When we speak of value in regards to food, we are normally talking about a lot of food for little money. However, I believe we should consider in the equation the ‘value’ of the food itself. Is it quality and will it bring you nourishment? After all, nourishment is the real purpose of food.
First, in this crazy world, we must speak of convenience. Therefore, I will take the ‘fast food’ approach to this subject. What I mean is this: I will discuss and compare those things we can obtain in less than 5 minutes.
Arby’s Roast Beef Sandwich (classic) – $4.43 (source: corporate website)
- Calories – 360 (calories from fat 130)
- Fat – 14 grams (saturated fat 5 grams)
- Carbohydrates – 35 grams
- Protein – 23 grams
- Sugars – 6 grams
McDonald’s Quarter Pounder – $6.19 (source: corporate website)
- Calories – 520 (calories from fat 240)
- Fat – 26 grams (saturated fat 12 grams)
- Carbohydrates – 42 grams
- Protein – 29 grams
- Sugars – 10
Sherwood ‘Value Meal’ in a Glass – $7.49
Ingredients: 2 cups unsweetened almond milk ($.75), 1 scoop cool processed whey protein ($2.76), 9 grams (1 tbsp) organic greens ($2.24), 3 grams (3/4 teaspoon) L-Glutamine powder ($.55), 3 grams (1 tsp) Vitamin C powder ($.46), 5 grams (2 tsp) broad-based fiber ($.73)
- Calories – 255 (calories from fat 65)
- Fat – 7 grams (saturated fat 1 gram)
- Carbohydrates – 15 grams
- Protein – 28 grams
- Sugars – 4 grams
In-Depth Comparison
After a general comparison of the three, let’s go a little deeper… Notice the amount of saturated fat and the inflated amount of carbohydrates in items 1 and 2. Also, examine the number of calories from fat in the total serving. Things are getting very interesting now!
Look even closer… What about the quality of the actual ingredients? I will not go into inflammatory detail in regard to quality, but let me ask you this question – Do you believe the quality of meat in items 1 and 2 is of high quality? In comparison to the protein in item 3, which is sourced from organic, cool processed, grass-fed beef, which is more beneficial for you?
In the ‘Value Meal in a Glass’ we have added organic greens (for unsurpassed antioxidant protection and nutrient density). There is little argument we do not obtain enough of these in the Standard American Diet (SAD). We have also included glutamine and fiber for stomach repair and GI health.
Face it: GI health is a big one today and is getting much more attention as an understanding of its relationship to overall health grows. Vitamin C has been loaded to generate much-needed immune system support.
Pay close attention to what you eat. What is really promoting value? Is it REALLY good for you?
