Fast Food? o Junk Food
It is estimated that between 30% and 40% of all meals are eaten outside the home and the "fast-food" account for 20% of this market, maybe not for lack of time but because they represent a culture that Youth takes with ease. Fast food establishments have become regarding where young people spend many evenings on weekends.
Seductive Temptation
Fast service, extended hours, affordable prices and a vast network of strong advantages are fast food chains. According to the Spanish Federation of Hotels and Restaurants (FEHR), in Spain there are about 3,000 premises of this type and their number is growing. But its success lies not only in comfort: fast food has captured, whether we weigh, our palates, despite its bad reputation nutrition all have on occasion succumbed to a hamburger or a slice of pizza. The consequences of changes in eating habits are felt, one of two Spanish overweight and cardiovascular disease with a mortality rate of 35% in 2000, is the leading cause of death in Spain.
What kind of products you offer?
Fast food products can be classified into two groups: the Anglo-Saxon influence and features such as burgers, sausages and chips accompanied by various sauces (mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup?), And those of Mediterranean origin, such as pizzas, sandwiches, tapas and kebabs (marinated meat skewers Arab wrapped in pita bread and accompanied by vegetables and yogurt sauce). For its nutritional characteristics, the Mediterranean-style fast food or Arab can be considered more healthy than Saxon.
Within these products should not be forgotten dishes of other countries that are a novel form of fast food, like burritos Mexican or Chinese food, besides the wide range of cooked products (lasagne, cannelloni, paella, empanadas, croquettes?), increasingly demanded by consumers. Given the heterogeneity of these products is not easy to determine representative nutritional value. However, all have something in common: a high energy density due to its high fat content (especially saturated fat and cholesterol) and carbohydrates (bread, pita, pizza base, pancakes?). And although they provide quality protein (eggs, meat, fish, cheese?), Fall short of fiber, vitamins and minerals, except sodium (salt). And do not forget that the number of calories you eat up, and wonder if the food is accompanied by French fries, pastries and soft drink or alcoholic beverage.
Fast food abuse
The consumption of such food does not pose any health problem if it does not become a habit or replace basic food. But what is happening is that more people include them as the basis of their diet, without being aware of the nutritional dangers involved.
Excessive energy
With just a fast food meal is eaten more than half of daily energy required. If we add the energy from the other meals of the day, the energy content of the total intake triggers and promotes excess weight.
Too much fat and cholesterol
Saturated fats, in excess tend to increase blood cholesterol levels, and cholesterol are abundant in these products due to egg-based sauces, butter, cream, butter and other fatty ingredients used in its preparation, and The coconut and palm oils used in frying.
Difficult digestion
In most cases food is fried, breaded or battered, so it is richer in fat, which is heated even more indigestible.
Abundant additives
In general, these products contain more salt than those prepared at home, partly because sodium is used as a preservative.Furthermore, to achieve the look you want in color, smell, taste and texture are added preservatives, dyes, anti-caking agents, stabilizers, etc. These dishes often include strong spices or additives that enhance the taste and stimulate appetite and, over time, alter the perception of taste and habit forming.
Healthy Alternatives
Fast food does not necessarily mean bad food. Proper selection and proper food intake frequency can make a quick meal original proposal, balanced and healthy.
Fast food at home?
If you do not have time or we are too lazy to cook, we often resort to fast food. Although it is not advisable to abuse it, when we prepare at home at least know for sure the quality and quantity of ingredients used. The key is to include other foods on the menu to complement the food, nutrient, in order to develop a balanced and nutritious fast food.
Pizza or sandwich with lean ingredients (cheese, ham, natural tuna, chicken, turkey, veal?) And vegetables (tomato, onion, peppers, mushrooms, artichokes, spinach, zucchini, eggplant, etc..), Salad and fruit.
Burger (beef or chicken) grilled with low fat cheese slice, salad, baked potatoes or cooked (and not always fries), bread and fruit.
Turkey sausage sandwich with tomato sauce, little mayonnaise, salad and juice.
Lower fat chips: roasting in the microwave a few minutes and sauté with a little oil to toast. If they are fried, spread on paper towels to lose the excess oil.
Refreshments less energy: choosing the light version, or better, replace them with water or juice.
Fast food away from home?
If you eat out, the choices tend to be limited, although there are chains that have begun to expand its offering healthier foods including salads, fruits, yogurts?
