What would Americans do without the corner drive through? It takes just minutes out of your busy schedule to order breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a snack. Then, paper wrap in hand, you can speed down the freeway to your next destination.
But is fast food as great as you think? Just what are you eating when you slurp down a shake, nibble a bucket of fries, or munch a cheesy breakfast sandwich? In two words: junk food. The shake provides fat and sugar; the fries add fat and sodium. And the breakfast sandwich gives you cholesterol, fat, and sodium.
Too much fat – especially saturated fat and cholesterol – increases your risk for heart disease, cancer, becoming overweight, and other health problems. Excessive sodium can raise your blood pressure. Excessive sugar contributes to diabetes, obesity, tooth decay, and other health problems. The "quick bite" you grab on the way to soccer practice could bite you back by causing a host of health problems.
Healthy eating doesn't mean you can't ever eat fast food. Just choose fast foods cautiously. Some fast-food restaurants post a list of the nutritive content of their foods. Read the list. Choose foods in which no more than 30 percent of the calories come from fat. Avoid fried foods. Instead, order baked potatoes, salads (with nonfat or low-fat dressing), chicken or turkey breast deli sandwiches, vegetables and rice, fruit salads, or toasted bagels (hold the cream cheese or butter). If you're thirsty, order water, unsweetened tea, or fruit juice. And never ever "super size" anything! |
