For my entire life fast food has always been "the food" to avoid. My parents were fortunate enough to understand that the high fat & sodium rich fast food was not only less tasty, but also less healthy compared to homemade meals. But that was then, and ever since the movie Fast Food Nation things have changed in the evolving restaurant food market.
Many traditional fast food chains have become an alternative healthier choice where new menu items include foods that are lower in fat, have less cholesterol & sodium, and are less processed than previous choices. Former popular food items are still available, but increasingly these chains are providing complete menu breakdowns on levels of fat, sodium, calories & often cholesterol that these items contain.
This could actually allow fast food to play a part in an individual’s healthy diet choice as long as total daily inputs are at accepted levels. Understand, I am not a registered dietician (RD) or a nutritionist of any kind, but I do study the concepts behind proper diet. And believe me, I am not advocating fast food as the recommended choice toward a healthy diet, but simply bringing to light that healthier food choices are making their way into these establishments.
The bad wrap given to this restaurant genre may want to be reconsidered. Certainly these fast food chains should not be banned from locating in any neighborhood (like Los Angeles) as part of a fight against obesity as healthier choices are being offered on their menus. Though a healthier diet will help to fight obesity, there are several other factors involved in the obesity crisis.
People want healthier food options, and they want to know what is in the food they eat. The fast food market is responding to the people's demands for better food. This is increasingly important with the generally higher gas and food prices that force many people to choose the more economical fast food to help fight financial strains.
The trend for providing healthier food choices and informing the public about the contents of their foods will continue as people want this. Fast food is leading a response to these demands and may not really be so bad for you anymore.
Remember:
YOU have the POWER!
By: Darren Rieck
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