Why You Should Avoid Fast Food

Fast food has become a common way to enjoy a convenient meal that tastes good. In fact, one out of four Americans consumes fast food on a daily basis. Eating fast food has a terrible effect on your health and fitness goals. There are several reasons why you should avoid it altogether.

Trans Fat

Healthy fats in moderation are necessary for many bodily functions. Trans fats do not fit into that category and should be avoided. It’s recommended that we eat no more than 2g of trans fat each day. Unfortunately, many fast food items contain way too much of it. A Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese contains 2.5g of trans fat, Double Whopper with Cheese from Burger King has 1.5g, and a ½ lb. Double Cheese Burger from Wendy’s has 2.5g. As you can see, eating fast food can make it easy to go over your daily recommendation for trans fats. You should also keep in mind that no amount of trans fats are healthy. In reality, they should be completely eliminated from your diet.

Calories

Consuming too many calories is a big concern for those who want to lose weight. Adhering to a low calorie diet is almost impossible when eating fast food. A 2,000 calorie diet is what is often recommended. If you get a Texas Double Whopper and a large side of onion rings or French fries from Burger King, you’ve already reached 1,500 calories. Add a large 40oz. Coke, and you will reach 1,880 calories. With this meal, you can almost reach your entire recommended daily caloric intake in one sitting.

Sugar

A diet high in sugar can contribute to weight gain, diabetes, and cancer. The American Heart Associate states that adults should consume no more than 20-36g of sugar a day. A snack size fruit and walnut order from McDonalds packs 25g, Fruit and Maple Oatmeal contains 32g, and a 22 oz. Strawberry McCafe Shake contains a whopping 123g. Less obvious items contain massive amounts of sugar, as well. An Angus Bacon and Cheese sandwich and a Premium Southwest Salad with Crispy Chicken both contain 13g of sugar. Add on a large coke to either of those items and your sugar total will reach 99g. There is no way to eat a healthy diet while consuming this much sugar.
Eliminating fast food from your diet, or at very least reducing the amount you consume, will be very beneficial to your health, as well as your weight loss goals. You’ll most likely end up reducing the amount of calories, trans fats, and sugar you consume without making any other changes to your diet.