We live in a society that demands instant gratification. I discussed this earlier but it is so true. I wish I lived in the 50's when life was slower and our eating habits weren't ruled by food conglomerates. These food giants aren't just at the grocery store but hang out on millions of street corners across this nation. I'm talking about fast food restaurants. McDonalds, Burger King, KFC, Subway, Pizza Hut, Arby's, Wendy's, etc. etc. What started as a convenience for a once in a while treat has become a stable of the American diet and along with that has created a billion dollar industry that isn't slowing down anytime soon.
So what is wrong with this fast food nutrition? EVERYTHING!! Except for ordering water and coffee, the rest of the menu is basically JUNK! Food is laden with wheat because it is CHEAP and ADDICTIVE! I read Fast Food Nation a while ago so I can't quote direct facts but for example, a hamburger at McDonalds can be made up from meat from 200 different cows! Those milkshakes you love? Chemicals, chemicals, chemicals! Soda of course is loaded with sugar and diet has nasty chemicals.
So why does America "Run on Dunkin"? Like I said, wheat is cheap so they can make cheap food and mark it up at a cost to you which is cheap enough that you'll buy it by the ton. Wheat is also addictive (think nicotine) so you crave their food and go back for more. Did you notice that if you eat this "food" you are hungry after a few hours. That's because most of what you have eaten is carbs which I have discussed makes your blood sugar spike and is digested quickly leaving you with that starving, sluggish feeling shortly after eating.
So what is the solution? DON'T give your money to these conglomerates! Boycott by not eating at them. Ok, that is easier said than done. We just went away for a few weeks and I understand the need to eat on the run. I am not going to say we never eat at fast food restaurants but we try to be savvy consumers. Skip the bun or go for a grilled chicken salad minus the croutons. Don't eat the fries either. Panera has some delicious salads and they serve free range chicken. Wegmans is a great choice if you're local to CNY. You can find healthy options in their ready made meals.
The bottom line is if you frequent fast food places on a regular basis, you need to stop. You'll save money by having a salad at home and you'll feel better too. If you are on the run a lot, have food ready in your fridge. Greek yogurt is a great source of protein. I made my kids lettuce wraps the other day (Boston lettuce filled with your favorites like tuna or chicken salad). These were great because they can easily eat these on the run. Cheese is a great boost and don't forget that handful of raw nuts. Great protein and fiber! They are a source of good fats so don't be shying away because of that. Why not pre-chop veges like broccoli, cauliflower, cukes, peppers and carrots to munch on the run. Much healthier than those fries!
TRUST ME! If you stop eating at McDonald's and start eating at home, you'll feel so much better and your wallet will too. My 14 year old is disgusted with McDonalds after reading Fast Food Nation. If she can be affected like that then I highly suggest you read it too.
Our nation is not getting out of control with our eating habits, we are already there! I am scared for our country because we already have a health care crisis on our hands. Where will we be in a decade when the number of people with diabetes, cancer, heart disease, etc. is soaring?? The money it takes to care for these people is mind boggling. And we are just getting deeper and deeper in the hole. Unless YOU decide to change things. One person at a time. If Brad and I can convince just one more person to try this healthy eating, we are one step closer!
So what is wrong with this fast food nutrition? EVERYTHING!! Except for ordering water and coffee, the rest of the menu is basically JUNK! Food is laden with wheat because it is CHEAP and ADDICTIVE! I read Fast Food Nation a while ago so I can't quote direct facts but for example, a hamburger at McDonalds can be made up from meat from 200 different cows! Those milkshakes you love? Chemicals, chemicals, chemicals! Soda of course is loaded with sugar and diet has nasty chemicals.
So why does America "Run on Dunkin"? Like I said, wheat is cheap so they can make cheap food and mark it up at a cost to you which is cheap enough that you'll buy it by the ton. Wheat is also addictive (think nicotine) so you crave their food and go back for more. Did you notice that if you eat this "food" you are hungry after a few hours. That's because most of what you have eaten is carbs which I have discussed makes your blood sugar spike and is digested quickly leaving you with that starving, sluggish feeling shortly after eating.
So what is the solution? DON'T give your money to these conglomerates! Boycott by not eating at them. Ok, that is easier said than done. We just went away for a few weeks and I understand the need to eat on the run. I am not going to say we never eat at fast food restaurants but we try to be savvy consumers. Skip the bun or go for a grilled chicken salad minus the croutons. Don't eat the fries either. Panera has some delicious salads and they serve free range chicken. Wegmans is a great choice if you're local to CNY. You can find healthy options in their ready made meals.
The bottom line is if you frequent fast food places on a regular basis, you need to stop. You'll save money by having a salad at home and you'll feel better too. If you are on the run a lot, have food ready in your fridge. Greek yogurt is a great source of protein. I made my kids lettuce wraps the other day (Boston lettuce filled with your favorites like tuna or chicken salad). These were great because they can easily eat these on the run. Cheese is a great boost and don't forget that handful of raw nuts. Great protein and fiber! They are a source of good fats so don't be shying away because of that. Why not pre-chop veges like broccoli, cauliflower, cukes, peppers and carrots to munch on the run. Much healthier than those fries!
TRUST ME! If you stop eating at McDonald's and start eating at home, you'll feel so much better and your wallet will too. My 14 year old is disgusted with McDonalds after reading Fast Food Nation. If she can be affected like that then I highly suggest you read it too.
Our nation is not getting out of control with our eating habits, we are already there! I am scared for our country because we already have a health care crisis on our hands. Where will we be in a decade when the number of people with diabetes, cancer, heart disease, etc. is soaring?? The money it takes to care for these people is mind boggling. And we are just getting deeper and deeper in the hole. Unless YOU decide to change things. One person at a time. If Brad and I can convince just one more person to try this healthy eating, we are one step closer!