WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2003
FOOD
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN = 25
Low-carb dieters devour big-time burgers, steaks
For some reason, men are obsessed with huge steaks and big cheeseburgers, and who knows this supersized concept best? The restaurant industry.
Take the ever-so-popular Hardee's commercials for example. These commercials highlight that men strictly like huge burgers. Each actor complains about other fast food restaurants serving small-sized burgers with too-skinny patties, when what they really want is a big, juicy half-pound cheeseburger. As the actor finishes complaining about not finding a dripping-with-grease burger, a large Angus beef burger pops up to emphasize that you can find a big burger at Hardee's. Chili's serves up what it calls "Big Mouth" burgers.
Not only are these burgers grand, but restaurants like The Big Texan Steak Ranch in Amarillo, Texas, offer a 72-ounce steak competition, where if competitors finish the steak in just one hour, it's free.
So why does the restaurant industry thrive on this meat concept? Because advertisers think this is what men want. This idea of eating tons of meat has even sparked a thought in Robert Atkins' mind. Why not eat all the protein possible and lose weight?
Jared Todd, Quincy, Ill., senior, has been on the Atkins weight loss program for two and a half months and has already lost more than 20 pounds. He said he loved the notion that he could eat all the beef he wanted and lose weight.
"I can end up eating three steaks in one evening, get on the scale the next morning, and, amazingly, I've lost weight," Todd said.
Todd said the Atkins diet didn't require any work, because he can eat all the low-carb foods he wants and he's golden.
So when advertisers and diet plans, like Atkins, over-emphasize the carnivorous way of life, are they forcing men into a heart-diseased way of life as well? I think so.
On that note, don't be influenced by big-time cheeseburgers and 72-ounce steaks.
Try this low-protein, flavored burger and it will sustain your beef cravings and keep you satisfied all day.
Big, But Better For You Burger
(Lighter Version in parentheses) 1/2 pound ground beef (about 90% lean) 1/2 pound ground turkey (Or can omit beef and just use 1 pound ground turkey)
1 tablespoon olive oil
EAT THIS
Christina DiGiacomo cdgiacomo@kansan.com
Nutrition Facts Serves 4
Amount Per Serving
Calories 489
Calories from Fat 53%
% Daily Value*
% Daily Value
Total Fat 29g 45%
Saturated Fat 9g 44%
Cholesterol 88mg 29%
Total Carbohydrate 29g 10%
Dietary Fiber 3g 11%
Sodium 649mg 27%
Protein 27g 55%
Vitamin A 20% Vitamin C 42%
Calcium 23% Iron 21%
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values my be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper
4 Roma tomatoes, chopped
1 teaspoon minced garlic
4 tablespoons mozzarella cheese, chopped
2 tablespoons basil leaves, minced
4 tablespoons pesto sauce, warmed
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
4 hamburger buns, split
1. Gently mix together ground beef, turkey, olive oil, salt and pepper. Shape into 4 patties, about 3/4-inches thick.
3. In a bowl mix tomatoes, basil, garlic, red wine vinegar and mozzarella. Season with salt and pepper and set aside.
4. Grill patties for 13 minutes or until cooked thoroughly, turning once. During the last few minutes of cooking time, place buns face side down on the grill.
2. Preheat grill to medium.
5. Spread one tablespoon of pesto sauce onto bottom bun, add patty and top with tomato mixture.
DiGiacomo is an Apple Valley, Minn., senior in communication studies. She studied at Dante Alighieri cooking school in Florence, Italy.
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