The McDonald’s Pandemic

I know, I know. Pooooor Mickey D’s gets picked on soooooo much, and I probably won’t be saying anything new. Exxxxcceeeeept for maybe this?

Waiting in the Phoenix Airport Terminal, Europe bound, the crazy a** line for MD’s was ridiculous, but the next spot over, a French Restaurant and Bakery (La Madeleine) is nearly empty — in fact, ironically enough, as we walk in to order my husband a coffee and grab some fruit, I see a table, of maybe 5 total, with someone enjoying their meal… from McDonald’s 🤣 I should also note that I didn’t look at the others tables, or really the first in fact. That one table was just right where the entrance to Madeleines was and it was an unavoidably and obvious observation.

Back to our gate, we are surrounded by McDonald’s smells, bags, people enjoying their MD meal(s), and garbage bins full of, you guessed it, McDonald’s. As I happily bite into a nice big juicy apple anticipating all the delicious meals I will be eating soon (on the plane, lol j/k), in Italy 🤤 I have a thought, or two or three or four…

Now, I will not lie and say I have never eaten at good ol’ Mickey D’s; however, I did not grow up eating it. Being part of a large family, even MD’s was a luxury my family could rarely afford. As an adult it also wasn’t overly desirable because I, admittedly, am a bit of a PITA (Pain In The A**) — I am a picky eater. As a child, the only thing I ate there was the chicken McNuggets with honey (I know, I know). As a young broke adult it was, on occasion, the egg McMuffin and, of course, the hash brown. I think a couple times the McGriddle but I had to acquire a taste for it lol — I am not a huge fan of savory and sweet together.

Fast forward a couple years, learning more about health, wellness, nutrition, the environment, what is done to food, and much much more, but perhaps most importantly, learning more about my own body and optimal health on an individual level. I honestly cannot remember how many years it has been since eating at McDonald’s. I would be lying if I didn’t admit that I wondered recently how that Egg McMuffin would taste to me now…

One more thing, as much as I do love my fruits and veggies, I do have a sweet and salt tooth that I do my best to keep in check. Some of the best advice I can give anyone… do not to keep the items you are trying to avoid ‘in stock’ at home aaaaand, find healthier deliscious alternatives. Remember the Tortoise and the Hair, do yourself a favor and start slow — slow and steady wins the race! Some people are able to quit anything ‘cold-turkey,’ however, for most people going slow and steady wins the race ☺️🥳🤩

Also, remember that your body needs to detox and as you shift your diet around things may feel better right way, but for many people it takes time and you may feel worse for a bit — especially if you do the ‘cold turkey’ idea (nothing wrong with that, just be prepared). Food should be our best medicine, but anymore it is our most dangerous drug, because we all need food to surrivive and many are unaware of how much food, of all kinds, has changed over that last 100(ish) years.

Rather than focusing on the foods you are trying to avoid — for any reason — focus on all the foods you can eat and all the new foods you can try. Get creative.

Something my husband and I did naturally, and I learned years later at the Institute of Integrative Nutrition was called, adding in. Once again, rather than focusing on removing unhealthy/unsafe/undesirable foods, simply eat more of the ones you are trying to eventually ‘switch them out for,’ and it will happen naturally over time.

I know it sounds similar to the first, but there is a subtle and important difference — Mindset, as well as action. As your diet changes, your tastebuds will also start to change too.

Lastly, drink more water, preferably between meals and not so much during meals (more on that in another article perhaps?) — most of the time when people are searching for food they are actually dehydrated and drinking water can help curb your appetite, or rather your ‘fake hunger.’

I find there is oftentimes a lot of judgement around McDonald’s, the food they serve, the people who eat there, and the people who work there. I am guilty as charged too.

We are all human and have opinions, experiences, and make mistakes, but I implore all of us to not only remember that there is always more to any story but also to have compassion for people who cannot afford or do not know more/‘better.’

Hopefully, we all do the best we can with the time money information etc. we have at the time. I know that I learn and grow daily. Sometimes that growth is natural, but probably more times than not it was through either strife, other people, trade-school, experience(s), or self-education.

Let’s help one another learn and grow toward better health and well-being of the Soul and Mind, as well as the Body — with as much care and compassion as I believe many of us hope someone would do for someone we care about.

It is with love for you, your loved ones, and the world that I ask you to do your best for yourself, for others, and for the world. We are here together, I believe, to try and help and support and LOVE one another. With compassion and empathy we have a better chance to make a difference in our own and other peoples lives, as well as the world. In times of need, it is exquisitely honorable to lend a helping hand, but it is also just as needed, beneficial, and beautiful all the rest of the time too 💜

Good Luck with your journey — whatever it might be. Know that you are enough, just the way you are. I believe in you and your ability to accomplish your goals. You’ve got this, just start wherever you are however you are one moment at a time. Hugs!

Blessings, Love and Light,

Your Idealistic HolisticNerd ~Mind.Body.Soul.~

Side note, McDonald’s in other Countries change to match the local clientele (as do other chains — my hubby said Pizza Hut in China was like a fine dining restaurant with about a 30 page menu). Here we see the local cuisine of fine Italian baked goods on the McCafe in Verona, Italy. Never underestimate the power of food to bring people together — no matter where it comes from.

(Note: Any links/books/etc. mentioned in the article are NOT affiliate links, and I do NOT earn any commission.)

Although I have personal and professional experience in the health and wellness field, including nutrition, I am not a certified/licensed nutritionist. I am a Certified Integrative Health Coach, Herbalist, LMT, Health & Wellness Enthusiast, etc.. The information contained in this, or any, article is meant for educational and entertainment purposes only. The contents of this article are not meant to diagnose, treat or cure any disorder disease. I, the author, am neither a medical nor mental health advisor — as with any and all recommendations, please do your own due diligence.

Note: This article is a compilation of my own life experiences, research, testament, opinion(s), etc.. It is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical, legal, or clinical services. Although I, the author, have personal and professional experience in the health and wellness field, including health coaching, am not a certified/licensed nutritionist or mental health professional. I, the author, am neither a medical nor mental health advisor — as with any and all recommendations, please do your own due diligence.

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