ineffective. Any decent behavior therapist would say the same.
That being said, Im lucky if I can get Abby to eat anything INCLUDING junk food. She's not into food. IF we go to McDonalds, it is never the toy that motivates her, it isn't even the fries. Lately, its the apple slices and the play place and if you pay attention, the play place is more likely to have a direct effect on her health because it is a HUGE breeding ground for germs. I can guarantee a cold or virus within a day or two of a visit and that is a huge deterrent to us going there.
I know what it means to have unhealthy habits. I was the fat kid that grew into the fat adult and I have 6 staples in my stomach to prove it. And I did NOT get fat on McDonalds. We never went there. I got fat on meals served familystyle with parents that did not set limits on my food intake and I was sedentary. I swore up and down that when I had kids that this would not be an option for them and I vowed to keep them active. This is why Abby swims and plays soccer (as will her brother) and this is why we spent money on a swing set for them so they could play OUTSIDE. So they can HAVE the treat every once in a while because activity is part of their lives now and not something they will dread. Its all they know. Its not always about the food or the toy - its about activity too.
I completely agree with this.
There are so many contributing factors to weight gain, but I really don't think the toy is one of them.
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| Posted 12/1/11 3:30 PM |
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Ophelia
she's baaccckkkk ;)
Member since 5/06 23378 total posts
Name:
remember, when Gulliver traveled....
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Re: McDonald's skirts Happy Meal toy ban
Posted by Goobster
She could eat just as unhealthy when I make her food at home if it's a full fat product, such as cheese, etc. It's all about moderation IMO, that's the key to being thin.
you cannot compare eating a cheese stick to eating McDonalds.
I am so sorry there is jut no comparison there.
I think your basic point is calories in vs. calories out is what makes you fat but leave it there b/c mcdonald's is straight up terrible for you.
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| Posted 12/1/11 3:48 PM |
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Goobster
:)
Member since 5/07 27557 total posts
Name:
:)
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Re: McDonald's skirts Happy Meal toy ban
Posted by Ophelia
Posted by Goobster
She could eat just as unhealthy when I make her food at home if it's a full fat product, such as cheese, etc. It's all about moderation IMO, that's the key to being thin.
you cannot compare eating a cheese stick to eating McDonalds.
I am so sorry there is jut no comparison there.
I think your basic point is calories in vs. calories out is what makes you fat but leave it there b/c mcdonald's is straight up terrible for you.
I wasn't referring to a cheese stick, which is usually a lowfat or part skim product. I am referring to a full fat cheese. Fat and calories can be too much, even in a healthier food such as cheese.
So my point is in the end, your calories and fat content can be the same whether its McDonalds or home baked lasagna, quesedilla, etc. And in the end, fat and calories, in excess, can cause weight gain.
I think certain home baked foods have just as many concerns when not in moderation, as something like McDonalds.
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| Posted 12/1/11 3:55 PM |
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DiamondGirl
You are my I love you
Member since 7/09 18802 total posts
Name:
DiamondMama
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Re: McDonald's skirts Happy Meal toy ban
Posted by Goldi0218
. So they can HAVE the treat every once in a while because activity is part of their lives now and not something they will dread. Its all they know. Its not always about the food or the toy - its about activity too.
ITA...I was a chubby kid and it was bc I was not physically active enough (and I ate too much ) but the lack of activity made me chubby. As a teen I started working out, have kept it up and have been normal weight since. I went to dancing school as a kid, but just did not get enough cardio, I hated sports. My kids will be active.
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| Posted 12/1/11 5:02 PM |
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DiamondGirl
You are my I love you
Member since 7/09 18802 total posts
Name:
DiamondMama
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Re: McDonald's skirts Happy Meal toy ban
Posted by Goobster
I think certain home baked foods have just as many concerns when not in moderation, as something like McDonalds.
I agree with this. I know people will argue the additives in fast food are worse and maybe they are but some of my home cooked holiday dishes have so much cheese and salami that the sodium alone IMO is as bad as McD's.
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| Posted 12/1/11 5:04 PM |
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Serendipity
Summer!
Member since 4/07 7631 total posts
Name:
PrayingWishingHopingALOT
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Re: McDonald's skirts Happy Meal toy ban
I dont see the big deal either. I am not one who is going to say NO MCDONALDS EVER. Do we go every day ..absolutely not. We go 1-2 per month.
Its a treat (for both me and her).
The Supersize me doc is completely unrealistic. Anyone who eats that type of food for one month for every meal of course will have consquences!
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| Posted 12/1/11 5:53 PM |
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Sweetlax22
LIF Adult
Member since 5/10 1904 total posts
Name:
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Re: McDonald's skirts Happy Meal toy ban
Did the politians think this was going to solve anything?
When I was a kid and there was a special toy that I really wanted bad m mom would go in and they would sell her just the toy for like $.75. She didnt like us eating that food more then like once a year so we didn't,
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| Posted 12/1/11 6:13 PM |
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juanvi
Get Out!
Member since 10/06 4463 total posts
Name:
Christina
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Re: McDonald's skirts Happy Meal toy ban
So ridiculous. Love those politiciNs! Bet I feel that bc my mom never let us eat the stuff I wanted it so bad so it turned into a treat. My kids will get it in moderation. Idont know anyone who gives to their kids everyday. It's still fairly pricey.
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| Posted 12/1/11 9:46 PM |
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