It was the summer of ‘93; I had a thrilling job at The Lobster Roll (aka Lunch). Despite my lovely attire of a uniform t-shirt and khaki shorts, I was seeing someone. He told me he noticed that I was friendly with one of the cooks (approx. weight 425). His theory was that if I was friends with the large guy, I must be nice. Well, I knew it wasn’t the outfit. I was 19 and leaving to go abroad in September. He was 27, an artist, in Montauk for the summer to surf and paint. When surfer met my parents, before we went out one night, I don't even think he said hello. The point of my story is that this was fun but ill fated. Even at 19, when you know nothing, I knew this was a waste. A waste with an old fashioned Chevy Malibu convertible that was fun to ride around in. I was reminded of this when I contemplated one of my favorite foods.
One of my favorite foods isn't something I should eat. Considering I am practical by nature, it doesn't make sense that I dally in it. When we met with Dr Oz last month, he mentioned this food as the single worst food you can eat when it comes to weight. This wasn’t the conclusion of one small study but from the Nurses Health Study and Health Professionals Follow up study. Over 120,000 doctors and nurses, not obese at the start, were monitored every 4 years for 12 to 20 years. So what was the sad news? Fries, alone contributed to 3-4 pounds every four years and were correlated with the most weight gain for a single food. No small fry.
Knowing something and hearing it from someone else are very different. I had read this study, even blogged about it (a different part of it) but hadn’t heard the word “worst.” I rarely order fries but they make their way to the table piggybacking with grilled chesses and chicken sandwiches and other foods my children eat. I literally take a silent no French fry vow before the fries arrive to remind myself. For me, it’s easier not to start as one, especially when they’re crispy, can lead to too many. About once a month, I let myself reach over. So fries are still in my life but limited and as an alternative I bake spicy sweet potato fries at home. In relationships, I left silly choices in my teens. In 1998, the human equivalent of dark chocolate: fun, interesting and good for me.
Are you a fry lover? How often do you eat them? Did you know fries were “the worst”? What’s the worst uniform you’ve had to wear for a job?
I never would have guessed fries were the "single worst food". However, I guess it makes sense since all Americans eat them and we are obviously NOT healthy! I love fries, but don't ever eat them. IN fact, I don't ever start because I know I will continue eating more if I do (like you said, it's easier for me not to start at all).
ReplyDeleteSweet potato fries though, that's another story!
i enjoyed this little story and analogy :) except that it's nice that we can all still dabble in the "worst" foods (everything in moderation, right?) but not in directionless artist types with no social graces. ha :P
ReplyDeleteGina- are we giving sweet potato fries a pass, hmn.
ReplyDeleteSofia- I don't believe in everything in moderation (soda, sweeteners some things I think we shouldn't eat at all) but yes, a certain place for treats. The "directionless artist types with no social graces" no place for those.
I'll admit to being a french fry consumer. I can't help myself they can be so good sometimes. But, I might only have a few when I go out for lunch and that doesn't happen too often. It does make sense that they would be the worst though; fried, salt laden, etc. I would think that artificial sweeteners must be a close second.
ReplyDeleteYes, it does make sense though juices, baked goods, doughnuts there seem to be many contenders. French fries are a fried carb and one many people eat. I would put nonfat dairy up there on the list.
ReplyDeleteI didn't realize they were "the worst," though I can definitely see it. I indulge in fries, but I don't eat them toooooo often, though admittedly more than I should.
ReplyDeleteWow, a pound a year for eating fries... I would put soda right up near the top of the list as well. What a great combination -- soda + fries. Fried carbs w/ syrup on the side. I've never been a fry eater so that is a plus... although I do love the fries at in-n-out, which I eat about once a year. I'm all for homemade baked fries!
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Thanks Lisa- not a fry eater, I would have to report you but you like them from in-n-out. Thanks for the information, all of "our" causes are good.
ReplyDeletewow. good to know. i'm like you lauren.. even if not invited.. i dabble when they show up and the smaller and crispier they are, the better (or worse!). Thanks for the post.
ReplyDeleteWow. That is incredible. I don't eat white potato fries but instead bake sweet potato fries.
ReplyDeleteDoes this look at McDonald's or just fries in general? Made at home or restaurant or does it matter?
Inquiry, please contact me.
ReplyDeleteLisa- "uninvited" love it. What if we all stuck to our own plates, imagine?
ReplyDeletenot positive Jason what type fries it was reported fry eating.
I have heard the fries news, and I agree it's best not to start, because, really, who can eat just one fry? That being said, I am like you-consume about 1 x month, although I do it in a big way-fries topped with cheese, carne asada, salsa, guacamole, and, yes, even a little sour cream. And, BTW, the "A" is for Ann :-)
ReplyDeleteI know when I have kids, not dipping into their fries would be difficult. Guess I'll reach that hurdle when I get there.
ReplyDeleteI worked at Macaroni Grill in high school. I had to rock a tie. So not cute! haha.
Fries are the worst thing you can eat? Really? I guess Dr. Oz hasn't seen some of the scary Indian food that is dripping in grease?
ReplyDeleteI haven't had a fry in forever...it's just not something I crave. But I can bake up a potato and dip it in ketchup and be very satisfied with that!
That sucks. I love love love a fry. I try to have them only at home and then I bake them. When we're out, I indulge only if I know they are really good fries. But this makes me sad.
ReplyDeleteMy worst work uniform was not really a uniform but rather an expectation. I worked in corporate PR when I graduated, and everyone at the firm was expected to wear business suits every day. Not cute, not on a 22 year old w/ piercings and tattoos. I swore that I'd never work in a job again that required a suit, and I haven't.
Sad news indeed but try the 1/month max it gives you structure but keeps them around. Suits stink, I hated how I had to dress for the hospital, lab coat included, ew.
ReplyDeleteAmeena, I don't know if all Indian dishes were singled out as frequent "flyers" by the participants. There are many bad foods this was just the worst according to statistics. Does Maya eat fries?
ReplyDeleteI have no doubt fries are not good for you, and I have a related question. I wonder sometimes about these sorts of studies and whether "worst" is also due to the amount of something consumed. For instance, perhaps certain Indian dishes are far worse than fries, but since more people eat fries, that is calculated into the results? What do you think about that, Lauren?
ReplyDeleteWow! I didn't know that fries were the worst, although I figured it might be potato - related. I don't like restaurant fries, but I do love the sweet potato baked fries that I make (especially with spices!) and some tomato sauce instead of ketchup. It's a good comfort food and finger food. I don't make them very often, though -- but it's definitely a winter food, so I should put that on my list for dinner soon!
ReplyDeleteFries are seriously one of my biggest weaknesses! I never really get them but maybe 2x a year at work I cave and get the order of waffle fries from our cafeteria. They are so so so good.
ReplyDeletePlease do not hate on Lobster Roll!!!! To label any item as the worst misses the boat, in my opinion. I believe that what's most important is one's total dietary pattern and lifestyle over individual foods. And then portions of whatever you consume in the context of your lifestyle matters too. Calling items good and bad, and telling people to eat this and that is too absolute in my opinion and can set people up for deprivation and let's not forget guilt during the eating experience--which should be enjoyable. Just my two cents :)
ReplyDeleteElisa- we are like opposite sites of a coin. I think a food, when 120,000 people gain weight from it is bad/worse. "Total dietary pattern" doesn't tell people how to eat. And I don't think 1/month for fries is deprivation, feeling 20 pounds heavier would deprive many people of feeling good. Let's remember you once made a case for soda "in moderation" too. Thanks for commenting, love to hear the "other" side. I feel blunt works.
ReplyDeleteI don't believe in deprivation, but I get what you mean Lauren when you talk about "not everything" in moderation. Fries are one of those things I allow myself to have once a month. I've held pretty good to that for about three years now.
ReplyDeleteAs far as fries being the the "worst", I've got to wonder if they are not talking strictly from a nutrition or weight-gaining standpoint when you look at fries in and of themselves, but like someone else mentioned, you factor in the prevalence and sheer amount of consumption when it comes to fries that makes them stand out so.
I agree with you, Lauren. There are "never foods" (or at least "almost never foods"). I don't buy this whole "in moderation" thing. With most people these days, there is no moderation. Blunt works best for those who struggle with their weight. Plus, most people don't have a great "total dietary pattern" to begin with, so they can't afford to eat these "moderation foods." Already have sugar in their coffee, nonfat yogurts, whole grain cereals and breads. Lean meats not so lean, etc, etc.
ReplyDeleteMcnee, I believe in enjoy food too, I don't see limiting as deprivation. Once/month so we're on the same page. The worst was based on food frequency questionnaires. There are many other unhealthy foods we can compare to fries. Thanks for stopping by.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE LOVE LOVE fries :( It was all I could keep down my first trimester of pregnancy haha. I try to limit how often I have them now ... maybe every couple of weeks. I sometimes make baked potato wedges to feel like I get a fry fix.
ReplyDeleteMy 'worst' uniform was when I lifeguarded/managed an aquatics facility through high school and college ... a plain red lifeguard swimsuit. Nothing like that to put your body image in question lol
ooh bathing suit uniform, you win (or lose).
ReplyDeleteSo when I first opened this post I got really nervous that it was going to be something related to an issue with lobster rolls - because that would have made me really unhappy! Fries are something I'm thankful that my body knows are an issue. After even three or four fries, I feel bloated like I took a shot of salt and washed it down with a cup of oil, which is probably the case with even a few fries. This physical reaction actually helped me get through my evening shifts in my worst uniform yet (Lauren I don't know if we've talked about my stint as a hostess at hooters when I was 16.....) Most of the girls would pick on fries and chicken fingers when they had breaks in the kitchen, but after seeing the vats of oil I think I'm turned off for life.
ReplyDeleteI tend to stay away from French fries unless I have a big craving. It actually takes a lot of will power to not order poutine (fries, cheese curds and gravy) if it's on a menu :)
ReplyDeleteI'm not surprised fries top the list, the sodium content alone was probably enough to give them top honours!
jenny what are fries/cheese curds and gravy- must be a "northern" thing.
ReplyDeletenow trying to figure out which Lisa worked at hooters. For the record, I never had a lobster roll working at lobster roll (not my thing).
Fries. FRIES. fries. Had to (almost) quit them since I can't never eat them in moderation... and always sampling the kids fries. Now like you, I only eat them about once a month. I still think about Michael Pollan telling Oprah that once a month is about right for eating fries, mindful eating, etc etc. I had to make eating french fries more of a special occasion food. It needs to be world's best fry.
ReplyDeleteAnd while nothing can beat a bathing suit uniform, I have to mention my Bennigan's Hostess uniform -- 100% polyester polo shirt, khaki shorts with that early 90's cut (hello grandpa waist!) and those suspenders with buttons. I should have paid them for the privilege! Instead they paid me minimum wage to wear that get-up. I had to buy my own flair and work most nights until 3 in the morning.
I did not know that fries were the worst. I don't have fries that often but I feel like donuts (friend carbs AND sugar) are worse. Unfortunately they are one of my favorite foods!
ReplyDeleteInteresting. I don't eat fries very often (a few times a year) as I have to be very, very mindful around them so that I don't eat too many... I think most people probably have that problem... It's also interesting that they are usually served and consumed with more carbs and fat!
ReplyDeleteI do make my own oven-baked sweet potato fries once in a while (really an excuse to dip them in (too much) organic ketchup - I know, not great!!!).
Oh my, I needed to read this. In the past few months I learned I have a dairy allergy. My weight, cholesterol, and headaches all dropped off in a good way when I eliminated it from my diet. Problem? French fries are safe. So, guess who's been letting herself partake too often now? I like your once a month budget. Sounds like a wise and satisfying balance.
ReplyDeletePlus, fun intro story.
Wow. I had no idea that they were THE WORST! I don't have a fry thing. I am more of a sweet tooth than a salty. I'd down a pint of Ben and Jerry's any day! Where does that come in on a scale of 1-to-fat farm?
ReplyDeleteAmy that is a problem when we take out one thing. I am allergic to wheat so fries (when not floured) are ok too...but they're not. Glad you liked the story.
ReplyDeleteAndrea agreed, most people have the "fry" problem.
Sam- donuts a good call make people eat them less often, I will go back but not sure donuts was on the top list.
Sue- the bennigans uniform, forgot about that one.
I don't eat fries very often. But I do succumb about once a month. I figure that won't kill me. But I definitely do have a deep love for the french fry. I don't like white potatoes very much unless they're mashed or fried.
ReplyDeleteHaha how SAD! Fries are my faaaaavorite!!!! I know they're bad for me, but they're like the one bad food that I really like! I don't eat them often though
ReplyDeleteYou know those HFCS commercials where they tell you HFCS is OK in moderation? I always mumble, "as if you can get it in moderation in this country." It's in everything, so once again the word 'moderation' is used to make something bad seem OK.
ReplyDeleteActually, I came back to say that I forgot about worse uniform. Bathing suit tops the list and thank goodness I didn't have that. But I did work for a dirty old man who told me about his naughty dreams in which I was a part and I was a fairly innocent 18 year old. He was an optician (just sells glasses), but he thought his customers were stupid. As such, he put me in a nurse's uniform. I made $3.35/hour and had to buy my own white dress and shoes. It was the mid-80s (high unemployment) and it was the only job I could find.
Interesting.. I wonder how English chips compare to American fries.
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