A fast and busy life leaves less time for food prepared with care. This is especially true around Christmas, as there seem to be endless social engagements, parties, after-work drinks and family get-togethers. But if you rely on convenience foods regularly, your health will be inconvenienced. There is a price to pay.
Food is essential for our survival, but fast food can have a negative impact on the quality and quantity of our lives. Fast food is also a big factor in our current epidemic of excess body fat in both adults and children.
And it’s not just take-away. Foods out of a box or packet make up a big proportion of many people’s diets. These processed foods are often low in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, yet high in kilojoules, fat, sugar, salt and additives. Isn’t it amazing that we can be nutrient deficient in a culture of abundance?
Some of the ingredients in processed foods, such as trans fats, have even been banned in other countries. Yet millions of dollars are spent every day encouraging, nudging and reminding us to eat these high kilojoule, low nutrient foods.
Cartoon characters, clowns, celebrities and even sports stars endorse everything from sugar laden breakfast cereals to so-called “value meals”. You won’t have to look far either. You can find fast food in schools, offices, airports, petrol stations and even hospitals across the country. In fact, you don’t even have to get out of your car to feast on fast food.
While you might think there is room to include moderate portions of these foods occasionally as part of balanced diet and an active lifestyle, consuming these foods regularly (more than once or twice a week) can make it harder to control your weight. Fast food can have a negative and overpowering effect on our metabolism, waistline, health, and even our mood.
Don’t get caught up in the marketing hype. If you are sick of fast food companies profiting at the expense of our health, look at ways to de-junk your diet. Spend a little time planning out some healthy meals and snacks, and reduce your portion sizes when you do indulge in fast food. Optimal health and wellness is a choice. The choice is yours.
How much do you rely on fast food at this time of year?