There are so many great French fries in the world. Obviously, McDonald’s is more or less known for theirs — but even Arby’s is a strong contender in the fry game with their signature curly fries. French fries can more or less accompany any meal, and can even be their own appetizer. So it makes sense that people have strong feelings about them. That’s why this college professor is currently in the midst of a heated debate. He said something about quantity that just seemed to be insulting to the fried food fans out there.
For the record, the professor does know what he’s talking about — even if we don’t like what he has to say. Eric Rimm is a professor of epidemiology and nutrition at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, meaning he’s studied food quite a bit. When he was quoted in The New York Times, he made a claim that the amount of fries we should be eating is way less than what we’re often served.
“There aren’t a lot of people who are sending back three-quarters of an order of French fries,” Rimm stated to the publication. “I think it would be nice if your meal came with a side salad and six French fries.” He also referred to fries as “starch bombs” in the article.
It’d be nice, sure. But it wouldn’t be satisfying.
Once the article made the rounds online, plenty of people on Twitter mocked Rimm’s statement.
Ok, I'll have 6 fries, but they'll be 2 feet-long each.
— Maikeru マイケル (@antytilo) December 4, 2018
YOu sHoUlD oNlY eAt 6 fRiEs pEr s3rViNg pic.twitter.com/zEugwvGUkl
— gregor samsa 🇵🇸 (@amnaaww) December 4, 2018
Who knew if Rimm could have predicted the amount of vitriol he’d get online? It’s hard to find one response that’s on his side.
Obsessed with fries and don’t care what this professor has to say? Here’s how to take your fry game up a notch:
Let’s just take his statement for what it is — six French fries is surely the healthier choice. But the full portion, as dished out by the restaurant, is what’ll satisfy us more. If you’re looking to eat healthier, maybe his suggestion is a good one. But if you’re looking to just sit down and really enjoy your dinner — and don’t have any restrictions given to you by a medical professional — it’s okay to splurge every once in a while.
