McDonalds and Weight Watchers

I had a phone call yesterday from TV1 News wanting my opinion on the Weight Watchers – McDonald's partnership. If you haven’t heard the news, McDonald’s New Zealand is the first in the world to introduce Weight Watchers approved meals. Good on them I say, smart move.

But wait a second, you don’t have to be an idiot to realise that the motivation behind both businesses is to make more money and sell more food, and that’s because health, just isn’t very profitable. Pretty soon, we won’t be able to make our own food decisions at all because marketers will make them for us. What do you think? I’d love to hear your comments, will you embrace the low calorie options at McDonalds or do you see this as an incestuous relationship between two main food producers?
Comment here.

Comments
Hi you are quite right. Soon we won't be making any of our own health decisions !! How do they make a low fat burger or low fat bread buns for that matter that taste the same as the originals? We as a society are so conditioned to the taste of high fat food !
Judi

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Hello Jacquie. As we don't eat out very often it probably won't worry me too much. I am a meat and 3 veg kind of girl. BUT if I did choose to eat out I would probably go and try for myself to see what actually is available.
Regards Diane

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The only reason I would go to Mcd’s is to use the loo and I would have to be really desperate!
Hope that helps. Regards Alison

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Yes will embrace the low cal options. I take my kids to McD’s occasionally and it would be good for them to see healthier options too. Mc Cafe’s offer this but they are not readily available. It is a good idea to get kids thinking about healthy options in a fast food cafe and to understand that yes there are very bad options in McD’s. However, it will be good to train children that you can go to fast food cafes but it’s up to the individual to make a good choice in a predominantly bad choice situation.
Deborah

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What I thought was amusing is that WW said that they’re promoting ‘healthy’ options and then they used this example
6 chicken nuggets and a diet softdrink (oh and of course the side salad).
Thanks for the "education" in healthy eating WW, but I think I'll leave the 19g of fat for your staff while I go and eat a fresh salad with real chicken.
Stacey Hancock

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I can't say I'm surprised to hear this combination has been 'happened upon' - it seems to fit in very well with each company's brand campaigns... McDonalds wanting to be seen as "healthier" and Weight Watchers wanting to prove that "you can still eat McDonalds"! The one thing that has amazed me from both companies, is that - so far as McDonalds are concerned, with their "healthy options" menu - they neglect to mention that should you add the recommended salad dressings to their salads, you're eating not that much less fat that you would if you consumed a burger! and Weight Watchers focus so strongly on 'low fat' but often this results in high sugar as they try to make their products taste 'good'.Interestingly, a friend of mine studying to be a nutritionist was tasked at University with taking an existing product and making it better... she took Weight Watchers cereal and made it more healthy!! I'll be interested on your updates regarding this one! Keep up the good work at Real Nutrition. Kind regards Rachael

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Hi guys, my thoughts: You really think fat people, who may have a psychological addiction to high calorie foods are going to walk into Maccas and order the weight watchers options? They may do so for a few times (if they're lucky) but once there they more than likely will go for the foods that made them fat in the first place. It's like an alcoholic going to a liquor store to buy fruit juice. Brilliant marketing ploy by Maccas.
Brad

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HI Jacqui. Profit is always the best motivation for a business
I think it is better to see McD realizing the need and reacting accordingly
If they make more money because people buy more healthy food I don’t see the problem. Dave

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It is always good to have more options when looking for low energy options when looking for meals on the run. HOWEVER, only if you always stick to the low energy options ONLY and then didn’t “treat” yourself for being so good. I don’t know how many calories the points equal, but it still seems quite high – you would have to be careful.
Lyndsey

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Hi Jacquie and Tim

I think it is a way to get the whole family back in their store and buying MacDonalds. It's an advertising scheme to give them a more healthy image.It's nothing new for Weight Watchers as they condone all their own products including ice cream already and this is yet another way for them to profit.MacDonalds are trying to jump on the Heart Tick publicity and the relationship they have with places such as Subway.
It gets people in the door initially and they may buy the "healthy" option but possibly with extras and the kids have foot long meatball subs with extra cheese! Who's kidding who?Best to keep out of those places altogether I say.Enjoyed your piece in the Herald Tim! Now I just have to follow that great advice. Cheers Heather

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Hi Jacquie, Smart move on their part.I don't have a high opinion of their salads - in my experience is usually "past their use by date" and over priced, so am not breaking my neck to try the Weight Watchers Menu.
Majority of people who buy from McDonalds usually purchase fries to go with whatever else they have!! Cheers Carol

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No – after the success I’ve had cleaning up my diet, following becoming a client of Real Nutrition, the thought of eating anything off the McDonalds menu makes me feel ill… Also, I can make an excellent meal for half the price of any ‘meal’ on the McDonalds menu.
Rachel

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If your diet plan is based on calorie manipulation then what’s wrong with having another convenient option when you’re out and about.Obviously not the healthiest option, but I also think it’s nice to be able to have a treat that still fits within your diet’s calorie restrictions.Also, if you should fall off the wagon once you’re at McDonalds and get a Big Mac combo with Large Fries and a milkshake you can blame the weight watchers options for luring you in there and not feel so bad about giving in to your demons.Eugene

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I think it is marketers taking advantage of vulnerable people. We all know the WW way isn’t the right way to manage your health and diet needs. A lot of the ‘healthy options’ they provide in these types of establishments we find are actually quite misleading in how healthy they are.I can just see a child choosing a WW happy meal – yeah right. The pasta one they brought out was disgusting. The salads are rubbish. Yvonne

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I never touch McDonalds with a barge pole, as I believe they are unethical int he way they market, particularly to children. What I have noticed with Weight Watchers foods, is that they are not much lower in calories than the standard products, but often a smaller serving, and definitely a much larger price. In fact, they are misleading, as many of their products are not low calorie in themselves, but just in how many servings they contain. Neither Weight Watchers or McDonald's are interested in helping people make healthy food choices, they just want to make more money. I and my family will be staying far away!
Tania

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Hi

Quite frankly I am shocked! If Chocolate companies buying out Supplement companies wasn’t enough (Nestle buying Musashi)…now we have to confuse the general public as well. And lets face it most of them wouldn’t have a clue what a healthy meal is let alone what amounts to a portion size! Weight watchers don’t care what you eat so long as you stick to the ‘points programme!’ So who is actually educating the public on healthy eating? Certainly nobody of any influence it seems! News papers publish stories saying exercise is bad for you and in times of hardship give up your gym membership. And if I am honest people who use your services are already motivated and converted to the fact they have to change their ways. That leaves a massive percentage of the population being funnelled towards bad eating choices, by mass advertising from big companies like MacD’s. Regards Joe

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Hi Jacquie
On some leveI I can understand the desire for McD to validate some of it's menu items with an endorsement from WW, who in turn want to show that there is food that fits within healthy guidelines in most places .... and none of that is necessarily a bad thing. We need to get away from this idea that food is either bad or good, we need to get a sense of balance and be able to make sensible choices (don't we?). Pretty slick marketing really. But, in the end it's the marketing of the food that is most destructive, be it Mc D or WW. It's the messages that get in our heads, that confuse us, tell us what we should be eating, tell us they know better than we do. In the end it's those messages that can undermine our confidence in ourselves and eventually drive us to eat mindlessly and emotionally instead of thoughtfully. I agree with you: the food giants getting together is a scary thing. Besides, it wouldn't make me eat at McD any more than I do now. When trying to lose weight I find it difficult to make a sensible choice at a place that smells like fries and burgers with or without a WW endorsement.
Regards Stephanie

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I probably wont buy the supposedly lower calorie meals from McDonalds because in the past they have marketed products that are supposed to be a healthier option but I have heard for example that the massive calories in the salad dressing make the healthier option not so healthy and I think this is misleading to the consumer. I do, however, think they are clever tapping into this partnership as since I have been coming to Real I am always looking for the healthiest eating out option I can find.
Sandra

I can't see the partnership being anything but a money making thing. If I wanted healthy , mcdonalds would be my last choice even if it offers a couple of salads on the menu. The choices should be much more varied and extensive if they are wanting to get people in the doors and seriously change things...anyone who eats healthy now would be hard to convince that they actually are healthy choices. Catherine.

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I think its a great idea! More healthy options will be helpful when I'm out with friends and we go to McDonalds. Gracie.

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Hi there, as a McDonald’s lover, I must admit I am a bit bias. Although I read their leaflets properly and order the food that is “best” (out of all the baddies) I realise I should not go there at all.
What they have now done will help some people and yes, you are right, they will make money of it, but perhaps money out of leaner people??
Perhaps I am not totally up with the play or I have other things to worry about at the moment, it does not give me sleepless nights.
Kind regards,
Else

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McDonalds in any way or form wouldn’t tempt me, but yes it is clever marketing. I suppose at least it is a sensible option for the fast food people as long as they know that not everything is on the menu. Personally, I’ve never found weight watchers to be a good option. To me it doesn’t address the issue of what happens when you stop dieting or the need for smaller regular meals. If you are counting points it would be easy to just have something really yummy and not eat for the rest of the day. That’s OK for once in a blue moon but I would think it would be very easy to convince yourself that it is OK everyday because that’s the ‘weight watchers way’
Cheers Ann

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I say "Good on McDonalds" - they're actually DOING' exactly what the critics wanted them to do: offer healthier food options. Now they have those alternatives as does BK. Personally, I have tried the McDonalds wraps and also the BK Tender grill burger which are wonderful to have occasionally when you want a light but healthy quick fix. It seems like the quick food business is damned if they do and damned if they don't offer healthier food. Funnily enough, I think McDonalds named their range right: Personal Choices. For me, there is far more danger in being told what I'm allowed to eat by a self-appointed bureaucrat thereby eliminating people's freedom to choose than there is in my being exposed to a burger I no longer choose and fries. When I DO want to be told what to eat, I'll go to a nutritionist (Jacquie) thanks!
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Stuart

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Well it’s all chicken so I’m not impressed!

Of course it is money making for both sides but I actually think it is a good move. People who are trying to eat healthily but need/want fast food have a choice. I would love it if more restaurants and cafes would offer food which told you what the calorie and fat content is – at least of some dishes. I want McDonalds to do a Diet Coke version of Coke slush so could you organise that for me please?
Xx M

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This is definitely driven by profit but can’t criticize a health option for Mum when she takes the little one for a happy meal. Of course, in a perfect world, young Mums would not be taking their children to McDonalds, or any fast food chain. Have you ever tried to teach a small person the benefits of living in a perfect world when all their friends are playing with the latest give away McDonalds toy??????? Keep up the food work.
Regards Lyn

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Hi Jacquie

Just reading the piece about McDonalds and Weight Watchers. I don't
frequent McDonalds ever but if the grand children were to go then I think
that a Weight Watchers meal would be my choice. We all make our own choice about what we eat and if we are serious about losing weight then advertising will not be a factor. Somehow I don't think McDonalds or Weight Watchers will be making any money out of me.

Regards, JUDY

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This shows a great lack of responsibility on the part of weight Watchers. It certainly does not surprise me that once again McDonalds try to advertise their products as a healthy option.This also should bring to the publics attention how little weight watchers really know about healthy eating.I feel that it’s about time that the government reviews how these fast food establishments are advertising their products.
regards Pete

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Hi, Yes, I think it's great, I love McDonalds from time to time and now I can have a low Calorie option with out feeling too guilty at having a treat.
Well done Maccas and Weight Watchers for getting it together.
Cheers,
Maureen.

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Hi Jackie

Good idea, and no I hadn't heard of that.
If it benefits weight watches, McDonalds and the public, good on them for coming up with that concept. it definitely sounds worth a trial, and if successful then I'm sure other fast food chains will follow suit.

Regards
Kat

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Hi
My opinion is that ready made weight watchers meals at Mac's is a great idea. WE all have busy lifestyles and very little time to prepare meals 99% of the time so buying healthy meal options from Mackys is a break through. The obese statistics is always blaming and putting down junk food outlets therefore, the change is a great thing for this outlet and nothing but good news would come from this outlet.
Reminds me alot of Jenny Craig only cheaper.
Eilee

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Hi,

To me having done a variety of 'life style changes' (including coming
to you and losing lots of weight then finding it again when I went
overseas!) I am currently doing Weight Watchers and have lost 10kg so
far. Yes I agree that both are looking at the benefits for their own
company but my belief is that; if you want to eat McDonald's eat it
and enjoy it. I do apply this rule but but I have to admit very
occasionally and it would probably be McDonald's competition. I am
lucky that I don't have a lot to lose as some and going to the gym 4-5
days a week helps too (thanks also for getting me into that habit!) I
guess some people would feel better if it was Weight Watchers endorsed
but what needs to be done is educating people about which foods are
long lasting ie low G.I which McDonald's could add to their menu.
Because they claim too do it with wraps, healthy shakes etc but
truthfully they don't. I guess it is a bit like saying something is
99% fat free-if it's too good to be true it often is!
Jenny

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Hi Jacquie,

This is my first newsletter receipt - its great thanks so much. Mcdonalds and Weight watchers. For many years i have struggled to control my weight with weight watchers, however I really struggled when ever it can time to eating anything new or different. I have now been focusing more on my nutrition, exercise and calories in and out, and the success I have had is awesome. I think the partnership between these two companies is 100% money driven, and gives people a false sense that eating Mcdonalds is a positive step in your weight lose program, when in reality its not comparable to a fresh low fat meal. I fell if you want a meal of takeaways with the kids/family/friends as a treat you are better to have reasonable portion of what you want and and adjust your work outs accordingly thought out the week to compensate for it.
Cheers Tabatha

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My feeling is that if people are visiting McDonalds, one would assume they are not there for healthy food. Both weight watchers & McDonalds will be benefiting from this marketing. A representative has already admitted to this on TV. The options still consist of processed food and it is becoming very clear that the more we step away from natural real food we are compromising our health.

Wouldn’t it be nice to see some marketing toward more cost effective organic and or real food? As a western society we are not doing ourselves any favours and we also are continuing to encourage our children (the next generation) to err toward instant, processed, packaged and fast convenience food. Are we going to look back in years to come with huge regrets? My feeling is that we are reversing things by making health food an occasional treat and what I call junk an everyday part of our diet. Takeaways, processed and packaged food should surely be the treat but it seems not so it many peoples daily intake from what I have seen.
At the end of the day, these big organizations are only interested in money. I don’t believe they really have an interest in peoples health and well being, just the final bank account balance.
Jill

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Hi.
I have only ever had one meal in a McDonalds eatery and that was in Cologne in Germany when I needed a very quick snack and a loo, I didn’t like what I got then and have never been tempted or needed a meal that badly that I have wanted to go back again! I doubt very much whether folk will buy food that is good for them if they really like fries and burgers etc
Cheers Val

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I am pleased with this relationship between Weight watcher and McDonalds We seldom go to McDonalds for meals but once in a while we have been invited to share the odd meals for a kids party or such like. There was always the guilt that we shouldn't be eating that food so now we can enjoy the occasion without the guilt. Last year we travelled to the Waikato Hospital to visit my father in law
who was ill and it added to the stress of trying to find something
nutritious to eat while on the run.For these reasons I am pleased with the partnership but I am aware that it might encourage some into McDonalds with great intentions but to be swayed by the naughty options.
Bronwyn

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Hi Jacquie,

Thanks for your newsletters, I always enjoy reading them.My thoughts are we need to be able to incorporate many different “food situations” into our lifestyle and learn to manage them. The Macca’s/WW partnership gives people conscious of managing their weight another option, when they are eating out with their family or wanting a night off cooking.I don’t think it is realistic to expect a person to prepare meals from scratch every night of the year! And from my experience of working with people in the area of motivation and weight loss trying to be a perfectionist when it comes to eating in a healthy, balanced way is what undermines so many people from doing so.My thoughts only!
Megan

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Hi
I think its a great idea and have no issue with it, unfortunately in NZ we are all treated as dumb ( lowest common denominator stuff) so it is thought that every overweight person seeking to lose weight will now be straight into McDonalds and temptation will mean they will get 2 big Macs, large Fries and a coke with a chocolate sundae to finish. The reality is that it means people can make intelligent choices if you give them the option. There is nothing wrong with the odd Mcdonalds I often grab a fillet of fish.Hope it is a success.
David.

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If I’m going to go to MacDonald’s I’m going to get a Big Mac combo up sized to MASSIVE!
Janelle

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Hi,
I cannot believe Weight Watchers endorsing McDonald’s products. I have been on a Weight Watchers program (unsuccessfully) and you are constantly thinking about how points certain foods are and what you can consume throughout the day. By entering into McDonalds it is so easy to be tempted to the other products on their menus. Of course, McDonalds would be happy as it is extra revenue for them. Interesting.
Sam.

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Fast food and greed are, I believe the reason why there is so much illness in the world today. Our food chain has been poisoned for the sake of big business bottom lines and big pharmaceutical trillion dollar profits.
In my opinion, Weight watchers is a label to print money just like the heart foundation tick. Most processed foods are made with pesticides in them. Big business use pesticides on their produce to kill bugs to make their product look better. Even vitamin supplements
have rice powder fillers in the capsules to prevent the vitamin content from caking. What we don't realise is that the rice filler weakens the value of the vitamin when it is introduced in to the body.
organically grown food is the only healthy kind of food that the human body should eat. All the fats used in cooking fast foods are heart attack material.I believe that it is sick that Weight watchers would even consider marrying with MacDonalds.
Incidentally, I am a diabetic with chronic renal failure. I don't take any medications and I don't eat fast foods anymore because I now know what is in them. Even weight watchers food is dangerous for me to eat.
People who watch their weight should be watching their food intake not their weight. Contrary to Weight watchers it is not good to eat foods with artificial sweeteners. It is not good to eat anything you like even in moderation. some food is just poisonous to the human body no matter how you dress it up.
Food should be a matter of survival not pleasure as the media machine and big business have promoted to the masses. Eat to live not to die. Own your own mind and don't let the big business greed machine suck you in.
If you don't take control of your own health now you will either be forced to by illness or you will die. You have the ultimate decision when it comes to what you put in your mouth. If you think organic food is too expensive to buy consider growing your own. The other thing is that the more people who turn to organic food the cheaper it will become.
Lucky.

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I read with interest your comment on McDonalds and Weight Watchers liaison. I would call this an unholy alliance. McDonalds desperate to appear to be healthy and ethical; and we know they don’t really rate in these areas. Weight Watchers is all about selling more food to fat people. They need each other.If we were to get the right nutrition from our food; that is, having it grown in nutritionally rich soil initially and not sprayed to all hell and not instantly ripened to suit supermarkets then we would not have so many health issues. It all starts with getting the basics right; something most of us have lost sight of. I am sure that the low calorie meals at McDonalds will appear to look great to those who don’t question and believe all the marketing presented to them. To some degree we are all a victim of marketing. These days when I see something which appeals to me, I stop and ask, is this really as good as it seems? Often on contemplation I get a different feeling than the initial first reaction. We owe it to ourselves to be vigilant regarding personal choice and how information is presented to us. Thanks for your comment on this issue, it got me thinking.
Catherine.

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At least it gives me one more option; if Andrew is hanging out for a burger & fries, there’s something on the menu I can have instead of caving into peer pressure and having the same. Of course it makes them both more money, but if it didn’t McDonalds wouldn’t be motivated to change and offer more options, and Weight watchers couldn’t promote healthy living.
Irene.

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I agree of course it is a strategy for making more money and hitting a different demographic , I guess they are aimimg at mums more so than the young kids that want a cheese burger with fries, but now its salad to go etc.
I don,t know what to think I still think that it will be an expensive alternative as there salads are anyway, and I have never gone or believed in a points system any way so people who ar e on weight watchers and go to Md's are still going to be sucked in in some way of not eating healthy. I am surprised some where like subway have not partnered up with weight watchers.
Louise.

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It certainly is a big question. It would certainly be very hard to go into MD's and just order the few options they have included with a salad. What with the smells of freshly cooked chips would certainly tempt the taste buds and get you to order something you should not. But I also like the idea if you are out late, nothing out for dinner there is a healthy option out there. Depends on the will power.
Vanessa

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I'm not reading anything incestuous into it at all, well not on the surface, and really if we want to delve deep into everything in life there is an element on incestuousness or something is not quite PC, but hey
if you want to burden yourselves with such thoughts and stress go ahead, I am going to take the lighter option of the availability of a healthier Take out meal option, and at least when I find myself caught short at the shopping Mall or running between business and pleasure or children with my tummy grumbling I can take the healthier food option at McD's and not feel too self conscious about indulging in FAST FOOD.
Teresa

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Hmmmm what next ! Two big giants getting together what a conspiracy. Im guilty of being fans of both in my past life. I needed one after eating too much of the other. That was 10 years ago thank god. I now know better. But have had to learn the truth by going out and learning and weeding out the b shit from the truth. Weight watchers have changed so much over the years – lost the plot, gone from promoting healthy eating to focusing on promoting their products, all processed and as far from natural as one can get. This dynamic duo will do well, the majority of people believe what they are told, if its in writing it must be true.
Leigh

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I am cynical on one hand about the relationship between McDonalds and Weight Watchers (also from a profit point of view) but on a positive note every new healthy/low calorie alternative available for people who are busy, have kids (so regularly visit McD) is a good thing. I have taken the kids for their McD treat and instead of being tempted by a burger & fries have ordered one of their healthier options instead to minimise the damage. Every little bit helps!!!! The proof will be in the pudding in regards to nutritional value so I will be interested to hear YOUR opinion when the partnership is launched.
Tania

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I couldn’t stop laughing – what a joke – McDonalds promoted as healthy. The shame of it all is is that people will probably believe it.
Greg

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I think it's fantastic. I simply do not eat that kind of food (McDonalds) so if I have to be there over a meal time due to for example a childrens party I just go hungry and grab something when I get home. Now I wont have to test my self-control and will be able to find something on the menu that is nutritious and healthy. There must be many thousands of others like me who end up at McDs when they would not have chosen to go and until now have eaten the rubbish due to there being no alternative.
Nicky

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I was stunned to hear on radio news that WW will 'promote' the meal options
at meeting. Not what WW members are paying fees for I would think.
Big money has talked louder than the WW philosophy.
But who should be surprised - years ago it was McDonalds at Starship Hospital.And a slick ad/PR programme that's cost $000s to put together.
Look how much PR alone they got in a week - worth big $ in value.Weight Watchers have sold their soul to the devil!
Maria

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My reaction to the Weight Watchers/Mcdonalds partnership was just a big rolling of the eyes - this is another typical example of poor food choices being given the "health halo" effect. People will see the Weight Watchers logo, and just like when many people see the words "low-fat" "low-cholesterol" "sugar-free" or the increasingly popular "gluten-free" plastered on a product, will see this as a free ticket to gobble down the whole lot, seemingly guilt free. I commend Mcdonalds for making a wider range of choices available on their menu; but the Weight Watchers partnership leaves me with a sour taste in my mouth. Thanks, and I enjoy receiving your emails. Keep it up
Emily

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I’m proud to say I haven’t been to McDonald’s for almost 11 years and joining with Weight Watchers certainly won’t get me there. Although I think WW is a great programme to get people on the right track and has some great success stories ( I know people who have achieved fantastic results), I’ve always been a bit wary of their own branded products as many of them do contain artificial sweeteners and huge lists of unpronounceable ingredients. And they promote Diet Coke as well !!! While these may reduce the number of calories consumed they’re not exactly healthy nutrition! Will people be able to resist the Big Mac when they really went in to get a WW meal?
Kathleen

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We do know its all about money however nice to have that right choice factor available to those who wish to pop on in or drive through McDonalds.I just hope they have made it taste as good as it sounds otherwise people will go straight back to old unhealthy ways!
Cant wait to try it and I will email you again with my rating.
Toni

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I think its great that you can eat out at McDonalds and still be eating something healthy or at least know the nutrition values of the food. Weight Watches are allowing their members to eat mcdonalds and still stick to their program - good on them!
Melanie

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I do see this as a Marketing Ploy, for both Companies.
There are a lot of fast food establishments out there, contributing to the ‘obese’ epidemic. So why McDonalds? For many years there have been point values given to numerous “take out” dinning, and personally if ww people make this choice, it is with informed knowledge. To actively encourage ‘take out’ dinning, is in my opinion sad, and I feel ww have gone well away from their original intention. My respect for ww, and what they were trying to achieve, has gone!
Leanne

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Hi Jacqui -

I don't go to McDonalds and this "union" between them and Weight Watchers won't change that any. It's really just all about business doing business in my opinion.Cheers, Vicki.

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I would like to say that your comment about Weight Watchers - McDonalds partnership did startle me a bit. I know for a fact that a lot of people all over New Zealand follow the Weight Watchers scheme and for them to partner with one of the highest, most successful fast food restaurants internationally, as I see it, is one of the worst mistakes that any dietitian business could make. As I see it, these professionals are suppose to help people around the country not only lose weight but help to change their lifestyle when it comes to what you consume daily. I feel that Weight Watchers are cheating the people of New Zealand by promoting the McDonalds healthy range as a positive food to add to their diet/lifestyle. I personally have eaten one of the wraps and have compared previously during one of my McDonalds visits that one wrap (crispy not seared), works out to be the equivalent of one medium sized serving of fries. Most of the people all over the world that would consider one of these healthy options would not just choose the wrap, they would choose a combo (so both the medium fries and a medium soft drink) which I am guessing, would be just as bad as having a Big Mac on its own.

I also believe that people do NOT go to McDonalds to purchase a healthy meal when their are other healthier restaurants that we can go to that are available for both lunch and dinner. What will happen next? Will Weight Watchers make a partnership with KFC as well? A lot of people are naive and I know they believe most advertsing and marketing and will be easily conned in the future. - That is just my opinion.
Thanks Vanessa

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LOL I had only just finished writing the following to put on my blog tonight... you may as well have a read of it too :-) I was quite dumbstruck yesterday when I read the article on Weight Watchers endorsing some McDonald's products under their Points Programme. With 119 comments attached to the article by the end of the day, it seems others have strong opinions on this as well. Personally I think it is dumb and Weight Watchers have definitely topped my "Wombles" idiot scale this week. Anyone on a diet will understand the daily pressure and will-power required to stick to your eating plan / diet. Weight Watchers are delusional if they think that their clients will go into McDonald's and only buy an allowed item (Filet-O-Fish, Chicken McNuggets, or a Sweet Chilli Seared Chicken Wrap) and not "up-size" it. Even if their willpower is high the first time they stand in the queue, how long will it be before they are back in that queue salivating with the aroma of french fries surrounding them? Instead more effort should go into providing education on how to read a nutrition label and understand what the values mean. Sure, your Filet-O-Fish is only 6.5 points but what about the 18g of fat, 663mg of sodium, and 40g of carbohydrates? I suppose I should be thankful it will give me 16g of protein. But I'll be frank, you couldn't pay me to eat that food and no Weight Watchers, even telling me it's only 6.5 points won't change my mind.
Catherine

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My daughter has never even tried McDonalds and she is nearly 6 !
Of that alone I am very proud. She has asked me why people drive to these windows – what are they all doing ?Why indeed ! I told her and she wasn’t impressed and said but we can have a hamburger at home !She would have a celery or cucumber and meat sandwich any day over that. I will admit she loves fish and chips but it seems more satisfying to support the local chippie than that multinational. We travelled to Vietnam in 1999 and was pleased not to see them there – bet its changed ! We were in Samoa just after the Tsunami and I said to my husband as we went down a busyish street – glad there is no Mac D here the local food is so nice.- but damn it the golden arches appeared before us !!!
However all the comments are very interesting and it is good to spark debate.
Both sides have some remarks that are quite valid.
The less processed the better I say. It is a shame when you can get a fast food meal cheaper that a healthy one in people’s opinion. We are lucky to have access to our organic vege patch and meat. This all requires work etc but it pays off !
Happy days to all. Marcia

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I agree with Stuart, further up the board I don't like being told what I can and can't eat, McDonalds can't win they give a healthy option and all the do gooders can think of is the money they are going to make.
I like McD's now and again and will continue to eat it, also we all aren't fat, I certainly don't feel guilty eating it.
Denise.

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Hi Jaquie,
I have never been to MacDonalds and felt satisfied afterwards so I know that whatever is on offer in the way of a 'diet' meal is still not going to satisfy me without having something else there or later. I have often had to go to Macdonalds for meetings as the Greenlane Mac's offer free meeting rooms (another way to get people in the door) and I sometimes order coffee. However most people at my meeting order a meal. I take my own and have never had anything said to me, except by the people at my meeting. It's all about money and bums on seats. Most of us that need to loose weight are going to be tempted to have extras on top of the diet food because they are not filling enough and for that reason I am never tempted to go near the place.
Cheers Joy

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If your a weight watchers guru then I suppose that would be great! Then you wouldn't have to make a decision on what would be the healthiest choice. If I eat out I generally choose the foods closest to the ones that have been set for me e.g. a chicken wrap or salad. Our society these days is so fast paced that a lot of people grab their food on the run so offering healthier choices by brand could be a good thing. On the other hand if you're eating on the run or out - unless conscientious about what you eat you'll eat what you've conditioned yourself to eat regardless of if there is a healthy choice or not.
Clint and Gab

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If the food meets the Weight Watchers requirements, why shouldn't McDonalds advertise this. There are lots of high fat foods in the supermarket which I don't buy, and I welcome the information on what to buy at McDonalds! ( I do have an issue about the Hoki they use, and how it is fished, but that is another issue!)
Judy

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They must think we are a gullible lot and they are probably right.
Karl

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This simply shows that Weight Watcher is nothing but a commercial organisation who probably got some financial kickback from Mac Donalds. I never recommended to my patients to join them, but now I certainly will warn them against it! Dr. J. Rozencwajg, NMD. "The greatest enemy of any science is a closed mind"
Visit my new website:

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The whole point with weight watchers is that you choose healthy foods within your point range. If you choose not so healthy then you make up for it during the week by eating less or exercising more so you save everything for those few glasses of wine. I LOVE that MacDonald’s has put a WW points on their foods. At least I can make an informed decision now. I wish every eating place I went to had WW points, as sometimes it’s hard to tell. I’ve got a skinny husband and kids, they love MacDonalds as a treat – now I don’t have to wait and have an omelet! I wish more food outlets would have children friendly environments!
Sue

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Isn’t everyone in ’business’ to make money? Good on their innovative thinking and let the consumer be responsible for their own decisions. It’s still a free world isn’t it?
Cheers Bruce

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"bad move weight watches shows me they are all about points not about good healthy eating. A better idea would be to save all your points up so you can drink more booze. "

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While there may be a ploy to get people back into McDee's I feel they get a bad wrap for their efforts. It's about time some of the other fast food places made some positive changes and people stop singling out McDonalds as being the worst fast food company. BTW I do not work for them and I'm certainly not promoting them but I think they are trying to change and some change is better than no changes at all. Gail

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Hi Jacquie
Its all about choice, just because its there doesn't mean you have to rush out and buy it, I very very rarely eat at McDonalds so it doesn't really worry me.Regards Christine

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Kia Ora

I will not be buying into the McDonald food options because it is a dud deal and if people are too gullible to see this then I don't know what the world is coming to.

I have been a client of Weight Watchers many years ago and followed their dietary plans and was able to slim down considerably. The reasons both McDonald's and Weight Watchers have joined forces are because:

a)they realize people are buying more fast food - easy, quick option instead of groceries

b)rising cost of groceries -- recession times

c)people are gaining weight through eating fast foods

d)people will be drawn to McDonald's through advertising ploys depicting
Weight Watchers 3 meal options

But at the end of the day, people only go to McDonalds for one reason
TO EAT AND ENJOY ALL THE AVAILABLE OPTIONS
They do not go there because they are worried about their WEIGHT

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I would like to say that your comment about Weight Watchers - McDonalds partnership did startle me a bit. I know for a fact that a lot of people all over New Zealand follow the Weight Watchers scheme and for them to partner with one of the highest, most successful fast food restaurants internationally, as I see it, is one of the worst mistakes that any dietitian business could make. As I see it, these professionals are suppose to help people around the country not only lose weight but help to change their lifestyle when it comes to what you consume daily. I feel that Weight Watchers are cheating the people of New Zealand by promoting the McDonalds healthy range as a positive food to add to their diet/lifestyle. I personally have eaten one of the wraps and have compared previously during one of my McDonalds visits that one wrap (crispy not seared), works out to be the equivalent of one medium sized serving of fries. Most of the people all over the world that would consider one of these healthy options would not just choose the wrap, they would choose a combo (so both the medium fries and a medium soft drink) which I am guessing, would be just as bad as having a Big Mac on its own.

I also believe that people do NOT go to McDonalds to purchase a healthy meal when their are other healthier restaurants that we can go to that are available for both lunch and dinner. What will happen next? Will Weight Watchers make a partnership with KFC as well? A lot of people are naive and I know they believe most advertising and marketing and will be easily conned in the future. - That is just my opinion.

Thanks Vanessa

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I was quite dumbstruck yesterday when I read the article on Weight Watchers endorsing some McDonald's products under their Points Programme. With 119 comments attached to the article by the end of the day, it seems others have strong opinions on this as well.

Personally I think it is dumb and Weight Watchers have definitely topped my "Wombles" idiot scale this week. Anyone on a diet will understand the daily pressure and will-power required to stick to your eating plan / diet. Weight Watchers are delusional if they think that their clients will go into McDonald's and only buy an allowed item (Filet-O-Fish, Chicken McNuggets, or a Sweet Chilli Seared Chicken Wrap) and not "up-size" it. Even if their willpower is high the first time they stand in the queue, how long will it be before they are back in that queue salivating with the aroma of french fries surrounding them?

Instead more effort should go into providing education on how to read a nutrition label and understand what the values mean. Sure, your Filet-O-Fish is only 6.5 points but what about the 18g of fat, 663mg of sodium, and 40g of carbohydrates? I suppose I should be thankful it will give me 16g of protein. But I'll be frank, you couldn't pay me to eat that food and no Weight Watchers, even telling me it's only 6.5 points won't change my mind. Catherine

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Hi there,

My reaction to the Weight Watchers/Mcdonalds partnership was just a big rolling of the eyes - this is another typical example of poor food choices being given the "health halo" effect. People will see the Weight Watchers logo, and just like when many people see the words "low-fat" "low-cholesterol" "sugar-free" or the increasingly popular "gluten-free" plastered on a product, will see this as a free ticket to gobble down the whole lot, seemingly guilt free. I commend Mcdonalds for making a wider range of choices available on their menu; but the Weight Watchers partnership leaves me with a sour taste in my mouth.

Thanks, and I enjoy receiving your emails. Keep it up

Emily

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Thanks Jacquie, this is the full post I will put up on my blog www.kiwiflossnz.com.

I was dumbstruck this week after reading the article about Weight Watchers endorsing some McDonald's products under their Points Programme. With 119 comments attached to the article by the end of Wednesday, it seems others have strong opinions on this as well.

Personally I think it is dumb and Weight Watchers have definitely topped my "Wombles" idiot scale this week. Anyone on a diet will understand the daily pressure and will-power required to stick to your eating plan / diet. Weight Watchers are delusional if they think that their clients will go into McDonald's and only buy an allowed item (Filet-O-Fish, Chicken McNuggets, or a Sweet Chilli Seared Chicken Wrap) and not "up-size" it. Even if their willpower is high the first time they stand in the queue, how long will it be before they are back in the queue salivating with the aroma of french fries surrounding them?

Instead more effort should go into providing education on how to read a nutrition label and interpret the values. Sure, your Filet-O-Fish is only 6.5 points but what about the 18g of fat, 663mg of sodium, and 40g of carbohydrates? I suppose I should be thankful it will give me 16g of protein. But I'll be frank, you couldn't pay me to eat that food and not even telling me it's only got 6.5 points is going to change my mind.

The general public lack of knowledge was highlighted brilliantly recently. I sent an email to Food in a Minute (a Watties TV promo slot) suggesting they provide the full nutritional details of their recipes. Their response:

Unfortunately, many of our consumers are unable to interpret the meaning of a NIP [Nutrition Information Panel] on a recipe into their everyday eating, so instead of confusing them we have made it easier by analyzing and categorizing those that are healthier as a 'Healthy Pick'.

Well how do you respond to that? Don't even get me started on the fact that they encourage you to buy food such as frozen mashed potatoes to make a dish. If a food giant won't play the game, then no wonder society is so uneducated about the nutritional value of food. I do however give full credit to people like Healthy Food Guide and Real Nutrition who work hard to educate consumers.

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The whole point with weight watchers is that you choose healthy foods within your point range. If you choose not so healthy then you make up for it during the week by eating less or exercising more so you save everything for those few glasses of wine. I LOVE that MacDonald’s has put a WW points on their foods. At least I can make an informed decision now. I wish every eating place I went to had WW points, as sometimes it’s hard to tell. I’ve got a skinny husband and kids, they love MacDonalds as a treat – now I don’t have to wait and have an omelet! I wish more food outlets would have children friendly environments! Sue

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Hi,
I do not eat McDonalds once was enough or should I say one bite was enough! I've not touched the product since. While there are many who enjoy eating this food there are a significant number of people who eat this food simply because it is cheap. In general these are people who are below the poverty line and do not have sufficient income to afford nutritional food and or dysfunctional families who do not make economically wise choices simply because they lack the educational knowledge to make sense of what gets marketed and indeed, may simply not care because they have limited power to do anything about it. These groups of people most likely for a life time have eaten foods that would once again take a life time to change. For most, they are in positions where they will buy what they can afford.
A large percentage of McDonalds customers are young, Pasifika, and Maori and particularly Pasifika children/youths have high obesity rates. Although there are many Pasifika peoples and Maori who are upwardly mobile there are a greater number that live frugally and in poverty. Whether I agree or not if this has the chance to perhaps lower obesity levels (as we know obesity leads onto other major health problems) then smart marketing or not, it is a good move. In addition, I do not believe for one moment as you put it I 'will not be able to make our [my] own food choices ...' I think that type of advertising is negative and rather 'far fetched'. What I do believe however, for some groups of peoples their choices will be limited because it will be their socio-economic status and those from dominant groups/businesses that will influence as to whether they eat healthy or not. Unlike for some people, I am in a fortunate position where I can choose.
Nane.

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Hi Jacquie - thanks for opportunity to comment. Yes as a family we probably will choose to use the McD's low calorie options but only on the proviso that they have NO ASPARTAME in them. I was horrified when McD's changed their option of lemonade to DIET with Aspartame - and there is no other choice of lemonade. The reason is that my husband and boys cannot be persuaded away from the occasional McD's and the option for my daughter and I to choose a lower calorie item is good.

However re food choice my biggest bug-bear is with Countdown/Foodtown/Woolworths supermarket chain. Over the last years since Australian takeover there has been a planned reduction in the choice of foods to include only those brands that suit their profit mark up and sales. Locally made food is taken from the shelf and replaced with imported poorer quality food - eg. Kayees biscuits made in ChCh now not available - imported Woolworths and HomeBrand substitutes poor. I guess you could say this is good because I don't then buy rubbishy biscuits but my complaint is with their manipulation of my choice.

Thanks again for opportunity to comment

Yvonne

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Hi Jacquie
My adult son said he heard someone's comment about the said WW/Maccas liason - that it would be "like going to a brothel for a hug".....mmm......
Jackie

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In my opinion it just goes to show that Weight Watchers is only interested in money not peoples health. Keep up the good work
Keith

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