Fast Food: a Threat to Healthy Living
It is perceptible that in the contemporary society, healthy living has been a major concern to many people which can be cited from the fact that considerable number of diseases that has resulted to increase in mortality rates which arrive from the diet adopted by people. It is paradoxical that regardless of the concern and consciousness of the healthy living, most people tend to prefer fast food as their alternative to preparing meals at their homes. Some people are forced by their work time schedules which leave them with no other option but taking fast food. However, the largest number of fast food consumers is composed of “joy riders” who cannot give a logical fact as to why they take fast foods. The adoption of fast food in our diets can be proved from the tremendous development exhibited by firms in the fast food industry. Some of the companies include McDonalds, Burger King and Subway which is the largest company in United States. This brings a question of why these organizations are that successful which can be answered by fact that most people has embraced fast food consumption. Generally, it can be asserted that it is hard to persuade people to avoid restaurants that offer fast foods. Nevertheless, as American Heart Association (2015) provides, the only way to adhere to healthy eating in these restaurants is to change the consumer behavior by shifting to healthier choices. Thus, after the restaurants notice that consumer behavior is changing, they will also change their menus in order to satisfy the demand in the market. As a result, this paper will focus on assessing the effects of fast food on healthy living while offering an alternative for their consumption.
To start with, one of the reasons why fast food is regarded as health jeopardy can be derived from the title itself which means that they are prepared within a short time. This means that the food is not prepared properly from production to preparation. Many people tend to be overwhelmed by their availability and cheap cost together with their taste. However, they tend to forget the fact that the healthier risks posed by the foods outweighs the few minutes satisfaction brought by fast food. On the other hand, fast food poses health risks such as developing obesity and heart diseases among other life threatening dysfunctions. It is factual that fast food hosts highly saturated fats and calories that are regarded as the major causative factors of obesity and heart diseases. It is noteworthy that even small quantities of these foods contain high levels of fats and calories. This is the reason why most people develop associated diseases without knowing since they tend to think that they consume small quantities which cannot threaten their health. Thus, if an individual consumes fast food incessantly without working out, he/she becomes obese automatically.
It is hard to believe that fast food host more bacteria than any other foods if not well prepared. According to the example given by Gutierrez (2011), a minor mistake such as the way one treats the animal before slaughtering it can determine the amount of bacteria that will be in the meat. The living conditions that the animals are subjected to just prior to being slaughtered are the other factors that determine the number of bacteria that can enter in our foods. For instance, according to Merchant (2011), a recent research indicated that 48% of soda offered in fast food restaurants hosts coliform bacteria that is typically found in feces. Additionally, the research performed at Hollins University indicated that 11% of these sodas contained E. Coli bacteria too. This derived a question of how fecal bacteria would be found in drinks leave alone foods. It is no wonder to see that drinks nowadays are associated with food-borne diseases such as cardiovascular and respiratory disorders.
However, it is undeniable that fast food is the cheapest and the simplest way of eating in the contemporary world. Additionally, fast food is economical to time not mentioning money especially to the working class with compressed time schedules. Citing from the success of the fast food restaurants, it is factual that the convenience of the food has persuaded people to consume it. Fast food is the only quicker and better way of satisfying the rumbling stomach. However, it is a paradox that the more one satisfies the rumbling stomach with these cheap foods, the more the incurring expenses of dealing with the diseases to be developed. According to recent research, it is hypothesized that food-borne diseases in United States record approximately 6 to 81 million cases of illness and more than 9,000 deaths annually (Mead, 2011). Thus, citing from the number of illness cases, it can be contended that most families are victims for at least each member in the family. The illness can develop from the bacteria found in the food or basically calories and fats that lead to life threatening diseases. It is recommendable to be aware of the fact that for every piece of fast food consumed, there is a corresponding amount of dollars compiling for hospital bills. Generally, it is preferable to sacrifice the 5 minute satisfaction brought by fast food in order to be guaranteed of a healthy future.
Alternatively, if a person cannot refrain from consuming fast food, it is possible to avoid possible repercussions by working out. Daily exercising helps in burning fats and calories which help in preventing a bigger percentage of diseases caused by fast food. Additionally, since it is hard to avoid fast food restaurants, it is recommendable to shift to healthier foods offered by the restaurants. Most of these restaurants offer alternative foods such as grilled chicken, oatmeal, low-fat milk and salads which are healthy meals. Therefore, after the restaurants notice that the consumer behavior of their target market is changing, they will shift to foods that support healthier living in order to satisfy market demands.
Conclusion
Generally, it is recommendable for everyone to think twice prior to consuming fast food regardless of being starve. There are number of alternatives that one can take instead of consuming fast food in order to satisfy a rumbling stomach. Citing from the fact that fast food has been considered as the causative factor for more than 9,000 in U.S annually, it means that everyone is susceptible to be a victim. However, this can be prevented by making choices before consuming fast food. If one decides to take the foods, he or she must be ready to work out to burn the fats and calories in the foods. On the other hand, because of bacteria it is preferable to refrain from taking fast food by shifting to other healthier options offered by fast food restaurants.
References
American Heart Association. (2015). Eating fast food. Retrieved from http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/HealthyLiving/HealthyEating/DiningOut/Eating-Fast-Food_UCM_301473_Article.jsp#.V-TKnn-ZHIV
Gutierrez, D. (2011). "Think Eating "organic" Meat Is Okay? Think Again." Independent News on Natural Health, Nutrition and More. Retrieved from http://www.naturalnews.com/028804_organic_meat_investigation.html>.
Mead, P.S. (2011). "Food-Related Illness and Death in the United States." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/eid/Vol5no5/mead.htm>.
Merchant, B. (2011). "48% of Fast Food Soda Fountains Contain Bacteria That Grew in Feces." TreeHugger. Retrieved from http://www.treehugger.com/files/2010/01/48-percent-fast-food-soda-fountains-contain-bacteria-grew-feces.php>.
