Fast foods
Key points
- Fast foods are quick, reasonably priced, and readily available alternatives to home cooking.
- Most people today have less time to select, prepare and eat food than their grandparents did.
- Fast food items have been modified to reflect consumers' concern about the fat content of their food.
- Maintaining nutritional balance is not easy with fast food as there is no control over how they are cooked.
Definition
Fast foods are quick, reasonably priced, and readily available alternatives to home cooking. While convenient and economical for a busy lifestyle, fast foods are typically high in calories, fat, saturated fat, sugar, and salt.
The fast food chains and restaurants have responded to the increasing awareness of the public about nutrition and attempted to help people concerned about health. For example, they now make ingredient and nutrition information available on their menus. Despite these changes, however, in order to maintain a healthy diet, it is necessary to choose fast foods carefully.
Function
Most people today have less time to select, prepare and eat food than their grandparents did. Fast foods are very appealing because they are widely available and inexpensive.
Food Sources
Fast food items have been modified to reflect consumers' concern about the fat content of their food. Many fast food restaurant have switched from beef tallow or lard to hydrogenated vegetable oils for frying.
Some restaurants offer low calorie choices like salad bars and assorted take-out salads with low calorie dressing, low-fat milkshakes, whole grain buns, lean meats, and grilled chicken items.
Side Effects
Maintaining nutritional balance is not easy with fast food as there is no control over how they are cooked. For example, some are cooked with a lot of oil and butter and there may be no option if you want this selection with reduced fat.
The large portions also encourage overeating. Fast foods also tend to be short on fresh fruits and vegetables.
In general, people with high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease must be much more careful about choosing fast food due to the high content of fat, sodium, and sugar.
Recommendations
Knowing the number of calories and the amount of fat and salt in the fast food can help you decide which items are better choices. Many fast food restaurants have published the nutrient content of their foods. These are often available on request. You can plan a convenient yet healthful diet with this information.
Make better choices when eating at fast food restaurants. In general eat at places that offer a variety of salads, soups, and vegetables. Consider these general tips:
- Pizza:
Ask for less cheese, and choose low-fat toppings such as onions, mushrooms, green peppers, tomatoes, and other vegetables.
- Sandwiches:
Written and revised by
David Cohen, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.