Recently, I read in an article that a large diner chain will soon be offering free refills on pancakes and French fries. The thought that came to my mind was, “Really? Is that what Americans really need?” I find the practice of offering free refills on items such as pancakes and French fries disturbing for two reasons. The first reason to be wary of the new free refill policy would be the questionable nutritional quality of pancakes and French fries, especially when eaten in multiple servings. Another reason to remain skeptical about a restaurant serving free refills on particular food items is the quality of the food itself. If certain foods are capable of being purchased and produced at such a price that allows for them to be mass distributed to the public free of charge, one has to wonder about the quality of that product.

In a country where obesity is the leading cause of many major health problems, I find it somewhat irresponsible for a major restaurant chain to offer a promotion on free refills of pancakes and French fries.  Should individuals take more personal responsibility for their own health? Yes, of course.  However, the encouragement of behavior such as eating seconds on things like pancakes and French fries does not help individuals in taking that responsibility.

Let’s look at the nutritional content of pancakes and French fries, shall we? A short stack (3) pancakes contains the following: 510 calories, 6g of fat, 1770 mg of sodium, 102 carbs, 3g fiber, 12g protein, and 18g of sugar. These are just the pancakes themselves. With the addition of syrup and butter you can probably almost double the calories, and certainly increase the sugar and fat content. Here is what is in a 5 oz. serving of French fries: 425 calories, 23 grams of fat, 4g saturated fat, 95mg sodium, 50g carbs, 5g fiber, 5g protein.  Again, these are just the French fries themselves. Things like ketchup, ranch, and other dipping sauces increase the calories, fat, etc., with little to no nutritional significance. Now let’s multiply these figures by two. And not to mention the “meal” that an individual has probably ordered to acquire these food items. In one meal, a person could (and Americans often do) consume and meet/ exceed the caloric requirements needed for an entire day. It’s not only the poor nutritional quality of the food being consumed that is the problem, it is the quantity in which it is being consumed that adds to the dilemma as well. A pancake here, or a few French fries there won’t kill a person.  It is when these foods are being consumed by the plate(s) full that disease, you know the next step to death, does actually become a concern.

Why couldn’t the restaurant offer refills on things like fruits, vegetables, oatmeal, etc?  Wouldn’t that be more encouraging to the American population to eat a better diet?  The fact that there are particular food items selected to be offered as “free refills” tells me something.  It tells me that these foods and/or the ingredients used to produce them are able to be purchased so cheaply that there is no real financial strain on the restaurant to offer and produce seconds, thirds, fourths, and fifths on these items.  I’m all for providing nutritional sustenance at an affordable price, but the pancakes and French fries are missing one thing: nutritional sustenance.  Somebody once told me that the ideal lifestyle to have is one that is “simple but high-quality.” I would have to agree, especially where food is concerned. Food is the fuel that we use to keep our mind and body operating.  The food that we decide to consume has a direct effect on how we feel physically, spiritually, emotionally, etc. Therefore, it impacts decisions we make, how we interact with others, and every other aspect of our daily lives as well.  So, if you do find yourself at a restaurant where they offer free refills on pancakes and French fries, or any other variety of the artery-clogging American faire, I suggest that you make a decision to bypass the seemingly “good deal” and opt for something that will provide you with the quality nutrition your body needs and at the same time satisfies your taste buds. It is possible, I promise.