Monday, Mar. 15, 2004

Would You Like To Un--Super Size That?

By Alice Park

The downsizing trend is claiming a new victim: McDonald's Super Size fries. The company denies that its decision to phase out the 7-oz. serving of deep-fried potatoes--which packs a whopping 610 calories, 29 g of fat and 77 g of carbohydrates--was a reaction to Super Size Me, the soon-to-be-released documentary chronicling a month in the dietary life of director Morgan Spurlock. He says he gained 25 lbs. and saw his cholesterol rise 62 points after eating fast food three meals a day for 30 days. According to McDonald's, the decision to shrink its menu was made in 2003, and is part of a broader initiative to streamline choices and provide customers with healthier alternatives. Also being phased out this year are 2% milk, 42-oz. soft drinks and a 14-oz. fruit-and-yogurt parfait. --By Alice Park