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 Posted By:   Healthprior21

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Fast food refers to food that can be prepared and served quickly. Fast food restaurants usually have a walk up counter and/or drive-thru window where you order and pick up your food without having to wait long. They're popular because they serve filling foods that taste good and don't cost a lot of money. However, the food is often made with cheaper ingredients such as high fat meat, refined grains, and added sugar and fats, instead of nutritious ingredients such as lean meats, fresh fruits, and vegetables.

 

Is fast food bad?

 

There is no such thing as a "bad" food, but there are some foods you should try not to have on a regular basis. Because fast food is high in sodium, saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol, it isn't something you should eat often. Eating too much over a long period of time can lead to health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and obesity. Fast food also lacks many of the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals our bodies need. It's helpful to remember that with fast food, moderation is important.

 

How to make fast food meal healthier?

 

- You can make it healthier by going light on the toppings. Added toppings usually mean more sodium or unhealthy fats. Use mustard or ketchup instead of mayonnaise. Top your sandwiches with veggies such as onions, lettuce, and tomatoes instead of bacon or extra cheese. 

- Don't add more salt to your meal. Salt is a major contributor to high blood pressure and heart disease and fast food tends to be loaded with it.

- Choose foods that are broiled, steamed or grilled over fried such as a grilled chicken sandwich instead of fried chicken or chicken nuggets and steamed vegetables instead of French fries.

- Choose soups that are not cream based. For example: If the name of the soup includes the word cream, such as "Creamy Tomato Soup", choose something else.

- Order smaller entree portions. For example, instead of a large sub, try a small sub with a side salad and low-fat dressing or piece of fruit.

- Remember, you can get too much of a good thing. Even if a fast food restaurant uses healthy ingredients, they still usually give you a lot more food than you need and eating too much of any kind of food can lead to weight gain. Watch your portions, even when you are eating healthier fast foods such as burritos, sandwiches, and soup.

- Choose water, low-fat milk, or diet sodas instead of regular sodas, fruit drinks, milkshakes, or whole milk which can be a huge source of hidden calories and sugar.

- Instead of a slice of pie or cookie for dessert try fruit and yogurt.

 

 

 

Source : http://www.youngwomenshealth.org/fast_food.html