Why you should think twice before eating fast food more than once a week
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We all know that fast food isn't the healthiest meal option out there. It's usually high in calories, fat, and sodium – but sometimes, it's just so darn convenient (and delicious!) that we can't help but indulge now and then. A lot of us can't even go a week without grabbing a quick meal from one of our favourite takeaway places, especially with dollar menus making it an affordable meal.
In a recent survey, it seems like many of us are reaching for the takeaway menu a little too often. The poll found that over 50 per cent of Aussies eat fast food at least once a week.
Fast food is defined as any kind of meal that is prepared quickly and eaten quickly or taken out. This includes popular restaurants such as Macca’s, KFC, and Red Rooster. Although there are some healthier options now available at these places, most of their menu items can still be classified as 'junk food'.
Eating fast food now and then is okay, just don’t make it an everyday habit! Credit: Engin Akyurt in Pexels.
According to the survey, 10 per cent of people eat fast food twice a week (which isn't too bad), with considerably fewer people eating it three (three per cent) to four (one per cent) times each week. While 35 per cent of people answered that they don’t eat fast food, some of them clarified that they will enjoy a quick meal sometimes. But here's where it gets interesting: There was at least a handful (one per cent) who said they consume fast food every single day!
Granted, this might not seem like much when compared to the rest of the respondents. But when you think about how unhealthy most types of fast foods are for your body – not to mention your wallet! – this is pretty alarming.
Many of those surveyed were quick to clarify their answers. One person said that they ‘usually eat fast food a couple of times a month, at most.’ While someone else said they ate fast food once a month on average. Another commented that they only eat fast food once a fortnight.
Another person said, ‘Although we don’t eat fast food, we occasionally go out for a meal, and would eat a meal while out.’ They said they would get quick takeout from McDonald’s.
Having a healthy, balanced meal can work wonders for our bodies. Credit: Pixabay in Pexels.
Christy Brissette, a nutritionist, said that frequency matters when it comes to the impact of junk food on people’s health. She further explained that in a review of studies on fast food and heart health, experts found that having fast food more than once a week puts someone at a higher risk of obesity.
‘While eating fast food more than twice a week was associated with a higher risk of metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and death from coronary heart disease.’ Christy explained. She also said that when it comes to staying healthy, many can ‘get away’ with occasional junk food when following an otherwise healthy lifestyle. It’s just a matter of balancing your diet.
As always, we are not medical professionals but the advice seems clear – moderation is key.
There you go, dear members! How many times do you eat junk food per week? We’d love to hear your thoughts so feel free to comment below!
In a recent survey, it seems like many of us are reaching for the takeaway menu a little too often. The poll found that over 50 per cent of Aussies eat fast food at least once a week.
Fast food is defined as any kind of meal that is prepared quickly and eaten quickly or taken out. This includes popular restaurants such as Macca’s, KFC, and Red Rooster. Although there are some healthier options now available at these places, most of their menu items can still be classified as 'junk food'.
Eating fast food now and then is okay, just don’t make it an everyday habit! Credit: Engin Akyurt in Pexels.
According to the survey, 10 per cent of people eat fast food twice a week (which isn't too bad), with considerably fewer people eating it three (three per cent) to four (one per cent) times each week. While 35 per cent of people answered that they don’t eat fast food, some of them clarified that they will enjoy a quick meal sometimes. But here's where it gets interesting: There was at least a handful (one per cent) who said they consume fast food every single day!
Granted, this might not seem like much when compared to the rest of the respondents. But when you think about how unhealthy most types of fast foods are for your body – not to mention your wallet! – this is pretty alarming.
Many of those surveyed were quick to clarify their answers. One person said that they ‘usually eat fast food a couple of times a month, at most.’ While someone else said they ate fast food once a month on average. Another commented that they only eat fast food once a fortnight.
Another person said, ‘Although we don’t eat fast food, we occasionally go out for a meal, and would eat a meal while out.’ They said they would get quick takeout from McDonald’s.
Having a healthy, balanced meal can work wonders for our bodies. Credit: Pixabay in Pexels.
Christy Brissette, a nutritionist, said that frequency matters when it comes to the impact of junk food on people’s health. She further explained that in a review of studies on fast food and heart health, experts found that having fast food more than once a week puts someone at a higher risk of obesity.
‘While eating fast food more than twice a week was associated with a higher risk of metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and death from coronary heart disease.’ Christy explained. She also said that when it comes to staying healthy, many can ‘get away’ with occasional junk food when following an otherwise healthy lifestyle. It’s just a matter of balancing your diet.
As always, we are not medical professionals but the advice seems clear – moderation is key.
There you go, dear members! How many times do you eat junk food per week? We’d love to hear your thoughts so feel free to comment below!
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