'Restaurant industry' has financial, health implications
By Stavros Conom
In my three and a half years of college, the only time I've managed to turn on the stove and cook was this past Valentine's Day. And even then it was after the embarrassing discovery that every restaurant in the city was booked.
It seems, though, that this "eating out" culture is not just prevalent here at Santa Clara, but seems to be popular everywhere in the country. It's no surprise that college students partake in this kind of lifestyle; we're constantly at a crunch for time and we spend our last seconds finishing papers. As a result, we give very little forethought to what we eat for lunch or dinner.
What's especially distressing are those late-night study breaks involving ramen and coke or, even worse, the visits to Jack in the Box or Denny's. Don't worry, I've been there. Especially during my initial victimization of the "freshman 15."
In a perfect world, we'd all have time to cook -- and while I realize that reality isn't anywhere close to perfect, it is important to note that eating out, especially consistently, isn't the best thing for your body.
According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, portion sizes in both restaurants and fast food joints have increased. For example, from 1971 to 1998, the average soft drink has been enlarged from an initial 13 fluid ounces and 144 calories to nearly 20 fluid ounces and 193 calories.
If you're like me and feel compelled to finish everything on your plate, this creates a bit of a problem -- especially when it comes to managing your weight. It isn't surprising that the obesity rate between 1971 and 1999 is up 15 percent.
You also might be surprised how much money is spent when you go out. Just imagine all the cash you would save if you cut down on $5 Quiznos subs and $12 entrees at TGI Friday's or Chevy's. That's money that could go towards useful things like textbooks, toothbrushes, Red Bull or toilet paper.
Don't think that buying a "value meal" at a fast food restaurant will get you ahead of the game, either. While you are getting a good amount of food for a small amount of money, the health ramifications are not worth it. Any rational person who has viewed Morgan Spurlock's film "Super Size Me" would agree.
The best solution to counter this habit of eating out would be to bite the bullet and spend some quality time in the kitchen and whip up some simple, healthy things that won't weigh too heavily on your conscience -- or your gut. It really isn't as time consuming as you might think.
Consider how long it takes to get into your car (or get a ride), drive to a restaurant, wait in line for seating, have the waiter bring you drinks, order and then wait for the arrival of your food.
In the same amount of time or less, you could throw something simple together at home or in the dorm that would be healthier and probably downright impressive to your significant other. The newfound culinary skills might come in handy; especially after you graduate and realize your Access card is no longer valid at Market Square and Flex isn't accepted at Maggiano's.
If, however, you decide you cannot survive without the occasional trip to Chili's, then keep in mind a few tips from the American Diabetes Association:
Don't get sucked in to eating larger portions -- either share it with a dining partner or utilize the to-go containers; order foods that are not breaded or fried. Also try to substitute vegetables or fruit for French fries.
And finally, watch out for low- or non-fat foods that are actually high in sugar.
Your heart will thank you later.
* Stavros Conom can be reached at (408)551-1918 or sconom@scu.edu.