No More Excuses!
This blog post comes to you because I’m tired of hearing people say there’s nothing quick, easy and healthy to eat while on the go.
Which they think gives them the excuse to eat unhealthy, chemically laced fast food instead.
Well, what if I told you there are “fast foods” that are quick, easy and healthy for you when you’re on the go?
No cooking, chopping, cutting and little thinking required. Oh, and without the deadly chemicals (one caveat).
What is Fast Food?
The term fast food refers to food that is mass produced, inexpensive and designed to be served…well, fast.
As more and more people moved into the cities, it was created to accommodate busy commuters on the go who didn’t have time to prepare or wait for their food.
But did you know the fast “food” that you’re eating is not even real food?! And is linked to obesity, heart disease, diabetes and even depression.
But that’s no secret and you already knew that right? Well if you didn’t, keep reading.
Even though what most people are consuming today isn’t real food, I believe fast food was made with good intentions, to be a convenient option for the busy worker who didn’t have time due to the new demands of working in the city.
But as time went on, the demands of the restaurants grew, which caused them to cut corners and serve a platter of convenience that kills instead.
Fast food: a platter of convenience that kills.
Jennifer Jones
But it doesn’t have to be that way and you don’t have to subject yourself to the deadly chemicals restaurants choose to use in their “food”.
Effects of Fast Food on the Body
Fast food is LOADED with added sugar, salt, trans fat and chemicals that suppress your immune system and are extremely harmful to your health.
Did I forget to mention that the “food” these restaurants are serving provide little to no nutrients making you feel hungrier not too long after eating it, which causes you to eat more and continue the cycle of malnourishment.
Therefore not only is fast food linked to obesity and other chronic diseases, it’s also linked to insulin resistance, hormonal, reproductive and mental health issues as well.
Here’s a quick rundown on a few of the toxic and deadly chemicals hiding in fast food that’s crippling our society:
Potassium Bromate – used to enhance the texture and rising of flour. It’s mostly found in sandwich buns and pizza dough and has been linked to cancerous tumors which is why it’s been banned in Canada and the UK.
Propylene Glycol – an anti-caking agent found in soft drinks, marinades, dressings, seasonings, baked goods, and frozen dairy products. It has been Linked to: liver and kidney issues—because of how the body processes this foreign compound. This chemical is also used in non-food products such as cosmetics, anti-freeze, and ice packs, which doesn’t make it sound particularly appetizing.
TBHQ – preservative used to prevent spoilage in oils and fats. Found in fried foods and snacks and known to cause an imbalance of the good bacteria in the gut.
Phthalates – chemical found in the food packaging (wrappers and containers) that has been linked to hormonal imbalances, thyroid and reproductive issues, prostate and breast cancer.
So as you can see, fast food is not only unhealthy and lacking nutrients, it’s been linked to many health related issues that sometimes cause death.
Why You Choose Fast Food
Even after knowing that – trust me there’s more – (and even if you didn’t), why do you continue to eat fast food?
Let’s be honest, one of the main reasons why you choose fast food is because you haven’t made healthy eating a priority, or put any thought into what you put into your body or how you choose to fuel it.
Because trust me, if you knew what was really in fast “food”, and how it affects your body, you would stop eating it or at least limit your intake by any means necessary.
If you know and still choose to eat it, well, I can’t help you there.
Now, does that mean that there will be times when you need to stop for something while you’re out and about?
Sure, and an occasional trip through the drive-thru won’t hurt. But these days healthy options are all around as more people are demanding better quality and healthier options (real food) to eat than the typical burger or chicken spot.
So ultimately the choice is yours.
But I’ll cut you a little slack and let you know that you could also be suffering from decision fatigue that could be causing you to resort to fast food.
It’s quick, you don’t have to think about it and you’re eating in 10 minutes. I get it.
Decision Fatigue is the deterioration of our ability to make good decisions after a long session/day of decision making.
When you have to constantly make decisions about the house, bills, work, and the kids, you don’t want to make another one (even when food and your health is the most important decision, because without it, you can’t enjoy the others).
You’re tired, burnt out and you just want it done for you so you don’t have to think about it.
“But as with anything in life worth having or doing, it’s going to take some thinking and planning (and it takes time), and your health and eating healthy is no exception.”
Jennifer Jones
What to do Instead
Live with Intention and start planning and putting some thought into what you put into your body.
Become a more mindful consumer and more mindful of what you’re eating, and take responsibility for the decisions that are impacting your health.
I’ve listed some “fast foods” below that you can start incorporating into your daily/weekly regime to help you reduce your drive-thru diaries.
Not only will this save your health and your waistline, it’ll save you money as well!
Like I shared earlier, no chopping, cutting, cooking and little thinking- required.
Just a good rinse and rub under the water, or you can soak them in a rinse to get rid of any residue or harmful pesticides if you’re not buying organic.
Purchase, eat and repeat!
10 “Fast Food” Options for When You’re on the Go
- Carrots – High in beta carotene which converts to Vitamin A & Fiber / Pair with Hummus
- Berries (Strawberry, Blueberries, Raspberries, Blackberries) – High in antioxidants, Vitamin C & Fiber
- Nuts (Almonds, Cashews, Walnuts- Trail Mix) – Great source of Protein & Healthy Fats
- Seeds (Pumpkin, Sunflower) – Healthy Fats, Vitamins & Minerals- Zinc & Magnesium
- Apples – High in Fiber / Pair with your favorite Nut Butter for a serving of Protein
- Bananas – Great source of: Potassium, Fiber and Vit.B6
- Oranges – High in Vitamin C and Antioxidants / Pair with a handful of nuts for a serving of protein
- Grapes – High in the Antioxidant Resveratrol which helps with heart disease, Vit C & K
- Peaches – Great source of Fiber, Vit C & A
- Cherries – Fiber, Vit C & Potassium
- Bonus: Prepare a quick Green Smoothie (literally takes 5 minutes-I timed it) to take with you before leaving home.
Other “fast food” options: Plums, Nectarines, Pears, Celery
There you have it!
10 Fast Foods that will help your health instead of hinder it!
Keep these on hand so you’ll always have quick and easy options to take with you on the go between the office or running errands.
Start incorporating these and feeding your body real food and I promise you’ll start to look and feel better, have more energy and even drop a few pounds once you decrease your fast food intake.
If you’re ready to prioritize your health and take things to the next level, save time, money and your waistline, make sure you grab my Meal Planning Toolkit or 90-Day Holistic Nutrition Food Guide for more guidance on how to successfully change your relationship with food and eating habits to help improve your health and get the results you want.
