Whether doing the rounds at a fast-food chain or getting takeout from your favourite local restaurant, chances are you've had fast food before and didn't think twice about it. However, these fast, convenience foods sabotage your health and waistline if you don't note how they affect your diet and your goals to be fit and healthy! Here are some ways fast food can hinder your diet and fitness efforts so that you can make better choices in the future.
Fast food comes with a high cost
Anyone who's made a pit stop at a fast-food joint knows it doesn't come cheap. With meal prices consistently rising, eating fast food can cost you several hundred pounds a month, even if you grab lunch daily. But it comes with a high cost beyond just your wallet; the health of millions of the UK population is affected by fast-food culture.
Fast foods are addictive
Fast foods have an addictive quality to them. Once you start consuming them, it's hard to stop; before you know it, you’ve eaten far more than you should. Fast food can also be addictive for other reasons.
Fast foods have less nutritional value than home-cooked foods
An excellent general rule is avoiding foods with more than five ingredients. You know that in general, if it's too good to be true, it probably is! Well, when it comes to fast foods, you can substitute fast for too good to be true. These meals have little nutritional value and lots of calories. So if you want to lose weight or boost your overall health, stay away from these foods as much as possible.
Fast foods cause weight gain
Fast foods can make you gain weight. This is because they have more calories and fat than home-cooked meals. After all, they're processed with saturated fats. One study even found that by eating just two additional meals a week at a fast-food restaurant, an individual will gain close to five pounds in one year!
Breaking the cycle is challenging but not impossible
Breaking the cycle of eating unhealthy is challenging but not impossible. If you eat healthily, exercise regularly, and continue to stay active throughout the day (walking more, doing some housework), you'll have a much better chance of sticking with it and getting fit in the process. Go to the gym more often or make time for strength training. Luckily, there are some some supplements can help you get rid of fat fast such as Fat Stripper Intense.
Start slow with healthier options
There are healthier options available to you, even at a fast-food chain. Choose grilled chicken over fried, side salads instead of fries and etc. Going healthy doesn’t have to mean giving up all your favourite meals; it just means paying attention to ingredients and preparation methods and asking for substitutions if necessary. For example, don't be afraid to ask for a lettuce wrap instead of bread or fries! You'll stay healthier in the long run. Also, boost your daily protein intake to help you build muscle fast. You can create more nutritious snacks and shakes with LA Whey Gold to improve your healthy eating.
