10 Ways You Can Stop Eating Fast Foods Now

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We are all busy and many of us rely on fast food restaurants to eat on a regular basis. Some places are worse than others and many are even taking a chance at adding healthier choices to their menus. But whenever you are relying on a fast food chain to get your nourishment your health is going to suffer.

It seems like every day they find some product in a restaurant that is being recalled. We are at the mercy of a fast food environment. Once in a while is one thing, but if you go to a fast food restaurant at least once a day you may find yourself in trouble.

What happens to your body if you stop eating fast foods. If you make up your mind that you are going to stop eating at fast food joints and you are going to begin eating better, you will be on your way to a healthier life. Here is what you can expect when you stop eating junk food:

Less calories. Because fast food is larger in quantity you will find yourself returning to normal portions. Some single meals at a fast food place have as many calories as you should be eating for a full day. Once you start eating less you will immediately drop a few pounds.
Less salt. Everyone knows that fast foods are overflowing with sodium. When you eat too much salt you will begin to retain fluids. This will in turn keep your blood pressure elevated which is not healthy at all. High blood pressure is responsible for causing heart attacks and strokes. As soon as you return to eating normally, you will lose water weight and your blood pressure should return back to normal.
Less sugar. Just about every food offered at a fast food restaurant is brimming with sugar or is in the high glycemic index. This means it is sugary enough to attract your taste buds in the first place but the problem is your sugar levels will spike and put you at risk for wanting more. When you switch to natural foods, your blood glucose levels should return back to normal and you will find you are no longer pre-diabetic.
Less fat. Just about everything you eat from a fast food place is fried. The fats used are saturated and in high quantities. This type of fat is what drives your bad, or LDL cholesterol, through the roof. Hardening of the arteries due to plaque that clogs your arteries can put you at risk for cardiovascular diseases. As soon as you start eating lower fat items, as well as foods prepared using the right fats, your health will return to normal and you will have more energy.

Okay, you have made a decision to stop eating fast food and put your life and your health back on track. Quitting fast food is not an easy thing but once you get started you will feel so much better you will never want to go back to eating unhealthy again. Start with little steps, but here are some ways to get you started. Here are the 10 ways to give up eating fast food.

1. Start with breakfast

Breakfast is an easy meal to start with. Prepare some hard-boiled eggs, make yourself some low-fat muffins, or grab some Greek yogurt and fill it with fresh fruit. All of these items already sound better than what you would get at a fast food restaurant.

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2. Build up a stash of healthy snacks

To make sure that you aren’t tempted to pick up a quick order of fries because you are hungry make sure to keep some walnuts or almonds on hand, fresh fruit, and string cheese. All will provide you with protein that will fill your hunger and keep your blood sugar even.

3. Plan your meals in advance

Know what you want in advance. A turkey sandwich on whole wheat bread, a small chef salad, or fresh fruit and cottage cheese will have you looking forward to your next meal.

4. Give yourself a healthy treat as a reward

Treat yourself to one goodie each day. You can choose from chocolate covered almonds, a single biscotti with your coffee, or a piece of fruit that is in season.

5. Make sure you have some healthy foods frozen as a backup

Whenever you are making your meals, save any leftovers and freeze them so you have them ready in a pinch. Being able to grab and go in the morning will ensure that you will have a great lunch to enjoy later.

6. Plan one day a week to prep your meals

Many people take one day a week and do their shopping as well as prep their foods for their meals. When you clean your veggies for your salads and package everything in zip lock bags, you can put together a healthy chef or fruit salad together in just minutes. Have your salad dressings already saved in small containers and you can put together your lunch faster than going to a drive through.

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7. Regularly check sites for easy menu ideas

There are plenty of sites on the Internet that feature healthy foods you can prepare quickly. Try one new recipe each week.

8. Go the volumetric route

One fast food hamburger, fries, and a large coke could be adding up to anywhere from 1,000 to 1,200 calories. Think of how much salad, fresh fruit, crackers, cheese, and unsweetened ice tea you could have for the same number of calories. Eat more food for less calories and you will never be hungry.

9. Figure out how much you are saving and reward yourself

See how much you were spending eating out every day and put that money aside once you start preparing your own meals. Once you have accumulated a month or two of extra funds, treat yourself to a half-day at a spa, get your nails done, or spend a few extra dollars and have your hair styled or colored at a salon.

10. If you are unsure of food being served, eat at home first

If you are ever going to a party and you know they are having a greasy pizza or fat filled chicken wings and dip, eat at home so you are not hungry or tempted. Bring a vegetable tray with some herbed dip so you have something yummy to munch on and no one will even notice you’re not eating the junk food.

References:

www.pamf.org

www.ucsfhealth.org

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