How Does Fast Food Affect Your Body

Popping into our favourite fast-food restaurant or going into a drive-through happens much more than many of us would like to admit.

There are only a few people who are familiar with cooking. Many people don’t know their way around the kitchen, and some expect their food to be served on the dining table with little to no personal contribution.

Yeah, we get it. Cooking is not everyone’s thing. Not everyone has enough time to buy groceries, knows how to cook, or has access to a kitchen. Nevertheless, it is a usual occurrence. Because of this, people turn to devoured but dreaded fast-food.

What’s there not to like?

It’s quick to order, it’s cheap, and it’s easy to eat. But most of all, it is delicious! It is trendy nowadays because everyone is busy fending for themselves. Amidst everything they do, a quick meal is what everyone prefers—something that is easy to consume and something fast.

Fast food often turns out to be the default choice. The smell of it increases our sense of taste and makes the entire experience of eating fast food much more enjoyable. It contains all the feel-good ingredients. Fast food is rich in sugars, trans fats, sodium and calories.

These ingredients release neurotransmitters like dopamine and oxytocin in your brain, which prompts feelings of relaxation and pleasure. It then becomes our weakness and something we cannot resist. 

Here are some prominent reasons why fast food is terrible that we all know about

Increased risk of obesity

The most significant difference between eating a healthy and balanced diet and a junk-based diet is the extra calories you will consume. It’s a no-brainer.

A high-calorie diet will lead you to obesity and unnecessary weight gain. Researchers have concluded that fast food will indefinitely lead to weight gain and an increase in BMI (Body Mass Index). 

Constipation

Fibre, a nutritional component found in fruits, vegetables, and nuts, is missing in most fast food items. Fibre is what helps the digested food move along your intestines and pushes the waste out of your body.

Without this, you may find that you will go to the bathroom for a “number 2” a little less frequently. Would you like to read more about the importance of a fibre-rich meal? https://www.lifeprogram.org.au/living-well/blog/entry/the-importance-of-fibre 

Nutritional Starvation

High calories = Low nutrition

Too much fast food can lead to severe nutritional deficiency and force you to take the support of nutrition pills. However, more than the consumption of calories is required. Your body needs nutrition to function correctly. 

These are just some of the big ones. The list goes on and on. It also includes kidney problems, increased blood sugar and cholesterol levels, risk of cancer and heart diseases, skin problems and mental health deterioration. 

Last Words

The phrase “you are what you eat” has never been more true. We’re not suggesting you give up fast food completely. You should eat it once or twice a week so that you feel nourished.

Check out this article: Foods That Boost Metabolism In The Morning

The problem, however, is eating it every day, as some do. Something my father always says is, “Don’t eat for the tongue only, eat for the body.” Would you instead eat a lot of junk now and struggle later on in life regarding your health? Or would you control how much you consume right now to preserve your health in the future? The choice seems pretty clear to me.