DAILY DIARY – DEBUNK THE JUNK, APRIL 28, 2004
“A month long diet at McDonalds nearly killed one filmmaker…..” – Channel 4 Evening News, <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = “urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags” />Boston, MA<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = “urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office” />
Day 28: Oh boy, the fun begins as Super Size Me opens and the media jumps on the bandwagon with outrageous claims (see above). I highly doubt that Morgan Spurlock “nearly died” during his 30 days of eating at McDonald’s, and Channel 4 should really be ashamed of themselves for engaging in some fear mongering, although I understand the reasoning behind the decision to do so, it attracts attention with a very controversial sound bite. However, all I can say is be prepared for lots of fear mongering and misinformation to be disseminated during the release of this mean-spirited film. My only goal now is to create a film which will counter an intentionally deceptive piece of work. With the completion of the first phase of the project, I can now report that no ill effects have occurred, I have lost weight, my cholesterol is down and I feel very healthy and energetic. Now I can turn to historical and educational interviews and a scheduled completion date of May 31st.
Long-term effects? Are you kidding? I’ve been eating at McDonalds on a regular basis the greater part of my life and I can honestly say that I have not suffered from any problems due to my choice of restaurant, but rather to my own food choices. These past 28 days was a breeze, and I actually enjoyed trying some new menu items that I might not have tried had Spurlock not laid down the gauntlet. There is no secret to why I lost weight and lowered my cholesterol and it had nothing to do with eliminating food but rather eating in moderation.
I’d also like to address a couple of letters which appeared in the Letters to the Editor and Opinion pages of the Portsmouth Herald, which has been following my adventures during the month of April. First, there is vegetarian Brady C., who apparently was upset that I pointed out that vegetarians and vegans may not eat dead animals but use plenty of them every day. Revealing this hypocrisy really seems to irritate certain members of the fruit and vegetable set. Personally, I’d like to lobby the dictionary companies to change the definition of vegan and vegetarian to indicate that although their diets may be limited to vegetation they are free to use dead animals in any other way. Make no mistake that is a more realistic definition of these two interchangeable and confusing terms.
As for Matthieu H. who wants me to join the vegan movement and save myself, get real. Your outdated arguments about dioxin and fears about addiction show a lack of consideration of any other information except that which is disseminated by the so-called “green movement” or anti-corporate/capitalist/globalization/meat sources. I feel great, I’ve lost 10 pounds, and I’ve lowered my cholesterol from 237 to 197. What’s the problem? I don’t need a food nanny to save me I need more information to help arm myself in this messy food fight we find ourselves engaged in every day. Again, I must direct you to Steven Milloy and www.JunkScience.com.
