Fast Food Calorie Facts

Today marks Marathon Monday 2008 Boston Marathon, the course runs past my house and I can see the runners through my window, so I wanted to create this health related post, then I am going out to go and get an up close look at the runners. Will try to take a picture or two with my new phone. Still learning all the features, so I hope I can capture one moment of this spectacular event.

Over 20, 000 people will be running, many for charitable causes and most to achieve a personal accomplishment. God bless them. I run around the track one lap, and it feels like my lungs and shins are on fire…lol. I just need more conditioning.

Fast food consumption is related to obesity in many African Americans. A typical favorite combo or extra value meal items can set you back 2-3,000 calories or more. That is a TON of calories at one mealtime. If you are trying to modify your diet and lose weight, check with your family physician or get a referral for a dietician consultation.

Many parents let their young children eat entire adult sized packaged value meals, without realizing the long-term effect of feeding them excessive amounts of high caloric food. Fast food is loaded in salt and fat, in addition, a sugary beverage alone can have 300+ calories. If the recommended daily caloric intake is somewhere around 2000, and you have already used 300 calories on a soda during one meal, how do you think you will keep your weight under control? Magic?

Some of the most serious health problems in the black community include diabetes, hypertension, cancer, and more cardiac related problems. This is an informational post, I do not want to sound preachy, but I care. Here are links to nutritional data to some of the most popular fast food restaurants. Find out how many calories you are putting in your body, your child’s body, and the rest of your family. Fast food is okay in moderation, but consumption on a daily basis is detrimental to anyone's health.

After the jump, I have added height weight charts, which some say are not realistic. Okay. If it is not realistic, add 5 or 10 pounds to the range.