About two weeks ago (6/15/15) in The Express-Times, Jessica Wohl of the Chicago Tribune wrote an article about unhealthy restaurant meals. On the list were meals from many restaurants including Red Lobster, IHOP, Outback Steakhouse and Dickey’s BBQ. Trust me, the article was depressing.
And even worse, it got me thinking about my daily lunch. Based on where the RCN studio is located and the desire to eat in about one-half hour, the lunch choices are somewhat limited. So I looked at my own lunch habits and decided to investigate whether I eat a healthy or unhealthy lunch. My usual haunts are Wawa, Burger King, Five Guys, Moe’s, and, you guessed it, Dickey’s.
Wawa – My normal order here is a Classic BLT with mayo and a TastyPie. Combining the two equals about 920 calories. Based on my nutritional knowledge (virtually non-existent), I concluded this is not too bad. Take that, Jessica Wohl!
Burger King – Obviously, there is a wide variety of choices here so I picked a common order for me – a double Whopper with cheese, French fries, and a chocolate fudge sundae. As I type this order, I am getting nauseous. It sounds bad. Upon investigation I find my conclusion is correct. This meal contains 1,428 calories, give or take an extra layer of stomach fat.
Five Guys – After my Burger King experience, I dread looking at this one. My order: a cheeseburger and more fries than any single person can possibly eat (although I give it my best shot). The calorie total comes to 2,154!! 2,500 calories, according to Wohl’s article, is equivalent to three Big Macs and five vanilla cones at McDonald’s. The Five Guys total does not even include the peanuts I devour waiting for my meal. You have to eat them – they’re free!
Moe’s Southwest Grill – I still do not know the difference between all the Mexican things that the food is placed in, so I just order the Homewrecker with steak. The name itself scares me, but so far, after devouring quite a few of these since Moe’s opened, I am still happily married. This meal with my ingredients, accompanied by the chips and salsa, is “only” 1228 calories. I’m thinking the Mexicans are on to something here.
Dickey’s BBQ – I finish my tour where it all began – Dickey’s. I usually order the pulled-pork sandwich with sauce, pickle and onion. It is imperative to get a “side” and their waffle-fries are the very best. Dickey’s is also “nice” enough to offer free (there is that word again) soft ice cream. The calorie total is estimated at 1757 calories.
I have discovered that the average male my age should consume 2,500 calories per day in order to maintain my current weight (which, by the way, I would like to reduce). Since it is now obvious that I pretty much eat enough at lunch to maintain my present weight, what is the end result when I go to Texas Roadhouse for dinner and consume a rib-eye steak, chili, and a salad to pack on another 1,500 calories? Or head to Ruby Tuesday’s for their ribs, mashed potatoes, salad, and a drink – another 2,000 calories?
I guess the Diet Coke that I usually order is not really helping that much. And the latest research is beginning to show that diet drinks are not really good for you, either.
I am even more depressed! I need a snack!
ABOVE THE EARS (SOME MUSINGS)
Newspapers aren’t what they used to be – fewer pages, less news, hardly up-to-date, etc. But my Saturday paper had a banner day for local sports. For example:
- Ryne Sandberg quit as the Phillies manager. He never had a chance with the team he was given. This experience probably soured him on ever managing again.
- The US beat China 1-0 in the World Cup quarterfinals. Soccer is exciting when you have a team to root for!
- Local Liberty High School player Darrun Hilliard was drafted by the Detroit Pistons as the 38th pick in the NBA draft. The pick certainly will pique my NBA interest if the former Villanova star makes the roster. Best wishes and congratulations to Darrun.
- Parkland softball pitcher Aubree Fritzinger was named the PIAA state player of the year. Congratulations to her, too!!
- The Philadelphia 76’ers are being investigated by the NBPA (the players’ union) for losing on purpose (tanking games) the past couple of years. Their plan is to build through high draft choices governed by their season record. It’s obvious tanking is their mindset and it actually could work, but is it fair to the rest of the league, their own players, and, more importantly, the fans? It is not, but don’t expect the union to get anywhere bringing this to light. The League has allowed it to happen.
