FAST FOOD VINDICATION

A nutritionist defends the fast-food industry.

In her nonfiction debut, registered dietician Johansen offers the uncommon argument that fast food is not inherently unhealthful compared with other food options. Although Johansen openly discloses her former employment at McDonald’s and her continuing admiration for that company, she also presents a thoroughly researched work, citing many recent studies. She asserts that home-prepared meals are also frequently laden with fat, calories, sugar and sodium, and that meals at sit-down restaurants can provide poorer nutritional value and higher calories than their fast-food counterparts. Johansen offers many pieces of nutritional advice, including how to incorporate fast food into a healthy diet. She also presents statistics on worldwide obesity and its staggering health consequences and emphasizes the health benefits of portion control and physical activity. Other sections focus less on food and more on business practices, as she seeks to refute criticisms of the fast-food industry. For example, she argues that many companies provide training and advancement opportunities, not dead-end jobs. Johansen cites several sources highlighting how fast-food companies seek to promote diversity and employ traditionally underemployed populations, such as older workers and people with physical or mental challenges. Finally, she highlights the fast-food industry’s charitable contributions and global philanthropic initiatives. Throughout this book, Johansen persuasively argues that consumers are ultimately responsible for what and how much they choose to eat, no matter where they choose to eat it.

A cogent examination of the positive side of fast food, presented in a fresh, clear style.