McDonald's CEO Defends Healthy Menu

Fast food unhealthy? As if!

That's the basic message McDonald's Corp. CEO Jim Skinner told shareholders Thursday. He urged them not to believe the recent surge of "fiction," news reports and movies that gave maligned the fast food industry lately. He pledged the company will be more aggressive and creative in setting the record straight.

Negative publicity has been swirling around McDonald's for a few years now. From a new children's book and soon-to-be-released movie - both associated with the 2001 book "Fast Food Nation" - to various lawsuits blaming the restaurant for obesity.

"These days, big equals bad," Skinner said. "And fiction somehow has become more compelling than fact. You have every reason to be proud of your company, our values and our social responsibility record."

Among the reasons why Skinner believes this to be the case would be the record of McDonald's inn food safety and quality, toy safety, employment opportunity, training and development, charitable giving, animal welfare and the environment.

"Fictitious information irresponsibly published and reported in the media has people questioning the quality and safety of fast food in general," he said. "But at McDonald's, we work closely with our suppliers to develop and implement the highest standards, and have for over 50 years."

As obesity rates among both children and adults have risen, fast food has come under quick fire. McDonald's has responded to these complaints by making its food healthier; e.g. offering more salads and fruit items, along with other menu options.

But the pressure to remain a healthier option has increased this year with the publication of "Chew On This," co-written by "Fast Food Nation" author Eric Schlosser. The book adds to criticism of the fast food world due to its perceived role in increased nationwide weight gain, while also viewing McDonald's in a negative light on the issues of food safety and employment security, among others.

The company said last month it would "ramp up" promotion of its healthier menu choices in response to the new book, taking a more active tack than it did following the 2004 documentary, "Super Size Me," which skewered the fast food business.

"We are committed to taking action that will most impact consumer perception and trust. And we will be more aggressive and creative in setting the record straight," said Skinner.

Another crisis facing the company? A farmer and a human rights activist called attention at the meeting to the working conditions in the tomato fields of Florida.

"The workers who pick the tomatoes that go on McDonald's sandwiches and salads work under conditions that can only be described as sweatshops — poverty wages, no overtime pay, no right to organize and no benefits," said Lucas Benitez, co-founder of the Coalition of Immokalee Workers in southwest Florida.

Skinner responded that McDonald's has worked closely with its suppliers to maintain the highest standards for its workers and will continue to do so.

-- Lee Bauer

Babysteps to Health

Slow and steady wins the race. When you slowly take off the pounds and stick to an exercise program, you are more likely to keep those pounds from coming back. Look at every pound lost as a small victory in the road to health.
Don't set yourself up for failure; set goals that are attainable. Lofty goals are hard to meet and only leave you frustrated.
Make it easier on yourself--use half the cream and sugar in your coffee. Make small changes that add up to a big defecit but don't leave you feeling like your giving up everything you love.
Reward your success--the right way. We'd all like to celebrate that 5 pound milestone with a hunk of chocolate cake, but consider treating yourself in a different way. Why take five steps forward and then two back?
Keep it interesting. Variety is the spice of life; try new things and new foods. If you eat yourself into boredom, you won't be able to stick to a diet or workout routine.
Small changes for big results. Love eggs? Ditch the yolks. Chicken? Lose the skin and try baking or grilling instead of frying. It all adds up over time.
Keep track of activity. Keeping a log or journal of your workouts not only keeps you honest, it allows you to take a look back and see just how far you've come.
If you must eat sweets, eat dark chocolate because it has many health benefits
Stay away from the scale. When your clothes get looser and your measuments shrink should be proof enough that you are on the right track. Numbers on a scale are just overrated.

When is a Fad Diet a Bad Diet?

Time for a reality check: there is no magic bullet, instant cure, or easy way out. Losing weight is not easy, and many fad diets fall easily into the bad diet category. Be wary of any diet or weight-loss program that:

Promises rapid weight loss. Any weight loss of more than 2 pounds per week is too rapid, unsafe, and is unlikely to stay off.
Promises easy weight loss without exercise or that weight loss can be maintained without lifestyle changes.
Uses miracle or magical foods. No food can melt away fat or undo years of overeating and lack of exercise.
It's basis lies in consuming only one (or a limited number) of foods, encourages consuming certain foods in mass quantities, or calls for specific food combinations.
Relies on undocumented case histories. Testimonials and anecdotes mean nothing if there is no scientific data to back up claims.
Promotes unproven or inauthentic weightloss aids such as herbs, supplements, body wraps, pills, cellulite creams, etc.
Sound too good to be true. Most of the time it's because they are.

Splurge vs. Smart: Dining Out Without Breaking Your Diet

High-calorie, fat-laden, large portioned restaurant meals don't have to be a diet breaker. With some careful reading, you too can enjoy a night out without the guilt of a caloric splurge.

When dining American, be wary of words like buttery, fried, pan-fried, crispy, au gratin, creamed, sauteed, and hollandaise. Look for items that are described as steamed, broiled, grilled, roasted and poached to help cut back on calories and fat.

In the mood for a little Italiano? Sauces created from cream or cheese, such as Alfredo sauce, quickly pack in the fat. Go for sauces that are tomato based, and take half home with you--almost all pasta dishes weigh it at well over a serving or two.

Craving some late-night Chinese? Stay clear of batter-coated, breaded, or deep-fried foods and go for the stir-fry. Plain rice is better than fried, and go easy on the sauces; soy sauce and other Asian sauces tend to have high sodium content.