Fast food is basically everywhere. There are drive-thrus on every corner, freezer meals ready in minutes, and all of it comes with almost zero effort from you. That is why it is no surprise that so many people rely on fast food when mealtime rolls around. But behind all that convenience and flavor, there's a pretty big problem.
Fast food isn't just grabbing a quick meal to curb your hunger but it is something that has serious effects on our health and our wallets. With some help from Food Drink Talk, we are taking a look at why our fast food choices are not good for our health or for our budget.
Note: The content of this article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice tailored to your individual circumstances.
Leads to Obesity
Fast food is everywhere, and it's designed to be addictive, cheap (or so it seems), and convenient. But that quick bite from your local fast food restaurant comes at a cost, and we're not just thinking about the price on the menu.
Consuming large quantities of fast food has been linked to obesity, and it is easy to see why. Let's say you grab a fast-food burger, fries, and soda. That's easily 1,200+ calories in one meal, and chances are, you're eating more than just one meal a day. Those calories add up fast, and before you know it, those extra pounds turn into serious health issues, like obesity.
You probably know that being overweight can be damaging to your health, but what does that mean for your wallet?
The U.S. spends about $147 billion per year on obesity-related healthcare. Yeah, billion. With a "B." Fast food isn't just making us gain weight, but it's weighing down the economy too.
Empty Calories Mean You Eat More (And Spend More)
Have you ever noticed that fast food never really fills you up? Even when you are eating those crazy quantities of calories, you still feel hungry afterward. That's because most fast food is packed with empty calories, which is a fancy way of saying tons of calories but not much nutrition.
Take a look at a typical large fast-food meal:
- A huge soda? Just liquid sugar.
- Fries? Mostly oil and starch.
- Burger bun? Refined carbs that burn fast and leave you craving more.
Since your body isn't getting the protein, fiber, and nutrients it actually needs, you're hungry again super fast. So, you go back for more food and, of course, spend more money.
It's a cycle that seems to never end. But, if you just swapped that fast food meal for a home-cooked one made with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, you'd feel full for way longer and cut down on unnecessary spending.
Nutritional Deficiencies
Fast food doesn't just lack nutrients; it robs your body of them. When you constantly eat highly processed junk, your body misses out on important vitamins and minerals, which can lead to major issues like low energy levels, a weakened immune system, skin issues, and even weaker bones.
And guess what else happens when your body is starved of nutrients? Cravings. You start craving even more junk food, hoping to get energy, but it just leads to the same cycle of overeating and overspending.
Now, add up the money spent on vitamin supplements, doctor visits, and special skincare products because your diet is wrecking your health. Suddenly, that cheap fast-food burger doesn't seem like such a good deal anymore.
Chronic Diseases
Eating excessive fast food is not just going to make you gain a few extra pounds. A steady diet of fast food is like giving your body a daily dose of destruction, and the long-term effects can be huge.
Type 2 diabetes can sometimes be caused by too much sugar and refined carbs. High blood pressure is often due to sodium overload. Heart disease can be a product of too many saturated and trans fats clogging your arteries. And liver disease is often a result of too much-processed junk putting stress on your liver.
All of these health issues mean more trips to the doctor, prescriptions, and higher insurance costs. And let's not forget the hospital bills if things get really bad.
So, while a $5 meal deal seems cheap now, the future costs of lifelong medication, surgeries, or specialist visits make fast food one of the most expensive bad habits out there.
Impulse Spending
Fast food isn't just fast, but it's also sneaky. Did you ever go through the drive-thru thinking, "I'll just grab a small snack," but somehow you end up with fries, a drink, and maybe even dessert? That's because fast food chains use psychology to make you spend more.
For example, combo deals make you think you're saving money, but you're really just buying more food than you planned. "Limited-time offers" pressure you into grabbing extra items that you may not have really wanted. And menu placement and upselling by staff will get you to spend a little extra (and we all know that adds up!).
High Cost Over Time
Sure, fast food feels cheap at the moment. A cheap meal here, a discounted burger there…no big deal, right? But add it all up, and the numbers will shock you.
Let's look at a fast example:
- Grabbing fast food 3x a week at $10 per meal = $120 per month
- Eating out 5x a week? That’s $200+ per month
- Over a year, that's $1,440 to $2,400 spent on fast food alone.
Now, imagine if you just cooked most of your meals at home instead. A home-cooked meal can cost as little as a few dollars per serving which means you could save hundreds, if not thousands, per year when you stop placing those fast food orders and start making your own meals.
Oh, and don't forget all those hidden costs of fast food. Higher healthcare bills, more food purchases because you're never full, delivery fees and tips, lost productivity because eating junk makes you sluggish…the list goes on and on!
Fast food might be quick, easy, and tasty, but it comes at a huge cost for both your health and your wallet. Constantly buying and eating fast foods can lead to obesity, chronic diseases, nutritional deficiencies, and impulse spending, all while tricking you into spending more money than you realize.
So, next time you're tempted by that drive-thru or late-night delivery, think about these three things
- Is it worth the long-term cost?
- Will it actually keep me full and satisfied?
- Can I make a better, healthier meal at home for less?
Your health and also your bank account will thank you for making the smarter choice.
This article was inspired by Food Drink Talk and was first published at Spatula Desserts.
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