You likely know fast food, in general, isn't the healthiest choice since it's high in calories and fat. But there are many more reasons to make better choices than going through a fast food drive-through. While eating fast food every once in a while won't hurt you, consuming it regularly is not a good idea.
Health Effects of Fast Food
If you eat fast food regularly, the effects on your health can be disastrous. Studies have shown people who eat fast food more than twice a week drastically increase their chances of developing diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and a host of other chronic problems, and there may be more reason for concern. According to research published in Environmental Health Perspectives, people who regularly eat fast food have higher levels of phthalates in their bodies. Phthalates are chemicals that may disrupt hormones and impact fertility.
There are many other reasons fast food isn't your best diet choice, as well.
Sodium
Fast food is notoriously high in sodium. Your kidneys rid your body of salts, but consuming too much salt causes it to build up in your system. This forces your heart and kidneys to work harder. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), excess sodium may lead to a wide range of serious medical problems from high blood pressure and heart disease, to kidney stones and osteoporosis.
Trans Fats
Perhaps the most concerning substance in fast food is trans-fat. Trans-fats are created when hydrogen is added to liquid oils so they stay solid at room temperature. The resulting fat is considered by the AHA to be one of the most deadly things you can consume. A diet high in trans-fats greatly ups your risk of type 2 diabetes, heart attack, and stroke.
Too Much Sugar
While most people know about the high fructose corn syrup in soft drinks, sugar is also abundant in fast food. Many burgers, chicken sandwiches, and breakfast items contain added sugar. Some foods marketed as healthier fare are also high in sugar. For example, Wendy's Apple Pecan Chicken Salad has a whopping 40 grams of sugar (not to mention almost 600 calories and 25 grams fat). McDonald's Fruit and Yogurt parfait, while low in calories and fat, contains 23 sugar grams. Eating too much sugar increases your risk of weight gain and metabolic syndrome.
Empty Calories
Despite its high caloric content, fast food offers very little nutritional value in return. One fast food meal can contain as much as 1,500 calories, which is well over 50% of the daily calories required for a healthy adult. A Big Mac from McDonalds contains 563 calories, 33 grams of fat, and over 1,000 grams of sodium. Add fries and a soda, and you've almost reached your dietary limits for the entire day in just one meal.
Weight Gain
Consistently eating too much sugar, fat, empty calories, and sodium will likely cause weight gain. While some people claim eating too many carbs or too much fat is the primary reason for weight gain, it's not. The main reason you gain weight is that you eat more calories than you burn. Since most fast food is high in calories, you must limit how much you eat or choose healthier options, such as salads with low-calorie and fat-free dressing or a small veggie sub on whole grain bread without mayo in order to limit your risk of weight gain.
Digestive Problems
Fast food is notoriously hard on your digestive system. Those who eat a poor diet are more likely to experience stomach upset and digestive problems. Conditions, such as acid reflux, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may develop or worsen in those that consistently eat fast food. According to WebMD, eating spicy foods, large meals, high-fat or greasy foods, and caffeinated drinks and sodas are common heartburn triggers.
Food Poisoning
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 9.4 million people suffer from foodborne illnesses each year. While fast food isn't responsible for all cases, it is known for causing food poisoning. An NBC Dateline undercover investigation found many popular fast food restaurants had hundreds of food safety critical violations ranging from improper food holding temperatures and rodents to bare hands food contact and inadequate sanitation.
Ingredient Quality
When you cook at home, you control the ingredients. When you eat fast food, you usually ingest the main protein, such as ground beef or chicken breast, as well as preservatives, artificial colors, and artificial flavors. In addition, meat quality may be questionable. According to Friends of the Earth Chain Reaction II report, many fast food restaurants scored an "F" for their company policy on antibiotic use in meat and their transparency about antibiotic use. When it comes to eating fast food, it's often a buyer beware situation.
Offsetting Good Food
When you eat empty calories, you're offsetting the good food you could be eating in its place. For example, instead of fried chicken nuggets and an order of large fries, you could have something more nutritious, such as a grilled chicken breast or grilled fish and baked potato, which is a healthier meal since it's low in trans-fat, added sugar, and sodium. Add a green salad, and you've got a well-balanced meal that tastes great.
Moderation Is Key
You don't have to give up fast food altogether. An occasional fast food meal probably won't derail your health. However, if you eat fast food more often than not, you may want to re-evaluate your diet and try to cook at home more.
