Fast food has become almost a staple of U.S. culture, and reactions to the dining custom have been mixed.

“It’s a valid part of our lifestyle,” said Elisabeth Schafer, professor of food science and human nutrition. “We just have to use it to our advantage.”

In the past, fast-food chains have tried to offer healthier meals, but Schafer said the trends are shifting. She said the chains are pulling back from their low-fat and low-calorie menus and are now offering giant-sized meals.

Fast-food restaurants have had troubles trying to sell the healthier menu items such as low-fat sauces and salads, which have proven financial unsuccessful for many local businesses.

“We have gone to salads and low-fat stuff before, but it didn’t sell … People didn’t like it,” said Michael Mowry, manager of McDonald’s in the Memorial Union.

Bill Philips, district manager of Burger King, said Burger King has gone through a similar experience, as have most of the fast-food chains.

“I think moderation is the key to everything in life,” Philips said. “The quality [of our food] is very high, but the fat [content] tends to also be high.”

Philips said the industry has grown in the last 30 years, and he believes it will continue to grow.

Schafer said there are many reasons for the popularity of fast-food chains.

“The prices are good, the service is immediate, the food is predictable, and people are comfortable with that,” she said.

Schafer said there are a number of things people can do if they want to eat fast food but also are trying to stay fit and trim.

Her recommendations for people interested in watching their fast-food diets include:

• Choose smaller sandwiches, without cheese and extra sauces.

• Look for salads and other vegetables instead of fries.

• Choose beverages such as milk instead of soft drinks.

• Think about incorporating fruits, vegetables and whole grains that fast food may not provide in the rest of the day’s meals.

“Pay attention to what you’re doing,” Schafer said. “Make fast food fit into [your diet] and think about making choices around [it].”

Schafer said most restaurants provide literature containing the nutrition information of each of the menu items, and she recommended that people look at the information.

Many Iowa State students said they like the fast-food culture because of the convenience and short dining time.

Corbin Winter, junior in management information systems, said he eats out at least three times a week.

“It’s easy and it’s good,” Winter said. “I love it.”

Nathan Wiertzema, senior in agriculture business, said he eats fast food a couple of times a week, also.

“It’s the convenience [that I like],” Wiertzema said. “It’s easy.”

Not all students are in favor of fast food, however.

Amber Faris, senior in accounting, said she hardly ever eats fast food because she does not like the taste.

Schafer said the fast-food industry will most likely continue to grow, and the quality of the food will also continue to increase.

“We’ve seen that over the years,” Schafer said, “and I think it will continue.”