Dorene E. Carter, PhD, RD
Nutrition Consultant
Everyday, millions of Americans make the choice
to eat out. But there is substantial evidence that eating on the go
can have serious health consequences. The expansive growth of fast-food
restaurants and easy access to junk food may be in part responsible
for the obesity epidemic marring the human landscape of America. The United States Department of Agriculture
(USDA) studied the food habits of Americans between 1994 and 1996 and
found that one-fourth of adults in this country ate at fast food restaurants
everyday. They also reported that people who ate fast food also consumed
a large amount of sugary, carbonated beverages and were more likely
to eat larger portions and take in more calories than people who did
not eat fast food.
It is no wonder that two-thirds of the adults in this country are overweight
or obese. But the issue of fast food is not just about weight gain.
There is strong evidence that saturated fat can lead to an increase
in LDL or bad cholesterol. Unfortunately, this is the type of fat found
in some of the most popular fast foods, including French fries, nuggets
and hamburger. Despite this widespread knowledge, fast-food restaurants
continue to dump tons of food packed with saturated fat on millions
of customers daily.
Fast foods also contain huge amounts of sodium which has been linked
to high blood pressure.
Fast food is like a two-edged sword. On the one hand, excessive amounts
of saturated fat, sugar and salt can lead to specific health problems,
and on the other hand, fast food can result in a low intake of foods
that are needed to provide essential vitamins, minerals and other essentials.
Lack of these nutrients robs the body to the ability to heal itself.
The more fast food people ate, the less likely they were to get the
recommended intake of milk, fruits and vegetables.
Cutting back on junk food is one of the most important things that anyone
could do to take back control of their food intake and their health.
The question is, “Are you ready?”
On December 1, 2005, you can join millions of others worldwide in saying
“no” to junk food. That day will mark the first World Junk-Food Free
Day™. This event is intended to bring worldwide attention to the impact
of junk food on the development of obesity and other health problems
in the United States, even as millions of children around the world
go to bed hungry, and to promote good health.
For more information about World Junk-Food Free Day or to become a sponsor,
call 786-566-9985, or send an email to drdorene@dailydietguide.com.