Why You Should Never Eat Fast Food
We’ve all been there. You’re in a rush, you’re starving, and the thought of a greasy burger and fries sounds like heaven.
Fast food places are ubiquitous! They’re everywhere you look, and they’re usually just what you need. So what’s the harm in grabbing a quick bite from time to time?
Well, as it turns out, there are quite a few reasons why you should avoid fast food at all costs. Let’s take a look at some of them.
13 reasons why you shouldn’t eat fast food
1. It’s loaded with unhealthy ingredients
Fast food is notoriously unhealthy. From the saturated and trans fats to the high sodium levels, it’s not doing your body any favors. The ingredients in fast food have been linked to a whole host of health problems, including heart disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cancer.
2. It’s high in calories
If you’re trying to watch your weight, then fast food is definitely not the way to go. A single meal can easily contain 2,000 or more calories, which is way more than most people need in a day.
3. It’s lacking in nutrients
Fast food may be high in calories, but it’s notoriously low in nutrients. In fact, it’s often referred to as “empty calories.” This means that it can fill you up without actually providing your body with any of the vitamins and minerals it needs to function properly.
4. It’s easy to overeat
When you’re eating fast food, it’s all too easy to overeat. The portions are usually large, and the food is designed to be “super tasty” so that you keep coming back for more. This can lead to weight gain and all of the health problems that go along with it.
5. It’s addictive
Yes, you can get addicted to fast food! The combination of fat, salt, and sugar is incredibly addictive, and it can be hard to resist the urge to keep eating even when you’re already full.
6. It’s hard on your digestive system
All that grease and fat can be hard on your digestive system, and it can lead to problems like indigestion, heartburn, and constipation.
7. It’s terrible for the environment
You might not know it, but fast food is terrible for the environment. From the packaging to the transportation, it takes a toll on the planet. And let’s not forget about all of those disposable straws and napkins!
8. It’s cruel to animals
If you’re an animal lover, then you might want to avoid fast food. The meat used in most fast food restaurants is from factory-farmed animals, which means they were raised in terrible conditions and treated very poorly.
9. It’s linked to depression
There’s a growing body of evidence that suggests fast food is linked to depression. One study found that teenagers who ate fast food were more likely to suffer from depression than those who didn’t.
10. It’s bad for your skin
If you’re struggling with acne, then you might want to cut back on fast food. The grease and fat can clog your pores and make your skin break out.
11. It’s linked to fertility problems
There’s some evidence to suggest that fast food is linked to fertility problems. A study found that women who ate fast food regularly increased the risk of infertility from 8 – 16%.
12. It’s expensive
You might think that fast food is a cheap option, but it’s actually quite expensive in the long run. Not only will it cost you more in terms of your health, but it also adds up financially. Prices for fast food have been rising in recent years, and they’re not likely to go down anytime soon.
13. Untrustworthy staff
We’ve all seen those countless, infamous videos of fast food employees doing gross things to the food they’re preparing. From spitting in hamburger buns to wiping their noses on pizzas, it’s enough to make anyone lose their appetite. You simply can’t trust the staff at most fast food restaurants to handle your food with care.
What are the healthy alternatives to fast food?
If you’re looking for a healthy alternative to fast food, then you’re in luck. There are plenty of options out there, and you don’t have to sacrifice taste or convenience. Here are some of the best choices:
1. Freshly prepared meals
If you want something that’s both healthy and delicious, then freshly prepared meals are the way to go. There are plenty of companies that offer these meals, and you can often find them in the freezer section of your local grocery store.
2. Meal delivery services
If you don’t have time to cook or don’t feel like cooking, then meal delivery services are a great option. These companies will deliver everything you need to make a healthy meal, and all you have to do is follow the instructions.
3. Healthy fast food options
Some fast food restaurants are starting to offer healthier options. While they’re not necessarily the healthiest choices, they’re still better than most of the other options on the menu.