Fast food is food that is prepared and served quickly. They have also termed junk food. It is so much popular among the masses because it is inexpensive, convenient and most importantly, it tastes good and is sometimes even nutritious. The term ‘fast food’ was first popularized by a drive-thru restaurant in the 1950s in the United States. The term was later recognized in 1951. It is considered a convenient food that is essential in today’s life.
How is fast food made?
Because fast food is meant to be easy to make, affordable, and consumed quickly, much of the food production happens at large factories or farms. Then, from these factories, they are shipped to restaurants, etc. so that they can be prepared to be sold to the consumers. Most of these fast foods are made from frozen, dehydrated, and canned products that are simply reheated and served. Fast food is made of fat and carbohydrates that are full of sugar. They are high in calories and extremely low in nutrition. It doesn’t even sound healthy, so how can it be healthy?
Some fast-food items
- Â Waffles
- Â Fries
- Â Burgers
- Â Pizzas
- Â Nuggets
- Â Chips
- Â Noodles
- Â Chocolates
- Â Cakes
However delicious and mouthwatering they may be, they are equally harmful to our health in the long run. Eating fast food or junk food on a regular or daily basis can severely affect our health. It may cause stroke, heart issues, digestive issues, obesity, cancer, diabetes, and in some serious cases, may even lead to death.
Negative effects of fast food on our health
- Junk food is high in sodium and can cause major headaches and migraines.
- The presence of high carbs in junk food can trigger acne.
- The high carbs and sugar present in junk food can cause dental cavities.
- Excessive intake of junk food can also cause a high risk of depression.
- The high calories can cause weight gain, which may lead to obesity.
- Â A high intake of fast food is also associated with anxiety.
Even though every coin has two sides and not everything about fast food is bad, there are also some good points, the losses outweigh the gains. Although, because of the increasingly busy schedules of people nowadays, fast food has become their go-to food and they don’t have a choice but to consume it regularly.
Consumption of fast food not only harms us physically but also mentally. It can cause mental health issues like depression, anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia, and mood disorders. In fact, if children between the ages of 11-and 19 consume fast food on a regular basis, it can affect their ability to think, learn and remember.
Why is junk food so addictive?
According to the experts, eating junk food causes a chemical called ‘dopamine’ in our brain which gives us a feeling of pleasure and extreme happiness. So, it basically means that eating fast food equals happiness. So, why not?
But, as the article suggests, ‘All that glitters is not gold. We can obtain happiness from doing various things, so why do we have to put our most precious treasure, our health, at risk?
Ways to avoid eating junk food
- Eliminate temptation at home.
- Lay a healthful foundation by stocking up on nutritious meals, desserts, and snacks.
- Set realistic expectations for yourself.
- Identify those times of the day when you are most vulnerable to a junk food attack.
- Choose grilled or broiled versions of foods that are typically fried.
- Focus on eating healthy food.· Avoid situations that may encourage a junk attack.
- Cook large quantities and put extra meals in the freezer.
Let’s all eat healthily and stay healthy.
Published: Sayli Vengurlekar
