I found this pretty interesting….
In a study called The McSubway Project (not making that up), researchers at the University of Illinois polled 300 people as they were leaving McDonald’s or Subway. They asked the diners how many calories they believed they had just consumed.
The scientists then calculated the numbers and came up with the following info:
The McDonald’s customers consumed about 710 calories and estimated that they had consumed 670 each.
Those at Subway each ate about 560 calories but estimated only 335.
The director of the lab said, “The customers at McDonald’s ate a lot of calories and knew they’d eaten a lot. But those at Subway experienced the halo effect, which allowed them to think they were eating better than they were.”
Personally, I think the study kind of does a disservice to Subway. It doesn’t take into account sodium, fat or a nifty little thing known as “empty calories.” Subway is still much healthier overall, but it is a good indication that we’re consuming more calories there than we thought.
Btw, have you ever had one of Subway’s salads? Awesome. I’ll celebrate the study by eating one tomorrow for lunch.
Joi
Get Cooking MAIN
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