Do you eat fast food (McDonald's, KFC, Pizza Hut, Burger King et al) or do you think it's all mass produced processed filth?

Originally posted by JonJParr
Do you eat fast food (McDonald's, KFC, Pizza Hut, Burger King et al) or do you think it's all mass produced processed filth?
Yes...

...and, Yes.

(but in no particular order)

:D

also yes and yes, but only when i'm caught out and hungry, so probably no more than once a month.

fast food is used as a treat for the kids, tho' why we consider it a treat ???? but used to think the kids only wanted to go to Maccy D's, Burger King etc for the free toys in the kids meals, but they now choose the adult meals, toy not included, so obviously the kids do like eat there. It is still only classed as a treat tho', don't like to take 'em to often.

Originally posted by foo_fighter
Yes...

...and, Yes.

(but in no particular order)

:D

Foo_fighter - why do you eat it? Do you actually think it tastes good?

Edit: Sorry I'll readdress that to all who have responded....

McDonalds, Pizza Hut & Dominos.

I love Pizza Hut pizza, and certaintly wouldn't class it as "mass produced processed filth". I also love the McChicken Premiere burgers at McDonalds, and they aren't "mass produced processed filth" either!

Other fast food joints I avoid like the plague!

I eat fast food yes, but no I don't think it's mass produced filth, granted it's not actually any good for you healthwise but it's quick and easier than standing in queues in sandwich shops.

Not as much as I used too.. I probably stick to a curry once or twice a month

Never really been a fan of fast food chain outlets.. Its the acne on the people serving you, off putting or what!

Originally posted by Hook
McDonalds, Pizza Hut & Dominos.

I love Pizza Hut pizza, and certaintly wouldn't class it as "mass produced processed filth". I also love the McChicken Premiere burgers at McDonalds, and they aren't "mass produced processed filth" either!

Other fast food joints I avoid like the plague!

It is mass produced and the chicken is from caged birds kept in squalid conditions fed on a diet of antibiotics and GM food. I prefer corn-fed organic chicken that's allowed to pick through the grass for its food and can run around. Then there's the salsa that's got its colour from a chemical, is packed full of anti-oxidants and artificial flavourings. Everything about a reheated burger that's produced using second rate cheap ingredients screams filth to me.

Pizza hut pizza- you call that pizza? Have you ever eaten Italian pizza in Rome? Nothing like the deep-fried bases you get at Pizza Hut.

just because it's not the same as a pizza in italy doesn't mean it's mass produced.

and i don't think you mean anti-oxidants, they're good for you.

Originally posted by JonJParr
It is mass produced and the chicken is from caged birds kept in squalid conditions fed on a diet of antibiotics and GM food. I prefer corn-fed organic chicken that's allowed to pick through the grass for its food and can run around. Then there's the salsa that's got its colour from a chemical, is packed full of anti-oxidants and artificial flavourings. Everything about a reheated burger that's produced using second rate cheap ingredients screams filth to me.

Pizza hut pizza- you call that pizza? Have you ever eaten Italian pizza in Rome? Nothing like the deep-fried bases you get at Pizza Hut.

It's not Rome though is it! It's eccy road!

I don't like Italian pizza, I don't like thin crusty pizza, I prefer deep bases, I like the stuffed crust, and I like the pizza hut cheese. It might be mass produced, but I'll tell ya what, it's a damn sight nicer and healthier than the cheap crap that most pizza places put on their pizzas. That's why PH charge £13.99 a pizza, rather than some of these pizza places that charge £99p for a second pizza, or a free second pizza, or just £3.99 for a normal pizza!

Just because a food is mass produced doesn't mean it's filth. Just like everything, eat in moderation. Although that said, I eat pizza hut about 3 times a week when I'm in Sheffield... :help:

Originally posted by JonJParr
foo_fighter - why do you eat it? Do you actually think it tastes good?
No, I think it's all mass produced processed filth (like I said above), but like Cyclone
Originally posted by Cyclone
when i'm caught out and hungry, so probably no more than once a month.
It's quick, easy, and sometimes, just sometimes it does the job.

But, if I can I'll head straight for a Kebab, now that really is the fast food of choice. Mmmmm :D

Originally posted by Cyclone
just because it's not the same as a pizza in italy doesn't mean it's mass produced.

and i don't think you mean anti-oxidants, they're good for you.

Yes I do. An anti-oxidant is also an artificial preservative Cyclone- the long term effects of which we are unaware!

yeh anti-oxidants are ment to be anti - cancer. I think pizza hut is different from mcdonalds.

Originally posted by Hook
It's not Rome though is it! It's eccy road!

I don't like Italian pizza, I don't like thin crusty pizza, I prefer deep bases, I like the stuffed crust, and I like the pizza hut cheese. It might be mass produced, but I'll tell ya what, it's a damn sight nicer and healthier than the cheap crap that most pizza places put on their pizzas. That's why PH charge £13.99 a pizza, rather than some of these pizza places that charge £99p for a second pizza, or a free second pizza, or just £3.99 for a normal pizza!

Just because a food is mass produced doesn't mean it's filth. Just like everything, eat in moderation. Although that said, I eat pizza hut about 3 times a week when I'm in Sheffield... :help:

Personally I'd rather eat proper Pizza. Pizza with fresh toppings like rocket, anchovies, olives, peppers, onions, balls of mozarella, sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil.

Originally posted by JonJParr
I prefer corn-fed organic chicken that's allowed to pick through the grass for its food and can run around.

So do I, but they are so expensive, the price of good food makes the processed crap look very atractive if you are living on a tight budget.

One giant ASDA pizza can feed a family of 4 for a few quid.

I live on junk food - but unlike that "Supersize Me" dude i've had years to condition myself!

Originally posted by nick2
So do I, but they are so expensive, the price of good food makes the processed crap look very atractive if you are living on a tight budget.

One giant ASDA pizza can feed a family of 4 for a few quid.

It depends what your spending priorities are then doesn't it?

Originally posted by JonJParr
It depends what your spending priorities are then doesn't it?

It depends on how much money you've got coming in actually.

Originally posted by Hook
It depends on how much money you've got coming in actually.

But isn't a McDonald's / Pizza Hut a relatively expensive way to feed a family?

Originally posted by Hook
It's not Rome though is it! It's eccy road!

I don't like Italian pizza, I don't like thin crusty pizza, I prefer deep bases, I like the stuffed crust,

can i ask if you've ever been to Italy and tried a pizza there ?

Originally posted by JonJParr
But isn't a McDonald's / Pizza Hut a relatively expensive way to feed a family?

I believe the quote was:

One giant ASDA pizza can feed a family of 4 for a few quid.

And I've made no claims to feeding a family :|

Originally posted by Lee1979
can i ask if you've ever been to Italy and tried a pizza there ?

YES! It's so much better!

Originally posted by Lee1979
can i ask if you've ever been to Italy and tried a pizza there ?

I've eaten Pizza in France, Germany, Austia, Italy, America & many other countries! In Sheffield I prefer Pizza Hut. Being very young when we went to Italy I can't remember it all that well, but it wasn't any more special than my favourite pizza in the world at a bar I used to manage. I think that's the only place in the world I've eaten at that I actually liked an Italian base! Otherwise I'd much rather eat a deep-pan, anywhere.. not just Pizza Hut!

Anyway, I was under the impression this thread wasn't about comparing Pizza Hut to Italy (which would be stupid would it not?!) but about whether people eat junk-food... and although Pizza Hut certainly isn't Italy, I wouldn't call it Junk either.

Originally posted by Hook
It depends on how much money you've got coming in actually.

I actually agree with Hook. If you are family living on a small budget, processed, frozen and pre-prepared foods are much cheaper. I have started upping my intake of fruit, veg and other things and my shopping bill has rocketed.

Fruit and veg needs to be made cheaper.

Originally posted by Hook
I believe the quote was:

And I've made no claims to feeding a family :|

Sorry I was trying to highlight how families who are a limited budget still seem to feed on fast food. For the same amount of money you could buy fresh healthy food!

Originally posted by JonJParr
Sorry I was trying to highlight how families who are a limited budget still seem to feed on fast food. For the same amount of money you could by fresh healthy food!

You can't... it's simply not possible.

If you want to feed a family of four, it's much cheaper to buy a large pizza, frozen chips and a tin of baked beans than it is to buy anything healthy. If you are working with a very limited budget (which I'm not, and probably never will be), then it is cheaper to feed your family with 'crap'!

Originally posted by NicoleM
I actually agree with Hook. If you are family living on a small budget, processed, frozen and pre-prepared foods are much cheaper. I have started upping my intake of fruit, veg and other things and my shopping bill has rocketed.

Fruit and veg needs to be made cheaper.

If that's the case Nicole - try to buy more Class B vegetables. They're exactly the same in terms of vitamins and nutrients but they don't look absolutely perfect. They're much cheaper!

Originally posted by Hook
You can't... it's simply not possible.

If you want to feed a family of four, it's much cheaper to buy a large pizza, frozen chips and a tin of baked beans than it is to buy anything healthy. If you are working with a very limited budget (which I'm not, and probably never will be), then it is cheaper to feed your family with 'crap'!

I too am on an unlimited food budget but I disagree. Fresh fish is cheaper than fish fingers. Mince is just as cheap as a frozen burger! People must wake up and realise that real food costs money and that junk processed food shouldn't provide a cheaper alternative! It's not an alternative because it's totally different.

Originally posted by Hook
I've eaten Pizza in France, Germany, Austia, Italy, America & many other countries! In Sheffield I prefer Pizza Hut. Being very young when we went to Italy I can't remember it all that well, but it wasn't any more special than my favourite pizza in the world at a bar I used to manage. I think that's the only place in the world I've eaten at that I actually liked an Italian base! Otherwise I'd much rather eat a deep-pan, anywhere.. not just Pizza Hut!

Anyway, I was under the impression this thread wasn't about comparing Pizza Hut to Italy (which would be stupid would it not?!) but about whether people eat junk-food... and although Pizza Hut certainly isn't Italy, I wouldn't call it Junk either.

i know. i was just wondering if you'd ever tried them.i unfortunatley know a lot of small minded people who will say they don't like things but have never actually tried it because they prefer to live in their small minded little world. out of all the fast food places i would personal think that pizza hut would be one of the better ones. They seem to use fresh ingrediants at least ?

Originally posted by JonJParr
I too am on an unlimited food budget but I disagree. Fresh fish is cheaper than fish fingers. Mince is just as cheap as a frozen burger! People must wake up and realise that real food costs money and that junk processed food shouldn't provide a cheaper alternative! It's not an alternative because it's totally different.

It's not the fish, n the meat etc that's the big deal! It's the vegetables!

I went shopping at Tesco at lunchtime, for lunch today, tomorrow and dinner today and tomorrow. I'm cooking for everybody since I'm at home at the moment, so I'm cooking for my mom, dad & sometimes my brother! I managed to spend £41 on two meals! Fresh Chicken, onions, potatos, fresh bread, and all the little things soon add up. If you're on any sort of limited budget I find it hard to imagine where you'd be able to afford that sort of fresh food. Although in Sheffield I tend to find that things are cheaper, and the greengrocers etc are a million times cheaper than they are in supermarkets.

In the town I live (when I'm not in Shef) it's full of designer clothes shops, upmarket restaurants, and while there are 6 florists, there's an expensive butcher, and a very expensive grocers. They've got the market cornered so cost an arm and a leg!

Originally posted by Lee1979
i would personal think that pizza hut would be one of the better ones. They seem to use fresh ingrediants at least ?
Yes, you can clearly see the smallholdings/allotments behind each Pizza Hut.

:suspect:

the comment that people on a limited income still eat at places like mcDonalds is probably a gross generalisation, although there are instances of it being true. In that case (McDonalds, not preprepared food) then it is cheaper to go and buy some real food, it just takes more effort. I don't think having more money would actually alter that habit though, it's a laziness thing rather than a money thing when it's fast food (not supermarket food).

I've eaten pizza in Italy, and generally I wasn't impressed, but this thread isn't about comparing Italy and Pizza Hut. Pizza hut isn't fast food, it's a restaurant, albeit a restaurant chain and probably not the healthiest and/or best pizza in the world.

The last time I had fast food was probably 2 months ago when I had a sudden hankering for KFC.

I don't think a curry or indian take-away is in the same class as 'fast food'.

Actually, telling a lie, had a kebab late Friday night.

Originally posted by Hook
It's not the fish, n the meat etc that's the big deal! It's the vegetables!

I went shopping at Tesco at lunchtime, for lunch today, tomorrow and dinner today and tomorrow. I'm cooking for everybody since I'm at home at the moment, so I'm cooking for my mom, dad & sometimes my brother! I managed to spend £41 on two meals! Fresh Chicken, onions, potatos, fresh bread, and all the little things soon add up. If you're on any sort of limited budget I find it hard to imagine where you'd be able to afford that sort of fresh food. Although in Sheffield I tend to find that things are cheaper, and the greengrocers etc are a million times cheaper than they are in supermarkets.

In the town I live (when I'm not in Shef) it's full of designer clothes shops, upmarket restaurants, and while there are 6 florists, there's an expensive butcher, and a very expensive grocers. They've got the market cornered so cost an arm and a leg!

A whole fresh chicken couldn't have cost you more than £5 or £6 at Tesco. Instead of just buying filleted breasts - fillet it yourself! Onions aren't expensive and neither are potatoes or bread. What are all these "little things" that add up? I'm really interested to see what you bought for two meals that cost you £41! White summer truffles???

all right no need for that! i'm just asking!!

i mean that they don't come all pre-package straight from the warehouse and cooked from frozen. They are prepared on the premises unliked McDonalds etc.

Originally posted by JonJParr
A whole fresh chicken couldn't have cost you more than £5 or £6 at Tesco. Instead of just buying filleted breasts - fillet it yourself! Onions aren't expensive and neither are potatoes or bread. What are all these "little things" that add up? I'm really interested to see what you bought for two meals that cost you £41! White summer truffles???

Well there were two bottles of wine... :hihi:

Originally posted by Hook
Well there were two bottles of wine... :hihi:

I rest my case.

Pssstt! Don't let Royjames hear you - he'll be calling you an alcoholic!!

I think what can put people off is that it can be quite expensive when you first start cooking from fresh ingredients, as you generally have to buy the herbs, spices, oils, etc. However, once you build your little larder up, its well worth it!

Most people enjoy a bit of fast food now and again, but the problem seems to be when it's 'more often than not'.

Originally posted by feargal
I think what can put people off is that it can be quite expensive when you first start cooking from fresh ingredients, as you generally have to buy the herbs, spices, oils, etc. However, once you build your little larder up, its well worth it!

Most people enjoy a bit of fast food now and again, but the problem seems to be when it's 'more often than not'.

Fresh herbs are expensive but I grow my own so I have a cheap and constant supply.

Originally posted by Hook
I managed to spend £41 on two meals!

That's a lot, I only spend £50 for a weeks worth of food.

The other thing that makes processed food attractive is that some people just don't like to cook, personally I love starting from scratch with the raw ingredients but I know that some people loath the idea of spending an hour preparing a meal.

Originally posted by JonJParr
Fresh herbs are expensive but I grow my own so I have a cheap and constant supply!

When I left home at Christmas I had a few little trays on the windowledge growing nicely, came home at Easter and Mother had forgotten to water them, so they all died, and I'm having to buy them everytime I go shopping!!

Although for the record, the food gets paid for by somebody else, both here and at Uni :clap:

Originally posted by nick2
That's a lot, I only spend £50 for a weeks worth of food.

The other thing that makes processed food attractive is that some people just don't like to cook, personally I love starting from scratch with the raw ingredients but I know that some people loath the idea of spending an hour preparing a meal.

Same here and I love cooking with good ingredients too.

Having said that, a fish finger and tomato sauce sarnie, made with inch-thick real white bread, is one of my favourite "dishes", a rare (usually drunken) treat.

Originally posted by nick2
Having said that, a fish finger and tomato sauce sarnie, made with inch-thick real white bread, is one of my favourite "dishes", a rare (usually drunken) treat.

My favourite food has got to be lobster with lemon mayonnaise and parsley. But my favourite dish - a good rustic Coq au Vin that's been marinating for at least 24 hours. Beautiful.

Originally posted by JonJParr
My favourite food has got to be lobster with lemon mayonnaise and parsley. But my favourite dish - a good rustic Coq au Vin that's been marinating for at least 24 hours. Beautiful.

Fish.. Uck!

I'd much prefer a nice duck breast, with a beautiful red wine sauce, and enough vegetables to feed a family for a week! Although sometimes I do it with fresh noodles.

If I'm looking for something quick, there's nothing I love more than Fajitas!

Originally posted by Hook
Fish.. Uck!

I'd much prefer a nice duck breast, with a beautiful red wine sauce, and enough vegetables to feed a family for a week! Although sometimes I do it with fresh noodles.

If I'm looking for something quick, there's nothing I love more than Fajitas!

You like Duck eh? Try it with an orange or cherry sauce instead - it brings out the flavour of the duck a lot more. Trust me, I'm a trained chef!

Originally posted by JonJParr
You like Duck eh? Try it with an orange or cherry sauce instead - it brings out the flavour of the duck a lot more. Trust me, I'm a trained chef!

The recipe I use is one I 'borrowed' from the last place I worked at.. The sauce is totally beautiful, although they took that dish off the menu since I last worked there. I'm not a huge orange fan, I've never found an Orange sauce that doesn't taste too much like oranges!

As for a Cherry sauce, isn't that too sweet? I don't have a sweet tooth!

Originally posted by Hook
The recipe I use is one I 'borrowed' from the last place I worked at.. The sauce is totally beautiful, although they took that dish off the menu since I last worked there. I'm not a huge orange fan, I've never found an Orange sauce that doesn't taste too much like oranges!

As for a Cherry sauce, isn't that too sweet? I don't have a sweet tooth!

No because you combine it with a little bit of orange, some red wine, raspberry vinegar, shallots and of course the fat from the duck!! Yummy!!

Have you had a flick though the food mag in Waitrose Jon ?
They have some good recipes in each month using some more uncommon ingrediants.

Originally posted by nick2
Have you had a flick though the food mag in Waitrose Jon ?
They have some good recipes in each month using some more uncommon ingrediants.

I have! I like to pick up the recipe cards on the wall behind the tills too. I rarely make any though as I like to write my own recipes.

I will admit to eating fast food now and again but try to avoid it whenever I can. Last time I went to Pizza Hut the pizza was dripping with some sort of oil..absolutely disgusting. And as for McDonalds I consider it lucky I don't eat meat. Because that stuff they serve up isn't meat...it's a mix up of complete garbage (for those interested read Fast Food Nation...it really makes you think!)

I'm not a super healthy eater and don't always cook from scratch but I do believe this is the best way. My aunt grows all her own vegetables and they are absolutely gorgeous. My mum always used to cook from scratch and I was never allowed things like coke or sweets. To this day I have never needed a filling so I am extremely thankful!

When I have children I really want to feed them good food. I think it's very important, diet can have a huge effect on brain development and I think I owe it to my future kids to give them a good start.

ive not had a take\away for a month now trying to lose a bit of weight /save for my well deserved adventure to ibiza... saying that theres been times esp aftera drink or 3 is to order one but im not giving in to temptation:)

About once a week (fish n chips, pizza or curry)

not eaten at McD's/Burger King for years and then only if I'm in town and have to grab something quick to eat.

I don't cook "proper" meals though so I have stuff out of cans/tins/packets very often

I got told about "Supersize me" and I will not touch any fast food (from a fast food chain)

now the question is if everyone has free-range and all the other healthy options would it make it intensively farmed - just like Fast food places?

I eat fast food for convenience now and again. I really can't see any harm in this.

Everyone is becoming depressingly obsessed with the need to avoid the stuff like the plague.

Silly.

we have fast food every saturday night in our house... its either chinese, italian or KFC generally :) depends on the moods were in :D

apart from that I rarely get fast food

Christ, honestly guys, how can you eat this trash on a regular basis? I mean, the only fast food I ever eat is a Burger King beanburger (extra gherkins!) every few months at a service station, and theres no nasty processed meat in that anyway.

However, went into McDOnalds for the first time in my life on friday - I was dressing up as an overweight American tourist today for 'international' day at Tapton's charity week (Aran jumper up the top, oh yes!) - got photos - so I went into McDonalds and said 'Hi, I'm a graphics student, I was wondering if I could have some packaging for my project?'

Heehee :heyhey:

Mcdonalds!!
I've been in so much this year the staff have given me a discount card.








who 'et all the pies?

(not me cos I'm always in Maccy D's)

Yeah, probably once a week, extremely rarely twice:rolleyes:

It is quite nice though....

While we're about it, why do we willingly use chemicals around our homes and slowly poison ourselves?

Did you know that between 1950 and 1990 the incidents of lung cancer rose by 364% despite a dramatic fall in smoking. In the same period the amount of chemicals people use around the home doubled.

Is there something that Mr Muscle isn't telling us?

Johnparr u sound like some cullinary puritan.

Mirroring the new govt. initiative.

Smacks of a kind of control freak fanatical culture, with a holier than thou bias. Do you smoke? Drink - hmmm...

I believe in moderation in all things. People need to be educated not brainwashed with this kinda drivvel.

Everyone is entitled to their opinion :)

Screw Nouvelle Cuisine - kebab meat and chips all the way.

Now thats real food.

When I'm on evenings I have it for supper every night on my way home. Although I do see it as a treat from all the "normal" food the Mrs cooks nice as it is!!!

Originally posted by Moonfire
I got told about "Supersize me" and I will not touch any fast food (from a fast food chain)

now the question is if everyone has free-range and all the other healthy options would it make it intensively farmed - just like Fast food places?

I watched 'Supersize Me' last week, and didn't really see the point in the experiment. Clearly, McDonalds alone is not a healthy diet, and like any 'unhealthy' food, can be incorporated into a balanced diet rich in nutrients from all food groups.

The guy that starred in it seemed amazed that he became uhealthy although he consumed over 5000 calories a day; unless you're a complete gym-junkie (or similar) nobody should eat to excess in this way!

K x

Originally posted by island3rlara
Johnparr u sound like some cullinary puritan.

Mirroring the new govt. initiative.

Smacks of a kind of control freak fanatical culture, with a holier than thou bias. Do you smoke? Drink - hmmm...

I believe in moderation in all things. People need to be educated not brainwashed with this kinda drivvel.

Being a trained chef, I'm actually more of a food enthusiast than a food puritan. I see fast food as the lowest of the low. It's frozen, reheated garbage that's packed with a cocktail of flavourings, anti-oxidants and colourings.

It's not freak fanatical I can assure you and it's certainly not political (and I'm certainly not Labour!). I don't smoke but that's because I think it's a disgusting habit but yes I do drink. In fact my other hobby is wine tasting and investment; food and wine go hand in hand.

As someone who's passionate about real food I see fast food for what it is: mass produced filth.