Super Size Me

I am currently watching the documentary "Super Size Me" on Iranian T.V. It's about a young, athletic man of ideal health who goes on a month-long suicide mission/research project in which he consumes breakfast, lunch, and dinner from McDonald’s for a period of 30 days. I had a friend back in USC who carried out a similar experiment with a local Mexican food stand called Chanos. But I digress.

Anyway, my Iranian family members always find it hard to believe that lots of people in America suffer from obesity. When they saw the occasional shot of a bouncing behind walking down a crowded street, they thought it was joke; surely nobody actually carries 300lbs. of blubber.... Well, the fast food craze hasn't become as regular here as it has in the States, but I'm sure it just needs time.

Already, burger joints have become widespread and plentiful. They are all homegrown businesses, designed to look as cartoony and attractive as their western counterparts (who cannot do business in Iran). The coolest kids chill out at "Boof" or "Bonnie Chow" (it's a Kurdish phrase, not a kanine food brand), and of course, "Star Fried Chicken".

In an attempt to slow the pace towards a health crisis, specifically, overweight youngsters, laws have been put in place to restrict certain types of culinary experimentation, in the name of commercialism. For instance, fast food places in Iran must sell bottled water, along with their fountain drinks, so that customers have a healthier alternative. Furthermore, cups used for soda cannot surpass more than eight ounces, or so. Finally, a recent bill that was passed requires the use of vegetable oil for cooking fast food, rather than animal oil.

Although I doubt Iranian fast food restaurants will ever reach American heights, it seems wise to clamp down on possible recipe manipulation, XXL portions, and other scams introduced in the documentary. If it was up to me, however, I'd eradicate fast food, altogether (except In 'N' Out).