For most people not eating fried food is not an option. Fried food tastes great and we love it. Yes it is not as healthy as a salad but it is much more fun. Being healthy is only one part of the equation. Eating is a complex process and very important part of our lives which can be adversely affected by any type of limitations. Probably moderation is the key to a healthy and satisfying diet.
I'm only teasing with my comment of course, but some people seem to manage just fine avoiding fried food. You are right - it is socially the accepted norm to eat fried foods, very difficult to adjust that normality from a hacker news comment.
If you stopped eating fried food for 30 days I bet you'd think it was disgusting to go back to; it would certainly taste very weird after a break.
