McDonald's Happy Meal has 'unhappiest' impact on mental and gut health, say experts
Scots are grappling with the January blues, as chilly weather, post-festive fatigue, and short daylight hours earn it the title of "unhappiest month of the year".
Amidst this seasonal slump, you might be tempted by the 'in for a penny, in for a pound' attitude and indulge in a cheeky McDonald's, namely the tempting deals on its famous Happy Meal.
However, questions have arisen about how 'happy' these meals truly are. Dr Heather McKee of Happiee, a plant-based food company, has branded the Happy Meal as one of the "unhappiest meals", in fact, citing negative effects on mental and gut health.
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"The so-called Happy Meal is far from it," Dr Heather McKee, who has over ten years of experience in health behaviour change psychology, explained.
"Its ingredients take a toll on gut health and mood – let alone the environmental consequences. Rebranding it as ‘unhappy’ would be closer to the truth."
Adding to the conversation, Dr Frankie Phillips, a registered nutritionist and plant-based diet specialist, delved into the overlooked impact of meals like the Happy Meal.
"Foods advertised to make you feel happy aren't always full of ingredients that match our body's biochemical pleasure signals," Dr Frankie said. "Whilst there may be a temporary boost in levels of happiness-inducing dopamine from eating foods you crave, it can be quickly followed by a mood crash.
"Foods high in fat, sugar and salt might be lacking the types of fibre that support the gut bacteria that can influence mood and happiness.
"Peaks in blood sugar after a hit of simple carbs can be followed by a slump, leaving us feeling miserably low in energy. Swapping for complex, fibre-rich carbs, releasing sugars more slowly into the bloodstream, can help stabilise mood."
Recent research has shown that 60 per cent of Brits believe diet is crucial to mental wellbeing, with nearly 40 per cent actively altering their eating and drinking habits for the better.
Happiee, a forward-thinking brand, is tapping into this consciousness by redefining fast food with a focus on nourishing, plant-based options that aim to elevate spirits.
In collaboration with Dr McKee, Happiee has introduced its own Happiee Meal - a 100 per cent vegan option infused with mood-boosting ingredients to feed both body and soul.
"We believe happiness starts with what’s on your plate, or in this case in your box," said Rosie Bambaji from Happiee. "We’re calling on brands to rethink the way they shape British food culture with the language they use.
"It’s time for them to step up and embrace a future where food can truly contribute to the wellbeing of its customers, beyond offering a pack of carrots as an alternative."
To showcase their vision, Happiee launched a ‘Happiee Meal’ tour, playfully stopping by McDonald's locations to demonstrate their concept of joy through food.
The tour offers free Happiee Meals to intrigued individuals across Britain, highlighting that plant-based cuisine can be enjoyable, reminiscent of childhood, and indeed, mood-enhancing.
So, what does the Happie Meal consist of? Beetroot fries are packed with nutrients to help balance dopamine levels and support brain health, harissa butterbean salad, a colourful and spicy kick for your taste buds and your mood.
Tomato salsa is a lycopene-rich alternative to traditional ketchup.
McDonald's has been contacted for comment.
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