I hope John Cisna, the Iowa science teacher who ate nothing but McDonald’s food for three months, isn’t trying to convince his students that it’s wise to eat fast food on a regular basis.
It’s worth noting that many of the items Mr. Cisna ate were not the nuggets and burgers that fast food customers typically order. In fact, many of the foods he ate were only added to McDonald’s menu after the release of the 2004 documentary “Super Size Me,” which showed the devastating effects that eating meaty meals can have on our health. Anyone who eats an appropriate number of calories and exercises daily, as Mr. Cisna did, is likely to lose weight in the short term. But for long-term health, it’s important to eat fruits, vegetables, whole grains and other plantbased foods. These foods are not only cholesterol-free and generally low in saturated fat, but also tend to be rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients that help protect against disease.
As Mr. Cisna points out, our choices affect our weight and well-being. If you want to be lean and healthy, choose to exercise and eat great-tasting, plant-based meals, such as black bean and corn chili, pasta primavera, lentil soup, and oatmeal with almond milk and blueberries. For free vegan recipes and healthy eating tips, visit www.peta.org. Heather Moore The PETA Foundation Norfolk, Va.