If you’ve ever popped back into the office kitchen for water you’ve seen a McDonald’s burger and fries that I bought on February 16, 2016. And no, it’s not wrapped up, refrigerated, or sealed in any way. It just sits there, looking almost exactly as it did the day I bought it.
The bun is a little drier, sure. The fries have collected some dust on the greasy bag. But otherwise? The cheese, the pickle, the ketchup—it’s all still there, unchanged. And that’s the point.
Wait… Why Doesn’t It Rot?
This is where the real conversations start.
• “Shouldn’t it be covered?” Nope. That’s the whole point of the experiment. It doesn’t need to be.
• “Why don’t you have ants or bugs crawling all over it?” Great question! If even pests aren’t interested, what does that say about the food’s nutritional value?
• “But isn’t it the same as making a burger at home?” Not quite. A homemade burger, left out, would grow mold, break down, and decompose. This one hasn’t.
The Role of Preservatives and Additives
One reason for this lack of decomposition is the presence of preservatives and additives in fast food. These substances are designed to extend shelf life and maintain appearance, but they also mean the food is far from its natural state.
For instance, consider McDonald’s Shamrock Shake. According to McDonald’s, the Shamrock Shake syrup contains ingredients such as high fructose corn syrup, corn syrup, water, glycerin, natural flavor, xanthan gum, citric acid, and sodium benzoate (a preservative) (mcdonalds.com). While the exact number of ingredients may vary, it’s clear that many components are added to achieve the desired taste, texture, and shelf life. I know, I know, as a kid I loved them too.
Garbage In, Garbage Out
In chiropractic we talk a lot about “garbage in, garbage out.” The food you eat fuels your body, and if it’s packed with preservatives and artificial ingredients, your body has to process all of that.
Ever eat fast food and feel bloated, sluggish, or even get heartburn or diarrhea? That’s your body trying to tell you something.
I get it—sometimes you need something quick. Maybe you drive all day for work, or you’re on the road with kids and want a convenient treat. But if meals like this become the norm instead of the exception, it might be time to reconsider what you’re fueling your body with.
This Isn’t About Judgment—It’s About Your Future Health
This isn’t a conversation to make you feel bad about your food choices. It’s part of a bigger picture—helping you be the healthiest version of yourself five years from now. The health you have today is an accumulation of habits from the past. The heart disease someone is diagnosed with at 60 likely started with habits at 35. The chronic pain, the fatigue, the inflammation—it all builds over time.
The good news? You can change the trajectory. Small, consistent choices add up. Choosing whole foods more often, staying active, and taking care of your spine—these are all investments in your future self.
If you’re ready to start making those changes, I’m here to help. Let’s work together to make sure the habits you build today support the vibrant, healthy life you want years from now.
