There’s no other way to slice it: Western culture is obsessed with fast food.
In the US alone, consumers spend 299.6 billion dollars annually on fast food. The highest-grossing fast food franchise, McDonald’s, pulls in a whopping 37 billion dollars in annual revenue.
And what do we spend all this money on? We buy highly processed food that falls between 700 to 1500 calories per meal, according to this chart.
It’s no secret that burgers, pizza, tacos, and fries are unhealthy for us, especially when they’re mass-produced at fast food restaurants. Yet we’re hooked on the food.
But here’s a remedy for your next fast food impulse. Read on to learn how much your health can improve when you eliminate junk food from your diet.
1. Avoid Chronic Cardiovascular Disease
Did you know that about one out of four Americans die of cardiovascular health issues each year? This averages out to approximately 610 thousand people who annually succumb to heart disease, heart attacks, clogged arteries, or strokes.
Fast food is high in sodium, carbs, and chemically-altered ingredients. If you eat it often enough, all of this junk builds up in your veins and makes it hard for your blood to circulate freely.
Once your arteries are clogged, you may experience chronic health issues like high blood pressure and rapid heart rate. Eventually, these health issues culminate in a major coronary event such as a heart attack.
By eliminating fast food, you are forced to eat more whole, natural foods which don’t wreak such havoc on your heart and veins.
2. Avoid Vitamin Deficiencies
Here’s a shocker: One-third of Americans suffer from some kind of vitamin deficiency. This includes both adults and children.
Since fast food lacks healthful nutrients, people who eat it regularly are ingesting a diet full of empty calories.
Without the necessary vitamins and minerals that fresh whole foods provide, you can develop deficiencies that make you feel sluggish or sick. A lack of vitamins can especially weaken your immune system, making your body more susceptible to illnesses and infections. You may even develop anemia or lose bone mass.
Skip those burgers and fries, and opt for a quick homemade sandwich instead. By doing so, you can increase your vitamin intake without really trying.
3. Avoiding Fast Food Restaurants Helps With Weight Loss
We pay a lot of money to gain weight, Thanks to fast food restaurants. Need proof? View prices here.
In fact, not only do frequent flyers at fast food chains spend money to gain weight, they’re not aware of just how many calories they consume.
A recent study concluded that adults and teens who eat fast food usually underestimate their calorie intake by more than 150 calories. Simply put, it’s easy to lose track of weight gain when you’re busy eating irresistible food.
Since fast food is so much higher in calories than most homecooked meals, you don’t have to put a lot of effort into weight loss if you avoid it altogether.
Say Goodbye To Fast Food
What do you say?
Given the above information, can you give up fast food restaurants?
Not many people would say yes. But if you’re committed to your health, you just need the resolve to make better choices .. You can do it! Browse our online magazine for some more healthy lifestyle tips.