Junk Food Vs Fast Food

Most people today recognize that fast food meals are generally not very beneficial to one’s health, regardless of their decision to consume them. What many people do not understand is how much better a home cooked meal can be when compared to these cheap and tasty options. When examining the American fast food diet, home cooked meals provide healthier cooking methods, lower risk for health disorders, and lower obesity rates. Cooking at home allows one to control the necessary ingredients and various methods used for a healthier selection of entrees. One cooking technique often not used at fast food restaurants is baking. Baking food is one easy way to reduce fat content in the meal (“Healthy Cooking Tips”). Most fast food joints will not bake

A recent study has illuminated “the increasing prevalence of obesity during the past two decades correlates strongly with the increasing popularity of dining out” (Pinkowish). These findings make it imperative that we return to our traditional home cooked meals. The risk of obesity is far too great for anything to be worth it. For example, “obesity may lead to a higher risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain kinds of cancer or even a higher risk of premature death” (Wood). These are serious conditions caused by obesity. Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of death and diabetes has many other side effects from the ailment. Another shocking statistic is that “25 percent of U.S. 4- to 8-year-olds will, on a typical day, eat fast food” (Wood). This rate is too high and there is no excuse for it. Our youth needs to be properly educated in food choices, and the parents of these children need to be aware of all the harmful effects of fast food. If habits are formed at an early age, then there is potential that no one will break these patterns. The rate at which obesity is increasing is largely preventable if we just cut back on fast food and make healthier home meals. The choice is