Books and movies such as Fast Food Nation, Super Size Me, The Future of Food, and Chew On This: Everything You Don’t Want to Know About Fast Food chronicle western civilization’s obsession and chronic sickness caused by high fat, red meat, drive thru diets. While many proprietors of burgers and fries have moved towards offering healthier options that incorporate fresh vegetables and fruits, many have also enjoyed the attention garnered by menu items that are the polar opposite. In that respect, Men’s Health chronicles the 20 Worst Foods in America, which includes Carl’s Jr. Double Six Dollar Burger (1,520 calories, 111 g fat), Outback Steakhouse Aussie Cheese Fries with Ranch Dressing (2,900 calories, 182 g fat), and the Border Grande Taco Salad with Taco Beef (1,450 calories, 102 g fat), just to name a few.
Although Men’s Health positions itself to offer advice as to what you should eat instead of a heart attack on a plate, our new favorite website: This is Why You’re Fat, glamorizes new gastronomic concoctions that achieve new heights in gluttony. Notable submissions include: the Garbage Plate (cheeseburger, Italian sausages, steak, chicken, red hots, a grilled cheese sandwich, fried fish, eggs, served on top of fries, beans, and mac salad), the Quadruple Bypass Burger (4 quarter pound patties in one massive burger), Krispy Kreme Bacon Cheddar Cheeseburgers (exactly what it sounds like), and who could forget the McNuggetini (McDonald’s chocolate milkshake with vanilla vodka, rimmed with BBQ sauce and garnished with a chicken McNugget). Although there are few items I would ever consider eating, I can’t help but find the beauty in the images that illustrate where dreams become heart attacks.
