Why It's So Hard to Kick the Fast Food Habit

Fast food is one of those habits that are really difficult to kick. But if you want to live a healthy life, it’s a good idea to eliminate your fast-food intake. Eating out too often means you’re likely getting more saturated fats and sodium than you need in your diet, as well as less fiber and nutrients like calcium and iron. To help you get started, here are some great tips on how to kick the fast food habit once and for all.

A Trip Down Memory Lane

The smell of breakfast, lunch and dinner wafting from fast-food restaurants might seem enticing, but don’t be fooled: In most cases, these meals are going to put a damper on your diet. Saturated fats from sausages and burgers (not to mention a salty bag of fries) can pack on pounds quickly. You might also be missing out on crucial nutrients by opting for fast food. A quick breakfast made at home with eggs and oatmeal is likely healthier than any Egg McMuffin you could purchase at McDonald’s. And if you're trying to cut down on sugar intake, that sweet-and-sour chicken isn't helping your cause either.

Did You Know? That 50% of Americans Eat at Least One Meal Away From Home Each Day?

The number of meals people eat away from home has risen in recent years, with over 50% of Americans eating at least one meal outside their home each day. In fact, 30% of Americans ate lunch or dinner at a restaurant on any given day in 2010. The sharp increase in eating out has contributed greatly to America’s growing waistline.

How Much Does Fast Food Cost?

The argument against eating fast food is nearly as old as fast food itself. There are many health concerns that surround junk food, especially when you eat it regularly. Plus, fast food can be expensive! When you add up what you’re spending on your meals, it turns out to be quite a lot of money over time. Eating out too often means you’re likely getting more saturated fats and calories than you need. And if you don't have much control over how or where your food is prepared, it's easy to end up with unhealthy levels of sodium and preservatives in your diet. If you want to start living a healthier life, cutting back on fast food might be one of the best things for your body and mind.

Overcoming the Urge to Go Out for Lunch

When you work near a fast-food place, it’s easy to go out for lunch, especially if there are no food options in your office. Instead of giving in and getting fast food every day, try bringing a healthy lunch from home. Not only will it save you money and keep you on track with your diet goals, but it can also make those long hours at work fly by! Here are some tips on how to set yourself up for success with a good-for-you meal

A Few Things You Can Do Instead

If you’re craving a quick meal but don’t want to resort to fast food, try these healthier alternatives. If time is an issue, have your meal already prepared in advance and carry it with you when you go out for a run or to work. This will help prevent on-the-go eating without sacrificing nutrition.

The Health Risks of Eating Fast Food Too Often

What’s worse than eating fast food? Eating fast food too often. By eating it frequently, you’re significantly increasing your risk of a number of health problems, including heart disease and cancer. Find out more about why it’s so hard to kick that habit—and what you can do about it.

Sometimes Less Is More!

When it comes to health and fitness, more isn’t always better. In fact, some times less is more. If you want to get in shape and improve your health, tracking all of your daily steps might actually be slowing you down. Let’s say you walk 2,000 steps per day – but hit 5,000 one day and think that means you have a healthy habit going. Well, if 1) you’re not walking 2,000 on most days and 2) even hitting 5,000 is an exception (not a regular occurrence), then those other 4500 steps could easily be jogging on an incline for 45 minutes or playing tennis for an hour!