Sunday, January 22, 2012

Why to skip the FAST FOOD....



A doctor has had this "processed food" on her counter since the 2010 and 2011 dates posted above "to show people what they are putting into their bodies." This is man-made "processed food," not real food like we should be eating. Over time, real food will decay, grow mold and produce a decomposing odor. This "processed food" has not done any of that.  In fact, it has maintained its original size, shape and texture.  Kinda scary, right?

Our bodies have to work so much harder to break down and digest this junk.  If that's not enough to make us want to give up fast food, consider this:

  • Eating fast food is associated with reduced nutrient intake and heightened risk for numerous medical conditions.
  • Fast food increases the risk of eating excessive calories, fat, cholesterol and overall food portions.
  • Since fast food restaurants are not required to list trans fat content on menus, it is possible to consume excessive amounts of unhealthy fats without realizing it.
  • Eating a McDonald’s chicken sandwich will give you about 2/3 of the recommended daily amount of sodium.  
  • The processed fat in fast food promotes endothelial dysfunction for up to 5 hours after eating the meal.  (Endothelial dysfunction is connected to erectile dysfunction).
  • The meat used in fast foods are pumped with antibiotics, hormones, and other crazy ingredients (such as one ingredient also found in Silly Putty).
I know sometimes it is inevitable and we have to eat fast food for convenience, time, travel, financial reasons, etc.  And their are some fast food restaurant chains that have a few healthier options, but for the most part, it is all JUNK.   For your own health's sake, try to limit your )and your family's) fast food consumption. 

TIP: I try to always have snacks with me and keep a lunchbox full of goodies in my car if I know I'm going to be away from home for awhile.  (I pack things like raw almonds, natural granola bars, jerkey, an apple, etc.) Not only does this help me keep my blood sugar stabilized (so I'm less grumpy/moody) I'm also not tempted to pull through the drive-thru.  Also, since there are times when we do have to stop (like when we're traveling or on a youth retreat or soemthing), I try to either stick with Subway OR ask for a nutrition guide so I can choose the healthiest possible option. Yep, I'm that girl who always asks for a nutrition guide or looks at the one they have posted (it's usually hidden somewhere). I wanna know what I'm putting in my body.




Sources: herehere, and here

8 comments:

Danielle said...

All fast food (besides Chick-fil-a, which I don't have in OR) totally grosses me out. Not only do I not eat any type of cow or pig, I am VERY picky on my chicken, and a sandwich that has been sitting out for hours and smothered in mayo and a half stale white breaded bun is not my idea of a yummy meal. Nice post :)

ashleigh said...

thank you for posting this;
thankfully i am disgusted by fast food and dont even have a desire to eat it! but this makes me not want to eat it even more! thanks girl

Rissy said...

I am totally creeped out! but in the best way lol... I will be steering clear of the drive thru for awhile now. Thanks for posting that info!

BlueEyedBarbie said...

Ah so creepy and gross!

Savannah said...

Yuck, yuck, yuck! Thanks for the reminder that fast food is oh so gross and bad for you.

Ranin said...

love your blog!!! I don't really eat fast food so I am happy that I am avoiding all of this yuckiness!! But, on a happy note, LOVE the new blog look! So fresh!!

Happy Monday!!

Ranin
styleyourdish.blogspot.com

Jenn @ Bliss to Bean said...

I saw this before and I totally agree-YUCK! I find that since I've stopped eating fast food, when I do eat it, I get sick and it's just not worth it. So smart to bring healthy snacks where you go! Love your new blog look. Your posts always a favorite of mine to read!

Amber @ A Little Pink in the Cornfields said...

OH, this is so gross! Reminders like this are so nice, thank you!