The findings in this study are sad and an indictment of the American restaurant industry. As much as the industry wants to blame the consumer for their "choices" - the truth is that these "choices" are hardly free but the result of sophisticated, multibillion, relentless marketing - particularly to children.

There is happily an ever growing group of people that have recognized the irresponsibility of the restaurant industry and have extricated themselves from it.

My wife Nikki Goldbeck and myself have documented more than 1900 locations where people can get a healthy and tasty meal in our guide "Healthy Highways". (We have added 500 more online since publication in 2004) In most cases, the food will be more expensive than fast food outlets, but in the long run the extra money will be an investment in their health which in the long run, will make them a bargain.

David Goldbeck
HealthyHighways.com