What would Americans do without the corner drive through? It takes just minutes out of your busy schedule to order breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a snack. Then, paper wrap in hand, you can speed down the freeway to your next destination.
But is fast food as great as you think? Just what are you eating when you slurp down a shake, eat a bucket of fries, or munch a cheesy breakfast sandwich? In two words: junk food. The shake provides unhealthy fat and sugar; the fries add unhealthy fat and sodium. And the breakfast sandwich gives you cholesterol, unhealthy fat, and sodium.
Foods laden with saturated fat and cholesterol increase your risk for heart disease, cancer, obesity, and other health problems. Excessive sodium can raise your blood pressure. Excessive sugar contributes to diabetes, obesity, tooth decay, and other health problems. The "quick bite" you grab on your lunch break could bite you back by causing a long list of health problems.
Healthy eating doesn't mean you can't ever eat fast food. Just choose fast foods cautiously. Avoid fried foods. Instead, order salads, chicken or turkey breast deli sandwiches, vegetables and rice, fruit salads, or toasted bagels (but hold the cream cheese or butter). If you're thirsty, order water or unsweetened tea. And never ever "super size" anything!
Sources:
1. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. |
