Is fast food unhealthy?

In order to grow up to be healthy and feel good, it’s important that you eat nutritious foods! 

“Fast food” can refer to a number of kinds of foods, but primarily it means foods that are made to be quick and cheap, such as the kinds often found in drive-through restaurants, vending machines, and corner stores or food-marts. 

So why is this quick, cheap food a bad choice? Being inexpensive and ready at a moment’s notice might sound more like a good thing!

The problem with so many fast foods is that they’re often made with bad ingredients and cooked in ways that make them additionally unhealthy. For example, many fast foods are fried (which makes them very high in fat) or served with toppings (like cheeses, sauces, and dressings) that add lots of extra calories. Another problem with many fast foods is the use of added sodium (salt), added sugar, and refined grains (instead of whole grains). Having things like fats, salt, and sugars is okay, but too much isn’t good for you and might even make you feel tired or sick, or cause you to have health problems later in life.

The good news is that lots of fast foods are now available in healthier alternatives! Plus, you can often find out the nutrition information about most fast foods on the companies’ websites, or even on the packaging or menu at the store. Knowing this information can help you get a better idea of what to eat and what to avoid. If your favorite item turns out to be one of the less healthy choices, save it to have as an occasional treat, or split it with a friend when you order it instead of eating the whole thing yourself. You can also control the nutrition of your meal by ordering smaller sizes and picking healthier side items like fruits or vegetables!