Hey everyone, Joseph Onesta, Type 2 Mentor here, and welcome to Episode 5 of our series, Your Taste Buds Have Been Hijacked. Today, we’re diving into a topic that affects us all: restaurants. But before we start, I want to be clear—I’m not a doctor or a research scientist. I’m a clinical hypnotist who reversed my own Type 2 diabetes and lost 100 pounds in the process. Now, let’s talk about the real reasons restaurants exist.
Why Do Restaurants Exist?
If I asked you, “What’s the number one reason for a restaurant to exist?” what would you say? If your answer is anything other than “to make money,” it’s time for a reality check. Sure, there are chefs out there dedicated to creating wonderful dining experiences, but ultimately, if the restaurant doesn’t turn a profit, it’s out of business.
Restaurants have to cover numerous expenses: rent for their space, food costs, waste, staff salaries, equipment, and more. This means the profit margin on each customer has to be substantial.
The Truth About Ingredients
Chances are, the restaurant you frequent doesn’t have a chef who personally shops for fresh ingredients every morning. If you’re aiming to eat seasonally and healthily, restaurant dining can be tricky. High-end restaurants might offer such an experience, but be prepared to pay a lot for a small amount of food.
Most restaurants, however, aim to make food that is not only tasty but also cost-effective. This often means using the cheapest possible ingredients. Think about the oil they use for frying—it's cheap. The same goes for many other ingredients.
Fast food chains take this to another level by prioritizing speed and cost-efficiency. The faster they can serve you and move you out, the more money they make. In higher-end establishments, while the experience might be leisurely, the staff depends on turnover for tips. So, if you’re lingering at the table, consider tipping extra to compensate for the server’s lost earnings.
Convenience and Taste Over Quality
Restaurants, with few exceptions, prioritize convenience and taste over your gastronomical experience or health. They want you to enjoy the meal enough to come back but aren't necessarily concerned about the long-term impact on your health.
When you hear phrases like “restaurant quality,” it often means tasty but not necessarily healthy. Many items on the menu are likely frozen or pre-packaged, especially in chain restaurants. You might be paying three to four times the price for what essentially amounts to a microwave meal.
Rethink Your Dining Habits
If you’re on a health journey, consider reducing your restaurant visits. Start cooking more meals at home, and bring your lunch to work. Eating good, home-cooked food can be more beneficial for your health and wallet.
If you’re interested in more insights like these, be sure to like and subscribe to my channel so you’re notified when new episodes drop.
I’m Joseph Onesta, your Type 2 Mentor, and I’m glad to have you with me on this journey toward better health. Stay tuned and stay healthy!