Comparing David Zinczenko's Tod Marks And Mark Bittman

Food is an important aspect of one’s life. There are various options and places to consume food. Nowadays fast food is caused certain leads to various issues for certain individuals. There is healthy food, unhealthy food, frozen food, and lastly microwaved food. I was once in a stage in my life where I had two years after the age of twelve to make a choice to eat healthier and stop eating processed food. Or else I would’ve been six feet under by now. In discussions these authors David Zinczenko, Tod Marks, and Mark Bittman, have one controversial issue that has been about fast food. On the one hand, Zinczenko argues fast food should warn consumers exactly what they’re consuming. On the other hand, Mark and Bittman contend that fast food companies should be left alone and consumers should adapt and make the choice.

My own view is that it’s wrong what fast food companies are doing by not providing more information on the ingredients used in the food being served.

But I agree that the consumer has other choices on living a healthier diet.

In the American culture, many people usually in a rush or busy to cook homemade foods. Many Americans rely on fast, frozen, or microwaved food sources. Not only can processed food affect one’s weight, but cause internal health issues. Mostly working Americans and students depend on outside food. Some Americans blame big fast food companies like McDonalds, Taco Bell, Burger King, and others for this problem. In the essay “Don’t Blame the Eater” by David Zinczenko, he brings up some significant points relating to this matter. Zinczenko states, that “complicating the lack of alternatives is the lack of information about what, exactly, were consuming” (pg. 463). Essentially, he is pointing out that certain people complain about

alternatives, but yet at the same time don’t know what is the foods that they are consuming. If Americans do their homework on knowing the down falls of unhealthy foods, they will make better food choices. Zinczenko also adds that “Kids taking on McDonalds this week, suing the company for making them fat. Isn’t that like middle-aged men suing Porsche for making them get speeding tickets?” (pg. 462) Zinczenko’s point is that does not make sense for you to sue Porsche it’s a German car and all their cars are sports cars. So trying to sue McDonalds doesn’t make sense, just don’t eat it. People nowadays have many resources to obtain knowledge for them to sue the company, which makes no sense. You know and aware that it’s unhealthy so why even step into a place that’s not original. Both quotes are proof on how Americans can slack off when it comes to their health. Yes, not everyone can afford healthier foods but I’m sure you spend more money on fast food. On the other hand, there are usually vegies and fruits that are affordable for everyone’s budget.
On the other hand, in the article “Dining Out: Where America Eats” by Tod Marks states where American’s money being spent. According to Marks “Eating out isn’t just for special occasions anymore: Its now the American way of life.” (Mark) Mark also states “A lot of those dollars-two hundred sixty- two billion, in fact- are going to fast food emporiums such as McDonalds and Burger King.” (Mark) Marks point is Americans do not realize how much and what they spend their money. Many Americans do realize the choices they make aren’t the right ones. However, they still neglect it for many reasons. One can be it’s expensive, second they’re in a rush, and third too busy to be worried about what will the dish be for the day. On the flip side fast food is convienent for everyone. It’s quick, ready, tasty, and cheap.
In addition, “Is Junk food Really Cheaper?” by Mark Bittman, he adds on to what Mark states. Bittman agrees when he writes, “The “fact” that junk food is cheaper than real food has become a reflective part of how we explain why so many Americans are overweight, particularly those with lower incomes.”(Bittman) Bittman also states “This is just plain wrong. In fact it isn’t cheaper to eat highly processed food.”(Bittman) In making this comment, Bittman urges us to see the big picture and that if you really look at it fast food is more expensive. He goes on to say if for example you wanted to feed a family of four, it comes out to be twenty eight dollars versus nine dollars. That twenty eight dollars will get you two big macs, 6 chicken nuggets, two medium/small sodas and two medium/small fries. For that Bittman suggests to get a meal of rice with canned beans and some vegies, which is extremely healthier and cheaper. With that you can feed the family of four for three days plus save extra money. It all comes down onto how Americans where and want to spend their money. Americans need to change their mindset and stop settling for unhealthy food choices. We all know how it’s hard to maintain the essentials of life. Finding solutions like avoiding unhealthy, processed, and not fresh food, can lead to positive results, such as the obesity rate going down and more people physically healthier.
Indeed I can relate to this a lot because I was twelve at four eleven and carried one hundred eighty pounds. At that age, I was told if I don’t save myself then I won’t live anymore. I was scared, so I chose to change the way I eat. However, until this day I look back and ask myself did I have a choice to eat healthy. Yes, I did but I chose not to because I would come home from school late and see McDonalds across the street for me and say to myself, why make food if I could just buy it ready? Mind you, the supermarket was only about five minutes away. I could’ve even gotten me a piece of loaf with milk. Rather than two chicken sandwiches, large fries, and large soda. I agree with Zinczenko’s point when he says that fast food companies should add more facts and information about the food people are consuming. However, I do disagree when he says you can’t blame people for suing fast food companies. I believe people who suing fast food companies are doing it for no reason, because they know what they’re getting themselves into. Point is I understand that Americans are busy and are in a rush but there is nearly a right way to everything. Even if it takes more of your time it’s ok because in the end of the tunnel it benefits you. Think about it like this would you rather waste your time or life?
Making healthier choices decreases Americans health issues. When eating unhealthy it causes various health issues. Blaming certain companies for one’s lack of input isn’t going to help anyone. McDonalds and other similar fast food companies are trying to make money to grow and expand their business. I believe as an American that this countries people should view and be open to different food options. Regardless of how busy or in a rush were are in. I also believe Americans should cook home no matter what it takes because that way we save money and protect ourselves from health issues either current or in the future. The only way for big fast food companies to shut down is if we Americans stop spending our money in a place that’s causing themselves health issues. It’s simple all you have to do as a consumer is to stop eating rubbish food. Then eventually big companies will go bankrupt. Until then there is no point to sue big companies because the problem is you not them.