It’s been a decade since the food and film industry was awed by documentary Super Size Me, starring Morgan Spurlock, who ate nothing but McDonald’s, three times a day for one month. The film unintentionally showcased fast food’s detrimental effect on a person emotionally, mentally, and physically. Over the period of 30 days, Spurlock gained 24 lbs. and experienced extreme mood swings and sexual dysfunction due to a lack of nutrients.
But Colo, Iowa science teacher John Cisna experienced vastly different results. Cisna consumed only McDonald’s for three months, but with strict nutritional limits, given by his students. He was limited to a 2,000 calorie day, despite eating Big Mac’s, Quarter Pounders, and desserts, including sundaes and ice cream cones. His mission was to prove to his students it’s not where you eat, but how and what you eat. He lost a total of 37 lbs., with the help of an exercise regime that included a 45-minute daily walk.
“McDonald’s had absolutely nothing do do with this,” he says, although he managed to sway a local McDonald’s franchise into giving him the three-month meal supply for free. “If you had a McDonald’s senior executive serve me a Quarter Pounder in person, I wouldn’t know him.”
“We congratulate John Cisna on his weight loss and improved overall health, and we are pleased he was able to accomplish his goals by making balanced choices, which included many of his favorite McDonalds menu items”, said Cindy Goody, McDonalds senior director of nutrition.