People have already acknowledged that they are what they eat. The 2000s can be characterized by an especially heated debate on healthy eating and the negative effects of eating in fast food restaurants. A decade or two ago, people were blaming fast food restaurants for their increasing waistlines, but this trend is changing now, and people are now talking about personal responsibility.
It is noteworthy that fast food restaurants are also becoming more responsible and changing their menus. It is possible to compare and contrast two works on food to understand the changes that are happening in society as the articles were written in different periods.
The two articles dwell upon eating habits of people and the influence of fast food restaurants on people’s health. In both articles, authors note that they have eaten in fast food restaurants. It is also important to note that both authors did not think they were vulnerable to the negative impact of that kind of food. Thus, one of the authors states that he was “a typical mid-1980’s latchkey kid” who did not have diverse dining options (Zinczenko par. 3).
The other author stresses that he is an average teenager who does not have many options when it comes to having meals as well (“Food Is Essential to Life Therefore Choose Wisely” 1). Both authors mention such diseases as diabetes and obesity as possible negative outcomes of eating fast food. It is also important to add that both authors conclude that people (including themselves) have to be more attentive to their lifestyles and diets. Both authors also made a certain effort to change their lives.
However, it is possible to trace quite significant differences between the two articles. For instance, in the earlier article, the author states that there were almost no alternatives to fast food restaurants, and it was easier to buy a hamburger than a grapefruit (Zinczenko par. 7). However, it is clear that in the modern world, there are quite plenty of options and people may buy a quite wide range of food from different restaurants (“Food Is Essential to Life Therefore Choose Wisely” 2).
Importantly, Zinczenko states that restaurants do note put adequate information on the product, which makes it difficult to control ones’ diet (par. 8). On the contrary, it is clear that the author can calculate the number of calories consumed during every meal (“Food Is Essential to Life Therefore Choose Wisely” 2).
It is possible to note that the differences in the articles can be explained by the changes that have taken place in the world of fast food and people’s attitude towards them. In the early 2000s, people were more careless and restaurants less responsible. However, extensive campaigns have led to significant changes, and now it is possible to find information on calories. More so, fast food restaurants add vegetarian and healthier food to their menus (“How to Eat Healthy at 16 Fast-Food Chains” n.p.).
At the same time, similarities in the two articles show that the changes are still needed. Thus, people still need to be more attentive to what they eat, and they have to have healthy life styles. Some still blame fast food chains and American culture, and this has to be stopped.
In conclusion, it is possible to note that the two articles have certain similarities and differences that show the way eating habits and attitudes towards fast food restaurants have changed. It is clear that now, people, as well as fast food chains, are becoming more responsible. However, it is also obvious that people need to pay more attention to the issue that persists in American society.
Works Cited
“Food Is Essential to Life Therefore Choose Wisely.” 29 November 2014.
“How to Eat Healthy at 16 Fast-Food Chains.” Fox News 10 June 2013. Web. 16 Dec. 2014.
Zinczenko, David. “Don’t Blame the Eater.” The New York Times 23 November 2014. Web. 16 Dec. 2014.