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By Jeremiah Al-Jeleel
If I could change anything in the world I think I would change the reliance my community has on fast food.
Fast food is defined as food that can be quickly prepared, and is usually inexpensive.
It isn’t healthy or nutritious because the ingredients used to prepare it are cheap and of low quality.
Research on the consequences of eating fast food demonstrates that it isn’t something anyone should eat on a daily basis. To break the hold that fast food has on people, they need to understand why they like it so much.
The Food is Cheap
Fast food is so cheap because restaurants like McDonald’s use preservatives in their food products. Preservatives are chemicals added to stop food from rotting. This extends the shelf life (how long a product can be sold.) However, these chemicals aren’t safe to consume in large amounts. They have been linked to the increased risk of several diseases. These chemicals cut down the price of producing food, and help keep prices low “since the company won’t have to worry about food waste.”
(The Real Reasons McDonald’s Is So Cheap, 2021)
Besides having added 
preservatives, these foods also contain high amounts of salt, sugar, and fat. Added carbohydrates increase the overall calories, which might cause consumers to gain weight.
Increased sugar isn’t just added to food, but is also added to drinks. “Many fast-food drinks …contain 8 teaspoons of sugar…39 grams of sugar and nothing else.”
(13 Effects of Fast Food on the Body, 2018)
Although it may be challenging to stop eating fast food, it’s not impossible. There are several things you can do to limit the amount of unhealthy food you eat such as:
Focus on adding healthy food to your diet, rather than just taking unhealthy foods away.
(Healthy Eating Changing Your Eating Habits, 2021)
This is a good idea when people can’t stop thinking about eating a certain food. Simply having healthier options in your house or your lunch box could help you gain better eating habits, allowing you to enjoy a healthy alternative.
Drink water instead of high-sugar drinks.
Water is an essential part of life. Drinking water with every meal is a healthier alternative to drinks filled with tons of sugar that are not good for your health. Drinking more water could also help clear your skin, and prevent you from becoming dehydrated.
(7 Ways Drinking Water Helps Improve Skin)
People buy fast food because they are hungry and don’t consider the consequences. Having snacks that are plentiful and easy to access can help you maintain fullness, and curb your hunger.
Another way to implement a change to what you eat is to “Pack a healthy lunch and snacks for work.”
(Healthy Eating Changing Your Eating Habits, 2021)
Eating healthy is not easy but it is possible. One way to start is by avoiding fast food.
