A shocking number of people in the U.S. are consuming fast food on a regular basis. In fact, according to statistics in a study data brief from the National Center for Health Statistics, "During 2013-3016, 36.6% of adults consumed fast food on a given day" (Fryar, Cheryll D., et. al., "Fast Food Consumption Among Adults in the United States, 2013-2016", CDC.gov). This number represents over a third of our adult population.
Unfortunately, over a third of U.S. children are eating fast food on a daily basis as well (Vikraman, M.D., Sundeep, et. al., "Caloric Intake Among Children and Adolescents in the United States, 2011-2012", CDC.gov).
Of course, unhealthy indulgences once in a while can be a part of a healthy lifestyle. The statistics above, however, suggest that our indulgences are far more often than can be considered healthy. As we consider holistic health and balance, it seems we have much to contemplate in terms of what we are putting into our bodies.
Fast foods and junk foods force us to miss out on essential nutrients. On top of a long list of health risks associated with to much of these types of foods, they rob us of the most basic and fundamental elements that our food should provide to us.
Our talks for the next two weeks will will focus on fast foods, junk foods, and how they effect our bodies. This week, we will talk about the short-term effects. Be sure to come back next week for the second part of this discussion that will continue with the long-term effects of these foods on the body.
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