Fast Food VS Healthy Food: The Surprising Facts Few People Know

Fast Food VS Healthy Food The Surprising Facts Few People Know

Let’s face it. Fast food and junk foods, such as potato chips, cookies, and candy taste pretty darn good! There is no denying that fast foods or junk foods make our mouths and brains happy, but our health and waistline? Not so much.

By the time a person reaches their teens, they have a pretty good idea what is healthy for them and what isn’t:

French fries: bad. Apples: good.

However, to really understand some of the major differences, sometimes things need to be spelled out in a bit more detail than “bad and good”.

Healthy Food VS Fast Foods or Junk Foods

Here are some of the detailed facts about comparison of healthy foods vs. junk foods or fast food that most people do not talk about.

  • Improved Brain Function: Most people are unaware of how important a healthy diet is when it comes to their cognitive function. Omega-3 fatty acids, which our bodies cannot make on their own and must be consumed through our diet, are not found in hamburgers or cookies. Omega-3’s are one of the most important essential acids for different things, including: healthy brain function, improved memory, and increased concentration. You can get Omega-3’s from fatty fish, such as tuna or salmon, as well as chia seeds, walnuts, hemp seeds, and oysters.
  • Long Term Energy Levels: Studies have shown that a more natural, healthy diet leads to improved sleep and longer-term energy levels. If you find that you get that sluggish, run down feeling in the afternoon, it could be due to your diet. Try healthy snacks that are known to keep energy levels high, including citrus fruits, sardines or anchovies, and eggs.
  • Overweight or Obesity: If you have seen the movie Super Size Me, then you are probably already aware of just how bad fast food can be. This doesn’t mean that the occasional hamburger is going to kill you, but in the movie, Morgan Spurlock gained 24 pounds in 30 days by eating fast food. It took him 14 months to drop that weight! Fast food and junk foods are satisfying due to their high fat and sugar content, but they don’t offer much in the way of nutrition and tend to lead to issues with being overweight or obesity.
  • Serious Health Complications: Of course, a diet high in sugar, fat, salt, and other unwanted chemicals tends to cause serious health problems. While younger people might dismiss this because they don’t see the results right away, some people discover the damage done to their health earlier in life. Obesity tends to lead to joint problems and metabolic syndrome, while others discover that they are on the road to diabetes when they are in their early 30s. Many diet-related health problems can be prevented or reversed by eating a more sensible and natural healthy diet. This should include lots of vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains.
  • Cost: This is a subject that is rarely talked about; the cost difference between fast food/junk food snacks and a healthy diet. In a 2020 study, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN found that the average cost of a healthy diet globally in 2020 was USD 3.54 per person per day. The cost of the average fast food diet was $15.30 per person per day. If you want to really save a chunk of money this year, figure out the difference between what you would spend for that burger, fries and a drink, compared to how much it would cost you to make it at home. Put the difference in the bank and be prepared to be amazed!

Is There Healthy Food on the Planet That Actually Tastes Good?

Who is tired of munching on carrot sticks and broccoli?! Why can’t diet food taste like French fries?!

OK, perhaps that is asking too much. There are, however, good tasting foods that can help you lose weight if you just take a moment to find them.

We’ve made a list of some of the best foods that can help you lose weight. Not only that, we’ve thrown out all the carrot sticks and broccoli!

Tasty Weight Loss Foods

  • Dark Chocolate: (yep, we wanted to get your attention right away) You can’t overdo this one, but one delicious ounce each day is actually good for your heart and brain but won’t fill out your waistline
  • Pistachios: Like dark chocolate, you can’t munch on these all day, but a big handful in the afternoons is a great snack.
  • Goji Berries: These tasty little fruits have lots of nutrition, but not too many calories. Put them in yogurt or your trail mix or eat a handful when you want a sweet treat.
  • Pineapple: These are terrific for satisfying a sweet tooth or when you feel like crunching on something. Cut up fresh pineapples and store them in containers for easy eating later on. You will be more likely to eat them if it’s cut and ready to eat.
  • Greek Yogurt: You can eat it plain if you like, but try mixing things up by adding those Goji berries, a handful of strawberries or maple syrup.
  • Sweet Potatoes: Unless you are on a low carb diet, make sweet potatoes your new best friend. These are naturally sweet and filled with cancer-fighting compounds everyone wants.
  • Eggs: One of the most nutritious foods on the planet, eggs are super versatile too! Boil them for a great tasting afternoon snack that you can stick in your briefcase or enjoy some for breakfast; no matter how you slice ‘em, you can’t go wrong!
  • Macadamia Nuts: These decadent tasting little jewels taste so good that it’s easy to overindulge. Buy a large package and break them down into serving size bags so you aren’t tempted to eat more than you should.
  • Cabbage: While you might be rolling your eyes, thinking that cabbage is right up there with carrots, you should think again. Adding cabbage to just about any dish not only ups the fiber and nutrients but fills your meal with flavor! Think coleslaw, red cabbage in salads, and adding cabbage in your soup, stews or casseroles!
  • Salmon: Who doesn’t love salmon? Keep some canned salmon on hand as a nice alternative to tuna or aim to eat some grilled salmon two or three times each week for tons of flavor, as well as Omega-3’s.
  • Shrimp: Skip the breading and enjoy shrimp in cocktails or even as a nice after dinner treat.