Something I read last night is still bothering me. A new study that went beyond the impact of fast food advertising on kids found an early awareness of — and preference for — foods branded McDonald’s.
Dr. Thomas Robinson, a Stanford University obesity prevention expert, bought a bunch of food at McDonald’s. Some was left in the original packaging, some was put into plain wrapping. He then conducted a taste test among several dozen children, ages three to five, asking which of the two versions they preferred. Overwhelmingly, to use his word, they said the food in the McDonald’s wrappers tasted better.
Even carrots. Even milk.
I understand why Reuters has to say this suggests fast-food marketing reaches the wee ones. But in the face of the findings, I’m willing to say that’s a bit like “suggesting” my squeeze might want to remember my birthday.
McDonald’s says it has been working on the need for responsible marketing and providing healthy choices.
The full story is here and the take on this study at Medical Net is here.
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With the rise of fast food nation, as adults we’ve abandoned the fine art of artistic presentation of food. It seems to me, this study suggests a lot not just about children, but adults. Might adults eat more carrots and kale, and smaller quantities of healthy nutritional food if they took the time to have a full sensory experience of what was in front of them–bright leafy greens, deep rich oranges, gorgeous almost black blues–all well presented, might cause us to eat slower, appreciate, give thanks for abundance in a world of economic disparity.
If kids are swayed by packaging and presentation, perhaps adults are too. A chilled glass, a brightly colored napkin, a table set with even a single flower, and simple, elegant food well cooked and then well presented will no doubt make us feel like we’ve really eaten from G-d’s good earth, understanding that stuffing some transfat laden burger and fries down our throats in sixty seconds is about as far from the real thing as one could imagine.
Thanks for posting this study.
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Very good points, bb, and I think you’re on to something with the adult angle. Too often meals, even at home, are rushed or in front of the TV, computer or game console. I think there’s a disconnect somewhere.
Claudine Pepin has said that she learned, as an only child, to take good care of herself and that, as an adult, even when dining alone at home, she uses a place mat and pours a glass of wine. She said something along the lines of, “just because I’m eating alone it doesn’t mean I have to eat like an animal.” Of course she was raised with a greater appreciation of food than most of us, but some appreciation isn’t asking much.