BETWEEN THE LINES: BURGER AND FRIES ARE KING WHEN IT COMES TO ORDERING OUT

Who needs a government study to prove that Americans are eating out more often?

Leave it to another government study to tell the American people they aren't eating right.

I know that my diet doesn't include as many healthy foods as it should. And I don't need anyone else to remind me of this flaw.

But the Agriculture Department had a growing urgency to learn more about the nation's eating habits, so it commissioned a study.

Apparently, taking a look at the newest restaurant chains in town wasn't enough proof that the population eats out more often. In a nutshell, the study says people aren't making health-conscious choices when they order out.

No kidding.

With fast-food conveniences, it's no wonder that more people are consuming burgers and fries. With those menu options available, it should come as no surprise that fast-food chains don't serve an abundance of healthy foods.

The study showed that between 1978 and 1995 the number of meals eaten away from home nearly doubled. That includes food from fast-food places, restaurants, cafeterias and vending machines.

The survey said part of the blame is the increasing number of families in which both adults work.

I think it's the vending machines and fast-food places that are to blame. I wouldn't be as prone to eat out nearly as often if it weren't so convenient.

On my way to and from work each day I pass at least three fast-food restaurants. Grabbing a meal when I'm already in a hurry is just too easy. With such a great convenience, I eat out about twice a week.

But then it's often easier to eat out than go to the trouble of making a meal just for me.

Until two weeks ago, I was eating out much more frequently. At least once a day, usually for dinner, I would eat a meal away from home. But because my sort-of boyfriend, Marc, left town I haven't had the opportunity or the inclination to eat out nearly as often.

Marc and I made a habit of eating out often during his four-month stay. During that time, we ate at nearly every restaurant in town.

He was sort of my impetus for dining out. He often paid for my meals, as a return payment for his room and board at my house. It was a great deal for me.

And no matter where else we ate, we always ended up at our favorite place at least once each week.

When ordering out at a restaurant, I try to pick healthy entrees, but occasionally a cheeseburger and fries just hits the spot. Not often, mind you, but occasionally.

The way I look at it, eating out is a benefit to the local economy -- it helps create more jobs in both the restaurant and the weight-loss industries.

And if I keep up my habit of eating burgers and fries, I'll be starting Weight Watchers soon enough.

~Laura Johnston is a copy editor for the Southeast Missourian.