Say NO to fast foods

Submitted by Loring A. Windblad on February 5, 2010

What Should You Avoid While Eating Fast Foods

Fast food is defined as food that is quick, convenient and inexpensive and is available almost 24/7. This inexpensive quality of fast food is usually because it uses refined grains, high fat meat products, added sugar and fats. While there is no ‘bad’ food as such, all food products do not fall into a healthy diet plan as they are high in fat, calories, cholesterol, and sodium. Eating them once in a while is not going to cause a problem, but too much of it over a long period of time can cause diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and obesity of course.

Fast Food Health Concerns

Fast food consumption is a serious health concern in countries such as the U.S due to growing health concerns among the younger population and the high rate of obesity among the youth and the middle aged.

Most fast food comes in the form of deep fried sandwiches, burgers, fries, and soda and is rather unhealthy compared to a good home cooked meal.

And yet it is difficult for people who stay away from home for long periods of time to eat a wholesome inexpensive meal. The cheese used in some burgers is not always made from milk but from cooking oil and if your cheese looks oily and orange in color it would do good to avoid it.

The bacon sold in a lot of fast food joints have been under scrutiny for not being cooked properly.

There are several allegations that these are only kept under the lights until they get hot and if uncooked it may lead to a host of other infections. Avoid cheese and mayonnaise to cut down on the fat and in case it becomes difficult for the burger to slide down, a little mustard or ketchup can be used instead.

Deep fried sandwiches are best avoided although if left with no choice, a sandwich which has deep fried chicken should not be a problem.

Chicken is low in fat content and is the best possible option when having a sandwich outside. Pick out a grilled chicken sandwich over deep fried if you have that option and choose low fat salad dressings rather than those that are high in fat.

Keep away from creamy soups, and instead have a clear soup. Substitute salad for fries as this would be a healthy and low-calorie option.

A healthy diet will help in the long run and one can begin by eating fresh fruits and vegetables, drinking plenty of water, consuming whole grains, pulses, legumes, low fat milk and dairy products and so on. Such a diet plan must be put into effect immediately as fast food can be addictive and will inevitably be detrimental to health.