Of course, there are lots of ways to take this joke. I saw the reply from McDonald's as innocent, albeit corny--kind of like one of my jokes that make all three of my kids cringe.
But what happened next is pretty interesting--and also a little confusing. Let's sort through the aftermath to see if we can learn any lessons from it all.
Cryptocurrency, Happy Meals, and Twitter--Oh, My
Soon after McDonald's posted its tweet, it collected thousands of retweets, likes, and comments.
But it also invited some backlash from the crypto community, including some comments from software engineer and Dogecoin co-creator Billy Markus.
Markus, who tweets under the handle Shibetoshi Nakamoto, started by saying he gives McDonald's a "grimace" for their response--before calling out the fast-food chain for what he saw as potentially harmful.
"In real talk @McDonalds, this space has a big problem with crap tokens and shills and bots and bad eggs, so I'm sure the joke had amusing intent but it ends up being super cringe within the crypto sphere," Markus said on Twitter.
And in "other real talk," Markus predicted, the story would next get picked up by the media, focusing on the new existence of grimacecoin and its (probable) increase in value, which he claimed would hurt the goodwill of the doge community and result in people losing money.
Of course, the crazy thing about all of this is that Dogecoin itself started as a joke, meant to parody the success of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. Markus says he created the original Dogecoin in about two hours, and in an open letter wrote that he left the project back in 2015 as the community because "the community started to strongly shift from one that I was comfortable with."
To sum it up:
Grimacecoin started as a joke, in response to Dogecoin.
Dogecoin started as a joke, in response to Bitcoin.
And Bitcoin started as ... well, that's a little more complicated.
But let's get back to the lesson we learn from all of this.
Yes, McDonald's' joke may have been corny. And it invited some backlash from the crypto community.
But it also managed to do some great things:
It stayed on brand (simple and good-natured)
It got tons of publicity and free PR
It kept hope alive that we may actually see the richest man in the world eat a Happy Meal on television
So, if your brand gets unwittingly pulled into a joke, follow McDonald's example:
Take your time. Respond like a real person. And ride the wave as long as you can.
Lorain City Schools released the shocking video last week which also showed the school’s principal, Deborah Pustluka, standing by while the incident went down.
“For one reason or another this monitor pulls the waffle from the garbage, holds it out like she doesn’t even want to look at it or see it, wipes it off with a napkin and hands it back to the student and forces her to eat it.”
Newly released video captured a cafeteria worker forcing a 9 yo Black Palm Elementary School student to EAT food that she’d thrown away out of a trash can! The principal, who FAILED to take immediate action after the incident, & the school employee, have been fired!! pic.twitter.com/GNHp3LBMgy
The girl’s mother, Latosha Williams told 19 News, her daughter simply didn’t like waffles and became ill after eating the soiled lunch. Williams also said she lost her job after having to take time off to care for her child, who she said doesn’t like school anymore.
“She’s changed at home,” Williams told the news outlet. “She doesn’t even want to go to school.”
Reading about Black trauma can have an impact on your mental health. If you or someone you know need immediate mental health help, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.
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Dr. Katie Takayasu still loves a “really good steak,” she says.
She just doesn’t think you should let it fill your plate.
“What we know now is that really the pathway to anti-inflammation and the pathway to longevity really is trying to prioritize more plants on the plate,” she said. “So now I’ve sort of switched my plate composition around to be at least half vegetables, sometimes even a little bit more than that, and that kind of gets me moving in the right direction.”
Takayasu knows that might sound a bit surprising given her roots in northwest Ohio. Both of her parents grew up as children of farmers, and she remembered eating lots of animal proteins for dinner, along with a starch such as potatoes.
Over time, she’s realized the benefits of eating more plants. A few years ago, she launched a website, drkatie.com, to share tips with patients at her integrative medicine practice in Fairfield County, Connecticut, on better living habits and recipes that help with that. Now, she’s compiled them into a book, “Plants First: A Physician’s Guide to Wellness Through a Plant-Forward Diet,” published by Victory Belt Publishing.
“I think we, as Americans, really over-emphasized animal protein in this effort to be low carb and to sort of think about carbohydrates as the enemy,” she said. “But honestly, the enemy is not carbohydrates. It’s processed food and sugar that are fast-burning carbohydrates.
“If you look at something and you’re like, ‘I’m not really sure how this got on our planet,’ you know, this isn’t made by nature.”
Her book also includes tips on a five-day, plant-powered health reset.
It’s a lesson she learned the hard way after leaving Delphos to attend the University of Michigan for her undergraduate degree and then on to medical school at Wright State University. During her residency at Columbia in New York City, she felt sluggish. That’s when she learned more about complementary and alternative forms of medicine to put into her toolbox. It all starts with good foods.
“If we give the body the right input from the start, we create this fertile soil in which to plant things like a medication,” Takayasu said.
That’s not to say she doesn’t treat herself to a hearty meal straight from her childhood, with a twist. She said her mother is a fantastic cook who raised her five children with good meals.
“The sheet pan-roasted chicken recipe is one that would have been sort of a riff on a very common theme for Sunday night dinner for us as a family,” she said. “The idea’s roasting chicken with lots of different vegetables. I just, you know, increased the vegetables to where the chicken may have been the star of the show back in the day. Now the vegetables are the star of the show.”
Takayasu said she’s an experimenter in the kitchen, and she’s found ways to play with foods to make them delicious and nutritious. She faces some tough critics at home, including her husband, Jun Takayasu, and their twin 9-year-old sons.
She’s found balancing “delicious carbohydrates” such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains such as brown rice, quinoa and steel-cut oatmeal, help balance out dishes, instead of using processed foods.
Takayasu said she’ll always be grateful for the foundation she found from teachers, friends and family.
“Northwest Ohio was a really beautiful place to grow up,” she said. “I had a really idyllic childhood. I lived amongst cornfields. I had a really beautiful role model in both my parents, my dad being a family physician in the community and really showing me what it meant to be a doctor, and having a mom who was so caring and involved in our lives and taking care of us and making sure we’re growing up into nice humans.”
David Trinko is editor of The Lima News, a division of AIM Media Midwest. Reach him at 567-242-0467, by email at dtrinko@limanews.com or on Twitter @Lima_Trinko.
If you find yourself in Chicago, chances are that tamales are a stone’s throw away from your location. The energy-packed bundles of masa and meat, wrapped in leaves and cooked in steam, are as much an everyday early breakfast catered from a street vendor and paired with thick, sweet corn-based drinks like atole or champurrado as they are a festive meal that gathers families in their complex preparation.
As is the case with many of Mexico’s most iconic dishes, modern-day tamales are a product of a collision of worlds and belief systems. Their diversity (there are more than 500 documented varieties in Mexico alone) speaks to the accessibility of ingredients, techniques, tools, traditions, and personal touch: there is only one best abuelita recipe for tamales, and every family has it.
When it comes to tamales in the city, Chicagoans are lucky. There’s a vast selection of choices here, from uchepos and corundas from Michoacán, the spicy bean tamal from Guerrero, and Oaxacan and Central American variations, plus an array of dishes with similar executions hailing from South America to the Caribbean. With Día de la Candelaria (February 2) approaching, now is the perfect time to enjoy one (or many) tamales in Chicago.
As of January 3, the city has mandated that those ages 5 and up be fully vaccinated and masked at public places indoors while not actively eating or drinking. For updated information on coronavirus cases, please visit the city of Chicago’sCOVID-19 dashboard. Health experts consider dining out to be ahigh-riskactivity for the unvaccinated; it may pose a risk for the vaccinated, especially in areaswith substantial COVID transmission. The latest CDC guidance ishere; find a COVID-19 vaccination sitehere.
Fish and other seafood are healthy sources of protein and beneficial fats. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that adults eat two servings of fish or seafood each week. Pregnant or nursing people should get an extra serving, aiming for 12 ounces of fish in total.
Fish is an important source of vitamins and nutrients. It also helps support brain and cardiovascular health.
This article will discuss the best fish to eat, why fish is healthy, including fatty fish, and what types to avoid.
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What Makes Fish Healthy?
Fish is high in protein and relatively low in fat and calories. Eating fish regularly can decrease your risk of being overweight, heart disease, and stroke. Here's why:
Vitamin and Mineral Content
Fish is full of beneficial vitamins and minerals. These substances help our body function as it should, but oftentimes the body can't make them and you have to get them from the foods you eat. When you eat fish, you’ll get a dose of essential vitamins and minerals including:
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Fish are the best food source of omega-3 fatty acids. Your body can’t produce omega-3s, but they’re essential for overall health. Getting enough of these good fats keeps your brain and heart healthy. It’s particularly important for pregnant people and fetal development. In fact, omega-3s are so critical that they might help you live longer and lower your risk of dying from cancer, cardiovascular disease, and other causes combined.
A significant number of Americans aren't meeting current recommendations for omega-3 consumption.
Farm-raised Atlantic salmon is one of the best sources of omega-3s, but other fatty fish like mackerel and tuna also contain omega-3s.
Health Considerations
While fish is very healthy overall, there are some things you should consider when choosing what fish to eat.
Wild or Farmed
Globally, about half of the fish consumed is farmed and half is caught in the wild. When you’re choosing between wild or farmed fish, weigh these factors:
Nutritional value: Wild fish are generally lower in saturated fat (“bad” fat), while farmed fish has higher levels of omega-3s.
Contaminants: Some studies show that farm-raised fish have more contaminants that could be harmful to your health, but wild fish can contain mercury, which is dangerous.
Environmental impact: It’s more sustainable to farm some fish than catch them in the wild; for others, the opposite is true.
Mercury Content
Mercury is an element that occurs naturally but can be harmful to humans in high concentrations. It’s especially important for pregnant people and children to avoid mercury. Being exposed to too much mercury can affect the central nervous system, kidneys, and liver.
Some fish contains high levels of mercury and should be avoided. This includes predatory fish, like swordfish, and also fish caught in bodies of water where mercury is present. If you’re eating fish that you’ve caught, be sure to follow any local warnings of mercury.
Best Fish to Eat
The FDA recently released a list of the best fish to eat. Most of the fish you eat should come from the list of best choices. The list includes:
The list also highlights some good choices. These include:
Bluefish
Carp
Chilean sea bass
Grouper
Halibut
Mahi-mahi
Snapper
Striped bass
Canned albacore or white tuna
Yellowfin tuna
What Fish to Avoid
It's best to avoid the types of fish that have the highest mercury levels. While healthy adults can eat these fish occasionally, pregnant, nursing people, and children should avoid them entirely.
King mackerel
Marlin
Orange roughly
Hark
Swordfish
Tilefish
Bigeye tuna
Summary
Fish is very healthy because of its high concentration of vitamins, nutrients and omega-3 fatty acids. Most Americans should eat fish twice each week; while pregnant or breastfeeding people should eat three servings of fish each week. Doing so can reduce your risk of stroke and cardiovascular disease, and might help you maintain a healthy weight.
A Word From Verywell
Fish is a vital part of a healthy diet, but cooking it can be intimidating. If you’re wary of cooking fish, start with something simple, like canned tuna, salmon, or shrimp. Experiment with new recipes until you’ve found healthy and nutritious fish meals that work for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fish is generally very healthy, but some fish contain high levels of mercury and should be avoided. Swordfish and other predatory fish tend to have the highest levels of mercury.
Fish can contract contaminants from where they were raised. In some cases, farmed fish will have more contaminants because of the food they’re fed. However, some wild fish are exposed to mercury and should be avoided.
Sushi is healthy and can be a great way to get a serving of fish. Always get your sushi, and other fish, from a clean and reputable source.
Fish contains fewer calories than other “main course” items like chicken or red meat. Studies have shown that eating fish twice a week can reduce your risk of being overweight.
If you are trying to lower your cholesterol, you have probably already heard that sticking to foods like vegetables, whole grains, fish, and other heart health-supporting choices is one of the best things you can do to accomplish your goal.
It is true that your dietary choices can have a huge impact on your cholesterol levels. In fact, the American Heart Association states that lifestyle choices, including making the right dietary choices, may help bring your cholesterol levels into line without the need of exploring certain medications.
Specifically, focusing on foods that are low in both saturated and trans fat while being rich in nutrients like soluble fiber, healthy fats, and micronutrients like magnesium and calcium has been linked to a reduction in LDL "bad" cholesterol and total cholesterol levels in clinical trials. Limiting your sodium and added sugar intake is also recommended. Essentially, the bulk of your diet should consist of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, lean meats, nuts, legumes, and non-tropical vegetable oils.
Finding ways to follow these cholesterol-lowering diet tips can get challenging if you are focused on easy-to-prepare dishes. Fortunately, we rounded up 10 easy recipe ideas that can help support healthy cholesterol levels in a super-simple way. Read on, and for more on how to eat healthy, don't miss The #1 Best Juice to Drive Every Day, Says Science.
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Including whole grains in your diet may help support healthy cholesterol levels, including total and LDL measurements. Sorghum is an ancient grain that is a staple food in many cultures.
While sorghum is a fantastic base for a whole-grain side dish, it is also a perfect snack to enjoy when it is popped just like you would pop popcorn. Once they are heated and popped, you will be left with tiny popped whole-grain kernels that won't get stuck in your teeth like popcorn can. Top this snack with nutritional yeast, garlic powder, cumin, and chili powder for a dairy-free cheesy-like nosh, or sprinkle a combo of cinnamon and sugar on top for a more sweet snack.
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Drinking black tea may be a simple way to lower LDL "bad" cholesterol, especially if you have higher cardiovascular risk, according to the results of a study published in Clinical Nutrition.
Level up your traditional cup of tea with a tea latte. After steeping 1 teabag of black tea in ½ cup of boiling water until brewed to your liking in a teacup, stir 1 teaspoon of honey into the mix until it is dissolved. Finally, pour ½ cup of frothed 2% milk on top of your tea for a cozy and satisfying drink that helps keep your heart health in check in a delicious way.
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High intake of fatty fish, like salmon, is linked to improved HDL "good" cholesterol according to data published in the British Journal of Nutrition. Thankfully, making a salmon dish doesn't have to be a whole production. Simply drizzling a salmon filet with olive oil and sprinkling it with some herbs and spices before baking it in the oven results in a protein-packed main dish that pairs well with whole grain and fresh veggie on busy weeknights.
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Oatmeal is a quintessential cholesterol-lowering food, thanks to a unique type of soluble fiber that oats contain called beta-glucans. This fiber can help the body remove cholesterol, ultimately helping you achieve healthy levels in a natural way.
Topping your oatmeal with walnuts can help support healthy cholesterol levels as well. According to results of a study published in Circulation, elderly people who include walnuts in their diet every day resulted in an average 4.3 mg/dL reduction in LDL cholesterol levels, with even more of a reduction among people with elevated cholesterol levels. Based on this data, aiming for approximately 13-25 walnut halves every day will help you benefit from the cholesterol-lowering effects of this versatile and delicious nut.
And what is a bowl of oatmeal without berries? Adding a handful of berries gives your oatmeal a boost of antioxidants, satiating fiber, and a sweet taste with no added sugar. Certainly a winning combo.
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There aren't many other meals that are as simple as making a tofu stir fry. Tossing some firm tofu cubes and veggies in a pan along with some healthy oil and seasoning can be a quick and nourishing meal that checks so many boxes.
Tofu, a protein product made from soybeans, contains components, such as isoflavones and lecithins that may improve cardiovascular health. The data surrounding this relationship is so strong that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has permitted food manufacturers to state that eating 25 grams of soy protein every day, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease.
And when it comes to cholesterol-lowering benefits, data shows that including soy products in a diet can significantly improve total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglyceride levels.
When making your stir fry, just remember to choose sauces and seasonings that are lower in sodium, as many choices can be loaded with added salt.
Starting your day with an orange smoothie can give your body a boost of immune-supporting nutrients as well as some cholesterol-lowering benefits as well. Observational studies have shown a relationship between adults who consume orange juice and significantly lower total and LDL cholesterol levels compared to non-consumers.
To make an OJ smoothie, toss some 100% orange juice in a blender along with ½ of a frozen banana, Greek vanilla yogurt, and ice cubes. Blend until smooth and enjoy!
For an easy cholesterol-lowering side dish, top some steamed kale with a drizzle of olive oil and red pepper flakes, and serve it along with a lean protein and a healthy carb.
Steamed kale can help the body bind bile acid, ultimately helping you have healthy cholesterol levels. If you aren't a kale fan, steamed broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and spinach are also excellent options for supporting healthy cholesterol levels.
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Including pulses, including lentils, in your diet may help you experience a reduction in LDL cholesterol levels. Enjoying a classic bowl of lentil soup is one easy way to eat more pulses and possibly help keep your LDL cholesterol level in check.
To make a lentil soup, combine sauteed onions and carrots in a pot. Add dried lentils, vegetable stock, and spices and bring to a boil. After reducing the heat and simmering for 15 minutes, you can either blend the soup with an immersion blender before dishing it or enjoy it as-is.
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Our beloved avocado toast is an amazing breakfast to enjoy when you are trying to lower your cholesterol levels. In fact, eating an avocado every day may reduce LDL cholesterol in a natural way according to data published in the Journal of Nutrition.
Topping whole-grain toast with mashed avocado and a sprinkle of some red pepper flakes or our beloved Trader Joe's "Everything But The Bagel" seasoning is an easy-breezy and cholesterol-lowering dish that is totally enjoyable to eat first thing in the morning.
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A simple pasta dish made with olive oil, lots of vegetables, and lean protein is an easy meal that can help support healthy cholesterol levels. Stick to the proper portion size of your pasta serving–about the size of a baseball–and top it with good-for-you ingredients like olive oil, greens, and chicken breast for a satisfying carb that is low in fat and contains no added sugars.
Eating olive oil has been shown to increase HDL cholesterol and decrease LDL cholesterol. And veggies are obviously jam-packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber, and a slew of other nutrients that are important for supporting your heart and overall health.
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