Fast Food

Because of how busy the modern lifestyle happens to be in the developed world,
many families find themselves taking a trip to their favorite fast food restaurant
more often than they would care to admit. According to information from the
Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 45% of a family’s food budget goes toward
eating out somewhere. In 1977, that rate was at just 38%. That means the average
household is spending upwards of $6,000 per year just to eat outside of the home.

Although the occasional evening of fast food products will not adversely impact
your health, having a habit where you eat burgers and fries constantly can be
problematic in a very short period. People who eat fast food products regularly
often suffer from headaches, experience dental distress, carry extra weight, and
have high blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

There are also issues of insulin resistance, blood sugar spikes, and high salt intake
that can become problematic when embracing the offerings of the fast food
industry. That’s not to say that every product offered by a restaurant is bad for you.
It just means that the individuals who tend to eat items made by this industry
consume about 190 calories more than those who do not
Although intermittent fasting has become a popular way to manage a person’s
weight in recent years, skipping meals is rarely a good idea unless you have a
specific purpose in doing so. According to NHS UK, the best way to lose weight
and then keep it off is to reduce the number of calories you consume while
increasing the number that you burn through exercise. Skipping a meal can cause
fatigue, end it may mean that you lose some essential nutrients.

Choosing a healthy fast food meal that includes no fried foods, fruits, and
vegetables can help you to gain what you need to finish your day without snacking
on high-sugar or high-fat foods to satisfy your cravings in the future.
The average family in the United States is spending about two hours in the evening
managing their afterschool activities. That means there could be very little time to
cook at home. Because the fast food industry is available in almost every
community, you have the option to manage your schedule without going hungry in
the process. Choosing a meal like this takes 50% less time than it would if you
were to try to make lunch or dinner at home. It may not seem like much, but 15-30
extra minutes in a tight schedule can be quite valuable.
When you choose to eat at a fast food restaurant, then you have an expectation of
familiarity with the products that are on the menu. Although there are some
regional and international variations that you will find with global chains like
McDonald’s, you can also expect to find specific items on the menu at every
location. That means you know what your food should look like when served, how
it will taste, and what your expenses will be.

Fast food restaurants often work with the same vendors across their entire chain of
restaurants, including franchises, so that you are essentially eating the same item.
That means it can be easier to manage food allergies, expenses, and hunger
expectations.
Most fast food meals contain high levels of added sugar. Not only does this mean
that you will consume extra calories with your meal, but it also means once you’re
eating will contain less nutrition. The American Heart Association recommends
that all people should have 150 calories or less of added sugar per day, which
equates to about 9 teaspoons. If you were to consume a fast food beverage, then
you’d hit that recommended limit without eating anything else.

There are high levels of trans fat found in fast food as well. There is no amount
that is considered to be healthy or good for your body. It increases your bad
cholesterol levels, lowers your good ones, and increases your risk of heart disease
and diabetes. Pastries, pizza dough, cookies, and fried items all contain this fat.
When you decide to eat a fast food meal, then the combination of salt, sugar, and
fat can lead to problems with water retention, which is known as edema. This
disadvantage is what causes some individuals to feel bloated, puffy, or swollen
after they are finished eating. It can also promote higher blood pressure numbers,
which could be dangerous if there is an issue of heart disease developing.
About 90% of adults underestimate the amount of salt that they consume when
they choose a fast food meal over a healthier option. Surveys indicate that the
average consumer misses the mark on their sodium intake by over 1,000mg per
meal. Since the American Heart Association recommends no more than 2,300mg
of salt per day, you could have half of your daily recommended intake by eating
just one meal.
If you are eating too many calories from your fast food meals, then a common
outcome is to see an increase of weight. Without moderation, this disadvantage can
quickly lead toward obesity. People who are severely overweight have a higher
risk of experiencing respiratory problems, including shortness of breath and
asthma. Extra pressure is placed on the heart and lungs, making the symptoms
show up even if there is very little exertion.

If you notice a change in your breathing when all you were doing is walking,
climbing stairs in your home, or performing household chores, then it is time to
take a closer look at your health and your overall eating habits.
There are times when a fast food meal is your best option. If you have a busy
schedule and no time to make something, then grab-and-go items can provide a
cure to your hunger without causing your budget to take a significant hit. As more
restaurants add healthier, low-sodium choices that do not impact your health as
adversely as traditional items do, then this choice isn’t as problematic as it could
be.

The problem that consumers face with the fast food industry is one of moderation.
Eating at a burger joint a couple of times per month is a very different health
experience then having 3 to 4 meals there each week.

The advantages and disadvantages of fast food must first look at the health impacts
before any other concern because of how dangerous these meals can be over time.
Almost any other option is a better choice than fast food for your regular eating
habits because of the high levels of fat, sugar, and salt found in most items. Use it
with moderation, get some moderate exercise every day, and eliminate the sugary
sodas from the equation to minimize the impact of this choice.