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American restaurant chains have taken over western world shopping strips, malls and country highways. They are so iconic that on a road trip, it is common to say as a child or pre-teen, that if you see a McDonalds sign, you've hit civilization. McDonalds, Burger King, KFC, Subway, Wendys, Krispy Kremes, Donut King and Taco Bell can be found around the world and are a culinary part of the western culture. Even Starbucks adds to the fast food culture with its instant caffeine hit and a pastry.

The problem with this onslaught of fast food chains is the sizing. Everything comes BIG. Or versions of BIG. Upsize the fries and drink, the burgers are huge with the option of adding an extra pattie of beef (or two), extra bacon, extra cheese (but never extra lettuce or tomato) and the coffees even sound big - Tall and Grande. What is that all about?

Pret a Manger in the UK is McDonalds answer to healthy eating with a superb selection of sandwiches, bagettes, wholesome muffins and hand-baked bake goods with a variety of fresh fruit available in a pick-your-own fruit bowl on display. The servings are smaller, but maintain fullness without feeling bloated. However, on the other side of the English Channel, you would find it hard to find a McDonalds or a fast food house at the rate you see them in other westernized cities. For instance, in Paris the cafe culture is so rich and part of their lifestyle, there is no room for McDonalds but as a familiar tourist site for oversized, ignorant Americans.

Australia and New Zealand have taken on the American fast foot culture rapidly and the growth of obesity is the proof in the pudding.

The problem with the world taking on these American fast food chains is that when you visit the United States, you feel that that the fast food chains are all that America has to offer, when the opposite is true. The problem though, is that the theme of large meals, especially in family based restaurants carries through. You can go to family based restaurants like Elmers and you automatically get an appetizer when you order a main meal. It's part of the price. But what if I just want the entree? What a waste. It seems affordable eating means 'plenty on the plate', where as, more expensive meals, like cafe or restaurant meals, give you a satisfying selection of healthy and mainstream meals (pastas, risottos, chilies, steak, chicken, salad, etc), but the price usually doubles your meal budget.

So understandably, fast food restaurants and cafes maintain their popularity for large cheap meals ensuring that the entire family can have a night out or a treat. So if the family eatery is dominating this wealth of eating, what will happen in future generations? The child now will continue to visit these fast food outlets because that is all they know. So shouldn't the family psychologist (Mom or Dad) change the family pattern to rather having one night eating out a week of fast food 'fat' dripping yuck, to a more tummy satisfying one night eating out a fortnight at a more mouthwatering eatery? I know which I would choose?

Learn more about this author, Sue Langeder.
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