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When 5 p.m. rolls around and you haven't given a single thought to what's for dinner, the glowing sign in front of the burger joint down the street might be calling your name.

A quick swing through the drive-thru can seem like a great option, but there's a definite downside. In order to serve up food so quickly, cheaply and consistently, many fast food restaurants focus on process and efficiency instead of on serving quality, nutritious foods.

An occasional fast food meal isn't anything to fret about, says dietitian Nancy Geib, RD, LDN. Sometimes, it might be your only option.

"If you do your research and you look for the best options, you can definitely still go to a fast food restaurant if that's all you have," she says.

But if burgers, French fries and greasy breakfast sandwiches become centerpieces of your diet, they could take a serious toll on your health. Unhealthy diets increase your chances of developing depression, cancer, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and other chronic conditions.

What is considered fast food?

The history of fast food dates back almost a century, but the concept - and some of America's most well-known fast food eateries - really took off during the 1940s and 50s. Today, it's become such a staple of culture that as many as one in three Americans eat fast food every day.

You know fast food when you see it: It's highly processed, mass-produced food that's prepared quickly - usually on a grill, in a fryer or in a microwave. Fast food restaurants follow very specific preparation methods to make sure you get the crispy, greasy fries you expect every time.

Why is fast food bad for you?

Different foods can affect everyone in different ways, but here are just some of the things that frequently eating fast food might do to your body:

Raise your blood pressure

Many fast food items are packed with sodium, which acts as a preservative and enhances taste. "Everything that's processed, packaged or boxed is going to have sodium," Geib says.

The problem is, high-sodium diets are known to increase blood pressure, which puts stress on your cardiovascular system. Over time, high blood pressure can stiffen or narrow your blood vessels, becoming a major risk factor for heart attack, stroke and heart failure.

Ideally, most adults should try to keep their salt intake under 1,500 milligrams per day, according to the American Heart Association - though its current recommendations allow for up to 2,300 milligrams daily. Because sodium is so prevalent in our diets, it can add up quickly.

For example, one bacon cheeseburger alone can get you pretty close to the daily recommended 1,500 milligrams of sodium. So can a large piece of fried chicken breast with mashed potatoes and gravy. Even seemingly healthier options, like an Italian-style sub sandwich, can contribute more than 1,000 milligrams to your daily intake.

Leave you bloated

Eating meals that are high in sodium, high in fat or heavy with refined carbohydrates (such as bread, buns or breading) can all leave you feeling bloated. And, if you add a soda to your meal, the carbonation could make it worse. Bloating should only be temporary, but it could cramp your style if you're wearing pants that are tighter in the waist or if you're trying to get rings on or off your fingers.

Drive up your cholesterol

Food that's fried in oil is high in fat - and that includes saturated fat. Eating too much saturated fat can drive up your LDL, or "bad," cholesterol, which puts you at risk for heart disease. The American Heart Association recommends that no more than 6% of your daily calories come from saturated fat. If you eat 2,000 calories a day, that's about 13 grams, or the amount that's in one bacon, egg and cheese breakfast sandwich.

Contribute to digestive problems

Bagels, muffins and anything breaded might be delicious, but they're all processed carbohydrates that lack fiber. Eating adequate amounts of fiber (25 to 35 grams a day) helps keep things moving in your digestive tract. It lowers your risk for diverticulitis and other conditions associated with straining or constipation, such as hemorrhoids and hernias.

Dietary fiber also helps your good gut bacteria flourish and keeps you feeling full. If you rely heavily on fast food, you'll struggle to get the recommended amount. For example, a coffee-shop blueberry muffin will give you nearly 20% of your daily carbohydrate needs but only a gram or two of fiber.

Lead to weight gain

If you go to the drive-thru and grab a value meal for dinner, chances are you'll end up eating a bigger portion (and higher-calorie foods) than you would if you were cooking at home. If that becomes a regular thing, all those extra calories can add up to extra pounds. And when those calories are mostly from highly process carbohydrates, you might end up feeling hungry again within a few hours, which can lead to - you guessed it - even more extra calories.

Then there's the sugar factor. Sugar is a major culprit in the obesity epidemic. It hides in a lot of foods, including drinks and sauces. Guess how much sugar is in your morning café mocha? Upwards of 25 grams. Or in that vanilla milkshake? More than 80 grams, if you make it a large. That's nearly 20 teaspoons!

Drain your energy

A quick hit of refined carbohydrates and sugar causes a spike in your blood sugar, which prompts your body to produce a surge of insulin to quickly bring it down. This spike-and-crash cycle can leave you feeling tired and cranky.

Meanwhile, a balanced meal with protein, healthy fats and fiber-rich carbohydrates takes longer for your body to digest and absorb. This slows the release of sugar into your bloodstream, so you get sustained energy without a crash.

Affect your mood

When you eat a diet that's high in saturated fat, sodium, sugar and refined carbs, you're not only getting too much of those things, but you're also missing out on a lot of other important nutrients. Fruits and vegetables - beyond the iceberg lettuce and tomato slices that come on fast food sandwiches - are rich with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that nourish your body and improve your mood.

Eating a lot of processed foods may even increase your risk for depression.

Five of the most unhealthy fast food options

1. Pizza: The average slice of pepperoni pizza contains about 680 milligrams of sodium, 12 grams of fat (including 5 grams of saturated fat) and 300 calories. But who eats just one slice? Three slices from a large pie provide more than 2,000 mg of sodium - almost the daily limit for average Americans in just one meal.

2. Burger and fries: A typical double cheeseburger and large fries provides about 1,200 calories and up to 1,700 milligrams of sodium. Make it a combo with a large soda, and you'll top 1,500 calories.

3. Cold-cut combo: Lunch meats tend to be loaded with sodium, saturated fat and carcinogenic agents called nitrates and nitrites, which are known to increase the risk of certain cancers. Three ounces of processed deli meat can pack up to 1,300 milligrams of sodium - even before you add cheese, condiments, bread and chips.

4. Hot dog: A typical frankfurter without condiments contains more than half of your daily recommended saturated fat intake and 33% of your sodium intake. If you usually eat two hot dogs, it would be close to your day's allotment of saturated fat and sodium.

5. Fried chicken: Just one fried chicken breast from your favorite chicken place packs 500 or more calories, 34 grams of fat and 1,200-plus milligrams of sodium.

Making healthier fast food choices

It actually is possible to eat fast food without sabotaging your healthy diet, but it requires a little legwork.

Look for meals with lean proteins, veggies and fiber, and avoid anything supersized.

"You can make an informed choice by doing research to find out the nutritional content of a particular fast food item," Geib says. "All of the major restaurants should have that information online or be able to hand it to you in the restaurant, if you ask."

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Here's How Fast Food Can Affect Your Body

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Hitting the drive-thru multiple times a week can take a toll on your body. Here's how fast food can affect your heart, your mood and your overall health.

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Kids in the U.S. are eating more fast food, the CDC reports

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Over one third of kids eat fast food on any given day.

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https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/think-fast-when-kids-want-fast-food-201301315846

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https://www.livestrong.com/article/259534-what-are-the-benefits-of-fast-foods/

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Fast foods are often high in fat, calories and sodium. But nutrition statistics show Americans favor fast foods, and many restaurants have altered their menus to make these products more nutritious. Some foods that fall into this category are healthier than others, so you can enjoy them without the guilt.

Tip

Eating fast food occasionally won't necessarily affect your diet as long as you avoid those that are high in calories and unhealthy fats. Pick whole foods over processed varieties and opt for raw greens and veggies whenever possible to get the most benefit from ready-to-eat foods.

Why Are Fast Foods Popular?

Americans have a fondness for foods that can be prepared and served quickly. The benefits of fast food are largely related to its convenience. Many people have a busy lifestyle and time constraints. Short lunch breaks, or getting the kids fed quickly and off to a baseball game, make these foods appealing.

Additionally, young people don't want to bother with food preparation and clean-up, so they choose fast foods as a replacement for home-cooked meals. Financial limitations can make eating in most restaurants too expensive. Sometimes, people prefer the taste of certain fast foods. The good news is that most dining venues now offer a variety of food choices beyond burgers and pizza, including ethnic cuisines, such as Mexican and Chinese.

A report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, published in October 2018, found that the percentage of adults who consume fast food increases with higher family income but seems to decrease with age. The survey also indicates that men are more likely to eat fast food at lunch, while women prefer to eat fast food as a snack.

Potential Benefits of Fast Food

With a growing number of fast-food chains offering nutritious options for the health-conscious consumer, it's easier to take advantage of the convenience of prepared food without the excess calories, saturated fat, salt and sugar that give fast foods a bad rap. But you need to be diligent in your choices.

Eating the wrong ready-to-eat foods too often can lead to health problems, such as high blood pressure, heart disease and obesity, warns the Center for Young Women's Health (CYWH).

Not too long ago, the trans fat in fast foods was a reason for concern. However, in 2018, the Food and Drug Administration ruled that trans fats derived from partially hydrogenated oil be removed from all foods served in restaurants, according to the CYWH.

Additionally, the Food and Drug Administration states that nutritional information must be listed for standard menu items in larger retail food chains. This includes statements of calorie content for individual and combination meals. Other information, including total fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium, carbohydrates, fiber, sugar and protein, must be available upon request.

A June 2018 article in ​Nutrition Research and Practice​ has examined the influence of nutritional labeling on parents' food selection for their kids. Based on a survey of 1,980 participants, researchers concluded that the nutritional information encouraged parents to make healthier meal choices for their children, particularly those concerning fast food.

Make Fast Foods Healthier

While lower-calorie foods are not necessarily healthier, the calorie content can be helpful when deciding between fast food options. Keep in mind that the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends 1,600 to 2,400 calories per day for adult women and 2,000 to 3,000 for men, depending on age, sex and level of activity. Opt for foods that are low in saturated fat to keep your intake to less than 10 percent of your total calories.

If you're eating fast food more than once a week, try to choose from some of the healthier choices on the menu. The CYWH suggests some ideas that may help:

Salads are always a good choice, and most major fast-food chains offer many healthy combinations of leafy greens and veggies that contain vitamins A, C and K, as well as folate, iron and calcium, according to the USDA. Ditch the toppings and extras, such as croutons. Opt for oil-based dressings like Italian or balsamic vinaigrette instead of creamy salad dressings, such as ranch or blue cheese, which contain saturated fat.

It's OK to eat pizzas once in a while if you make it healthier by replacing meat toppings with vegetables, such as onions, tomatoes, spinach or artichokes. Order thin crust. It's also a good idea to skip the extra cheese option.

Hamburger fast food outlets are abundant and hugely popular. By ordering a grilled chicken sandwich with whole-wheat bread instead of a cheeseburger, you'll get more nutrients and fiber. Have a salad with light dressing as a side dish instead of fries. To cut back on carbs, skip the bun.

Subway sandwiches can be healthy if you choose a small sub with lean protein, such as grilled turkey. Load it up with plenty of vegetables and a light balsamic dressing or hummus.

According to the USDA, a six-inch Subway sandwich with turkey breast, white bread, lettuce and tomato has 270 calories, 583 milligrams of sodium and 0.88 grams of saturated fat. A six-inch Subway steak and cheese sub with lettuce and tomato, by comparison, delivers 448 calories, 1,090 milligrams of sodium and 5 grams of saturated fat.

Mexican restaurants offer fast foods, such as burritos and tacos, which can provide vitamins and antioxidants from vegetables, as well as protein from lean fish, chicken or beans. Pick low-fat cheese, salsa, sour cream or guacamole for the topping. A side of brown rice provides four times the fiber than white rice per cup, with a similar calorie content, according to the USDA.

Choosing healthy fast food options won't be beneficial if you eat too much, though. If your portion size is too large, pack it up, take it to-go and save it for another meal. Fast foods can only be as beneficial to your health as the wise decisions you're willing to make.

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What Are the Benefits of Fast Foods? | Livestrong.com

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Fast foods are often high in fat, calories and sodium. But nutrition statistics show Americans favor fast foods, and many restaurants have altered their menus to make these products more nutritious. Some foods that fall into this category are healthier than others, so you can enjoy them without the guilt.

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Learn how to make healthier fast food choices and keep calories down on the go.

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https://www.cbsnews.com/media/9-things-fast-food-is-doing-right/

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People love to hate fast food. The industry peddles cheap, low-quality fare. It teaches kids bad eating habits. Its deep-fried calories are contributing to the obesity epidemic and other health problems plaguing the nation.

But for all the animosity, fast food is still a massive industry in the U.S. McDonald's ( MCD), by far the heavyweight in the sector, reported sales of $27.4 billion last year. Sales were down slightly more than 2 percent from the previous year, though.

McDonald's slump is a clear sign that times are changing for fast food. For one, children are eating less of it. A recent study in JAMA Pediatrics found that the percentage of children eating fast food on any given day fell to 32.6 percent in 2009 and 2010 from 38.8 percent a few years earlier.

Diners may be close to an inflection point of sorts, with many -- especially younger ones -- demanding healthier items with higher-quality ingredients. Yet others want prices to stay low and drive-thrus to get faster. It's a tough spot for many restaurant chains to be in. But this is a savvy bunch, and they're starting to adapt to the times. Sure, we hear plenty about their stumbles, but it turns out a few of them are making some smart business moves.

Click ahead to see 9 things that fast food companies are doing right.

1. Reducing antibiotics in chicken

As health officials grow more concerned about drug-resistant bacteria, McDonald's said it would phase out using chicken raised with antibiotics that are key to human health. It would still allow the use of antibiotics that don't impact human medicine.

The change is an important one. Meat companies have overused antibiotics for decades, and it's no coincidence that people are now dying from new breeds of superbugs that are resistant to drugs. Cattle ranchers and other agricultural users buy more than 30 million pounds of antibiotics a year -- or about 80 percent of all the antibiotics sold in the U.S., Eater reports.

Chick-fil-A is already in the process of removing all antibiotics from the chickens it uses. Now, the pressure may ramp up on KFC to cut back on the antibiotics used in its chicken.

2. Chipotle's profit formula

Chipotle Mexican Grill ( CMG) is categorized more in the realm of "fast casual" food, but it's still considered a competitor to McDonald's, Taco Bell and others. The chain is blowing the others out of the water when it comes to financial performance, however.

The company said profit rose a whopping 52 percent and sales rose 27 percent in the last three months of 2014. Just as impressive: When you look at restaurants open at least a year -- a key gauge for the industry -- sales rose 16 percent.

Chipotle doesn't offer the cheapest lunch out there, and it doesn't need to. Customers gladly pay more for organic and locally raised ingredients that don't have antibiotics or pesticides. The company even went so far as to suspend pork sales in some restaurants earlier this year when it found that one of its meat suppliers wasn't meeting its strict standards.

Chipotle's profit margin is up to 12 percent, an impressive number for the industry.

3. Sonic's momentum

Last month, Sonic ( SONC) posted a blow-out quarter and said its per-share earnings would grow by 25 percent to 27 percent this year, up from its earlier estimate of between 14 percent and 20 percent. That's a massive increase, one that Wall Street doesn't see very often. The stock has been an investor darling for a while now, rising 36 percent in the last year.

"Not every mid-priced restaurant chain is performing this well, even with lower gas prices," writes Tracey Ryniec on Zacks.com. "It's dog-eat-dog out there in the race for the consumers' dollars."

What is the drive-in chain doing right while the much larger McDonald's flails? It's constantly innovating with its menu, for one. The company hired a new head chef from Sweden who changed the company's "ice milk" dessert (think soft serve) to real ice cream milkshakes, Benzinga reports. Ice cream sales have risen 50 percent since 2011.

4. Wendy's image overhaul

Wendy's ( WEN) is in the middle of a massive remodel of its restaurants, dumping the tired-looking brick facade for a new look that includes soaring glass windows, dark gray trim and a distinctive red "blade" featuring its logo.

The new look has aesthetic appeal, but the motivation behind it is profit-driven. A remodeled store can see sales uptick of as much as 30 percent, The Columbus Dispatch reports.

Executives wanted more people to dine inside the restaurant rather than taking food away. People who eat inside tend to spend more, the Dispatch reports. "People want a nice, new, clean, cool place to eat," one industry consultant told the newspaper.

5. Dunkin' Donuts' new beverages

As gas prices have fallen and the economic recovery continues, people have more money to spend on fast food. Dunkin' Donuts ( DNKN) is seizing the financial opportunity with a new line of drinks.

Dunkin' Donuts debuted a new dark roast coffee last year and is sending new blenders to its U.S. restaurants to make frozen beverages, including smoothies, a Coolatta Lite and a cold Dunkaccino.

The innovation extends to the food side of the menu as well. The chain is selling a Turkey Sausage sandwich on multigrain flatbread for breakfast, for example.

6. Chick-fil-A's customer service

Chick-fil-A patrons regularly gush about the customer service at the chain's locations. In the drive-thru, for example, employees are polite as can be and always end a conversation by saying "My pleasure."

The phrase was inspired by the Ritz Carlton hotel chain, according to Fast Company. Chick-fil-A has been named the best drive-thru in America by the trade publication QSR.

7. Qdoba's revival

Qdoba floundered in what CEO Lenny Comma described as "a sea of sameness or in the copycat brand space," according to Nation's Restaurant News.

The chain, which is owned by Jack in the Box ( JACK), decided to undergo a vast transformation that Comma said was "in your face." Translation? Restaurants with a bright, bold design to match its food.

The overhaul included closing 62 underperforming locations, NRN reports, and changing the menu to give customers guacamole and queso sauce for no additional charge. The move appears to be a wild success: Qdoba's same-store sales in the first quarter saw a 14 percent spike compared with a 2.3 percent gain a year earlier.

Jack in the Box is going full-speed ahead with Qdoba's expansion plans as well. The company owns more than 600 Qdoba locations and wants to open as many as 60 in its current fiscal year.

8. Dropping sodas from kids' menus

Fast food chains still serve sodas to children upon request. But they're less likely to recommend the sugary drinks now.

Last month, Burger King ( BKW) became the latest company to remove fountain drinks from its children's menu. The move follows similar actions at McDonald's and Wendy's. Burger King now suggests milk, chocolate milk and apple juice for children.

Health officials say soda plays too big a role in the diets of many U.S. children.

9. A new crop of healthier choices

For decades, the industry has been dominated by a handful of chains. But consumers are now demanding more diverse and healthier dining options, and a new breed of fast food restaurants is rising to the challenge.

Amy's Kitchen, a natural foods company that has products in Safeway and other grocery stores, will open its first drive-thru location in California in May. It will offer an all-vegetarian menu that includes veggie burgers, single-portion pizzas and burritos.

Another company in California is planning an all-produce fast-food restaurant in Oakland this year. In Arizona, a gourmet salad drive thru is opening its fourth and fifth location this year. Salad chain Sweetgreen has several dozen locations in Washington D.C., New York, Virginia and other states.

To be sure, none of these companies is ready to take down McDonald's. But they are offering healthier options for less money than you might think, ratcheting up the pressure on Ronald McDonald and others to turn over a new leaf.

First published on April 6, 2015 / 5:59 AM

© 2015 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Kim Peterson

Kim Peterson is a financial journalist covering business and the economy. She has written for several online and print publications, including MSN Money and The Seattle Times.

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People love to hate fast food. The industry peddles cheap, low-quality fare. It teaches kids bad eating habits. Its deep-fried calories are contributing to the obesity epidemic and other health problems plaguing the nation. But for all the animosity, fast food is still a massive industry in the U.S.

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Find your group number to the right. Write atleast 5 supporting facts from the resources provided that support your claim of either fast food is good or bad. EVEN NUMBERED groups support CON/against fast food. ODD NUMBERED groups support PRO Fast food

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https://futureofworking.com/8-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-fast-food/

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Because of how busy the modern lifestyle happens to be in the developed world, many families find themselves taking a trip to their favorite fast food restaurant more often than they would care to admit. According to information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 45% of a family's food budget goes toward eating out somewhere. In 1977, that rate was at just 38%. That means the average household is spending upwards of $6,000 per year just to eat outside of the home.

Although the occasional evening of fast food products will not adversely impact your health, having a habit where you eat burgers and fries constantly can be problematic in a very short period. People who eat fast food products regularly often suffer from headaches, experience dental distress, carry extra weight, and have high blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

There are also issues of insulin resistance, blood sugar spikes, and high salt intake that can become problematic when embracing the offerings of the fast food industry. That's not to say that every product offered by a restaurant is bad for you. It just means that the individuals who tend to eat items made by this industry consume about 190 calories more than those who do not.

There are several advantages and disadvantages of fast food to consider if you need to have a quick meal. These are the key points to consider.

List of the Advantages of Fast Food

1. Fast food gives you the option to eat something instead of skipping a meal.
Although intermittent fasting has become a popular way to manage a person's weight in recent years, skipping meals is rarely a good idea unless you have a specific purpose in doing so. According to NHS UK, the best way to lose weight and then keep it off is to reduce the number of calories you consume while increasing the number that you burn through exercise. Skipping a meal can cause fatigue, end it may mean that you lose some essential nutrients.

Choosing a healthy fast food meal that includes no fried foods, fruits, and vegetables can help you to gain what you need to finish your day without snacking on high-sugar or high-fat foods to satisfy your cravings in the future.

2. Eating fast food items helps you to manage a schedule more effectively.
The average family in the United States is spending about two hours in the evening managing their afterschool activities. That means there could be very little time to cook at home. Because the fast food industry is available in almost every community, you have the option to manage your schedule without going hungry in the process. Choosing a meal like this takes 50% less time than it would if you were to try to make lunch or dinner at home. It may not seem like much, but 15-30 extra minutes in a tight schedule can be quite valuable.

3. Fast food products make it easier to reduce hunger problems in the community.
Fast food items are one of the most affordable food products that you can find in the world today when you compare its cost to the number of calories that you receive. Although you wouldn't want to eat three fast food meals every day, having a couple of bucks can get you enough food in one meal that your body can use to produce energy. Most fast food restaurants average about 300 calories for every $1 spent in the U.S. on food items.

That rate is four times higher than what you would find with healthy grab-and-go items at the grocery store. If you were to stick to organic and fresh produce for your calories, then it could be ten times higher in price when compared to fast food. For a family living paycheck to paycheck, eating out really could be the cheapest option.

4. You can have an expectation of excellent service with every order.
When you choose to eat at a fast food restaurant, then you have an expectation of familiarity with the products that are on the menu. Although there are some regional and international variations that you will find with global chains like McDonald's, you can also expect to find specific items on the menu at every location. That means you know what your food should look like when served, how it will taste, and what your expenses will be.

Fast food restaurants often work with the same vendors across their entire chain of restaurants, including franchises, so that you are essentially eating the same item. That means it can be easier to manage food allergies, expenses, and hunger expectations.

5. The fast food industry provides you with the nutritional information of each item.
One of the most significant complaints about the fast food industry is that the menu items they serve are high in calories. Although there is some truth to this issue, most restaurants offer a clear calorie count on their foods so that you can make a smart decision about what you choose to eat. The entire catalog of nutritional information is available to you upon request as well. Most providers also publish this data online for you to review at any time.

That means you have access to all of the information needed to make a good choice about what you choose to order from the fast food industry.

6. There are more healthy choices at fast food restaurants today than ever before.
You don't need to go on a calorie binge if you decide that a fast food meal is your best choice today. There are several restaurants which provide you with healthy options on the menu so that you can meet your health and wellness expectations. Good Housekeeping reviewed all menu items from 2018 to list the best 31 items that you can order from American restaurants, with these choices as their top options.

The Chicken Cool Wrap from Chick-Fil-A contains 360 calories and 13g of fat, giving you lettuce, red cabbage, carrots, chicken, and cheese in a flaxseed flour flatbread.

Papa John's offers a Mediterranean veggie pizza that comes in at 180 calories and 7g of fat per slice, featuring black olives, onions, mushrooms, and banana peppers.

Denny's provides a loaded veggie omelet if you want more of a sit-down experience, giving you 490 calories for breakfast with 14g of fat with an English muffin and fruit.

Burger King's Grilled Chicken Sandwich without mayonnaise gives you 360 calories, 7g of fat, and 26g of protein without breaking the bank.

7. You can order a complete meal with smart choices for less than $10 each.
The problem with fast food ordering is that many people tend to go with the cheapest or easiest option because of the demands of their schedule. If you take the time to plan your order in advance, then you can make smart choices that are still very affordable, including premium or custom food items. Remember to order sandwiches without mayo and take away the processed cheese for the best benefits here.

If you decide to order from the value menu, then it is possible to come away with a sandwich, a side, and a beverage for under $5.

8. The fast food industry provides a significant economic boost to most communities.
The BBC asks an important question: how could a fast food chain ever make money from a burger that costs $1? When you start looking at the scale of sales for the industry, especially in the United States, then you will see a lot of foot traffic contributing to plenty of service options. If customers buy lots of discounted items, then the sales of add-ons creates a profit margin that wouldn't be there otherwise.

This advantage can sometimes backfire, as it did for Burger King in 2009. Franchisees sued the company because of a required promotion that forced the independently-owned companies to sell a double cheeseburger for $1 even though it cost $1.10 to make - but the courts ruled in favor of Burger King because of the verbiage in the franchising agreement.

9. It is an affordable way to experience new or different food choices.
When Americans start thinking about fast food options, then they are typically looking at burgers, sandwiches, and fries. Different cultures have a unique perspective on what a quick meal should be. You'll find noodle dishes, soups, grilled pork, and plenty of other food options to consider if you explore the various quick-service restaurant options in each community. You will find Chinese, Mexican, and Italian items are routinely available at the same speed that a burger joint offers.

List of the Disadvantages of Fast Food

1. Fast food can have an adverse impact on the cardiovascular and digestive systems.
Most fast food products, which include the sides and drinks that you order with the main meal, are usually laden with carbohydrates and have very little, if any, fiber. When the digestive system breaks down these foods, then the carbs release as glucose into the bloodstream. This process creates a higher sugar level, which then causes the body to release more insulin.

Insulin is responsible for transporting sugars throughout your body to the cells that need it for energy. When your body uses or stores the glucose, then your blood sugar levels return to normal. Eating fast food products will create spikes of sugar intake that can create problems with the insulin response, increasing your risk of diabetes, weight gain, and insulin resistance.

2. You will eat more calories when consuming fast food frequently.
Most fast food meals contain high levels of added sugar. Not only does this mean that you will consume extra calories with your meal, but it also means once you're eating will contain less nutrition. The American Heart Association recommends that all people should have 150 calories or less of added sugar per day, which equates to about 9 teaspoons. If you were to consume a fast food beverage, then you'd hit that recommended limit without eating anything else.

There are high levels of trans fat found in fast food as well. There is no amount that is considered to be healthy or good for your body. It increases your bad cholesterol levels, lowers your good ones, and increases your risk of heart disease and diabetes. Pastries, pizza dough, cookies, and fried items all contain this fat.

3. People who eat at fast food restaurants underestimate their calorie intake.
Even when consumers are trying to watch what they eat, dining at a fast food restaurant can cause someone to underestimate their calorie intake by over 20%. This data includes individuals who choose healthy items from the menu and make conscious efforts to avoid trans fat, sugar, and sodium from the menu. Although more calories is less damaging than more unhealthy fats or high salt numbers, it can still promote weight gain if you are eating fast food products on a regular basis.

4. Eating fast food can lead to issues with edema, bloating, and swelling.
When you decide to eat a fast food meal, then the combination of salt, sugar, and fat can lead to problems with water retention, which is known as edema. This disadvantage is what causes some individuals to feel bloated, puffy, or swollen after they are finished eating. It can also promote higher blood pressure numbers, which could be dangerous if there is an issue of heart disease developing.

About 90% of adults underestimate the amount of salt that they consume when they choose a fast food meal over a healthier option. Surveys indicate that the average consumer misses the mark on their sodium intake by over 1,000mg per meal. Since the American Heart Association recommends no more than 2,300mg of salt per day, you could have half of your daily recommended intake by eating just one meal.

5. Regular fast food consumption can lead to problems with obesity.
If you are eating too many calories from your fast food meals, then a common outcome is to see an increase of weight. Without moderation, this disadvantage can quickly lead toward obesity. People who are severely overweight have a higher risk of experiencing respiratory problems, including shortness of breath and asthma. Extra pressure is placed on the heart and lungs, making the symptoms show up even if there is very little exertion.

If you notice a change in your breathing when all you were doing is walking, climbing stairs in your home, or performing household chores, then it is time to take a closer look at your health and your overall eating habits.

6. There are adverse effects on the nervous and reproductive systems.
When you decide to eat fast food products, then you can satisfy your hunger for a short period. The long-term results from this choice are usually less than positive. Individuals who eat processed foods from this industry are 51% more likely to develop depression or depression-like symptoms at some point in their life compared to those who eat fast food in moderation or avoid the items entirely.

The ingredients which are found in the fast food industry items could also have an impact on adult fertility. Many processed foods contain phthalates, which are chemicals that can change or interrupt how hormones act in the body. High exposure levels to them are known to create reproductive issues that can even lead to birth defects in extreme cases.

7. Fast food chance change your hair, skin, and nails.
Your food choices can also impact the appearance of your skin, but it might not be the foods you expect to cause problems. Pizza, burgers, and chocolate used to bear all of the blame for the problems like acne, but the real problem comes from the number of carbohydrates that you consume. Foods that are rich in carbs will lead to spikes in blood sugar numbers, and it is this sudden jump that can trigger a breakout.

Adults and children who eat fast food products at least three times per week are also more likely to develop eczema. You can also adversely impact the development of your hair and nail grows over time.

8. It can have a negative impact on your skeletal system over time.
When you eat fast food products or processed items regularly, then the sugar and carbohydrates in those items can increase the amount of acids which are in your mouth. Their presence can cause your tooth enamel to break down, allowing bacteria to come in and create cavities.

The higher risk of obesity also comes with problems that include muscle mass issues and bone density problems. Individuals who are severely overweight are at a higher risk of falling or breaking bones. Even if you only eat 1-2 fast food meals per week, you must focus on exercising to build muscles so that your skeletal system receives the support it needs. Then choose healthy foods whenever possible to minimize bone loss.

9. Pricing issues can come into play with the fast food industry.
The next time you visit your grocery store, go back to the meat section to see what the cost of a small ribeye steak happens to be. Then walk over to the produce section to see what it would cost to purchase a potato. Throw in a bag of frozen vegetables that you can steam in your microwave. There's an excellent chance that your total cost for that meal would be between $7 to $9.

What consumers fail to realize is that they pay for convenience when visiting a fast food restaurant. It might take more time to prepare a meal at home, but you're not going to spend more money on those items unless you're always shopping on the $1 menu. That's why one of the fastest ways to grow a savings account for many families is to reduce the number of meals that they eat outside of the home.

10. You must review the quality of the food independently.
Fast food menu items go through mass-market shipping, production, and freezing processes to reduce the cost of each product. Some companies promote using fresh, never frozen beef and similar products, but that also means you might pay more than you would at another location. All of this processing reduces the quality of the foods eaten, increases calorie counts, and could limit your access to the fiber, protein, and fresh fruits and vegetables that your body needs.

Verdict on the Advantages and Disadvantages of Fast Food

There are times when a fast food meal is your best option. If you have a busy schedule and no time to make something, then grab-and-go items can provide a cure to your hunger without causing your budget to take a significant hit. As more restaurants add healthier, low-sodium choices that do not impact your health as adversely as traditional items do, then this choice isn't as problematic as it could be.

The problem that consumers face with the fast food industry is one of moderation. Eating at a burger joint a couple of times per month is a very different health experience then having 3 to 4 meals there each week.

The advantages and disadvantages of fast food must first look at the health impacts before any other concern because of how dangerous these meals can be over time. Almost any other option is a better choice than fast food for your regular eating habits because of the high levels of fat, sugar, and salt found in most items. Use it with moderation, get some moderate exercise every day, and eliminate the sugary sodas from the equation to minimize the impact of this choice.

Author Biography
Keith Miller has over 25 years of experience as a CEO and serial entrepreneur. As an entrepreneur, he has founded several multi-million dollar companies. As a writer, Keith's work has been mentioned in CIO Magazine, Workable, BizTech, and The Charlotte Observer. If you have any questions about the content of this blog post, then please send our content editing team a message here.

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19 Advantages and Disadvantages of Fast Food

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Because of how busy the modern lifestyle happens to be in the developed world, many families find themselves taking a trip to their favorite fast food restaurant more often than they would care to admit. According to information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 45% of a family's food budget goes toward eating out somewhere.

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https://futureofworking.com/8-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-fast-food/

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Because of how busy the modern lifestyle happens to be in the developed world, many families find themselves taking a trip to their favorite fast food restaurant more often than they would care to admit. According to information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 45% of a family's food budget goes toward eating out somewhere. In 1977, that rate was at just 38%. That means the average household is spending upwards of $6,000 per year just to eat outside of the home.

Although the occasional evening of fast food products will not adversely impact your health, having a habit where you eat burgers and fries constantly can be problematic in a very short period. People who eat fast food products regularly often suffer from headaches, experience dental distress, carry extra weight, and have high blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

There are also issues of insulin resistance, blood sugar spikes, and high salt intake that can become problematic when embracing the offerings of the fast food industry. That's not to say that every product offered by a restaurant is bad for you. It just means that the individuals who tend to eat items made by this industry consume about 190 calories more than those who do not.

There are several advantages and disadvantages of fast food to consider if you need to have a quick meal. These are the key points to consider.

List of the Advantages of Fast Food

1. Fast food gives you the option to eat something instead of skipping a meal.
Although intermittent fasting has become a popular way to manage a person's weight in recent years, skipping meals is rarely a good idea unless you have a specific purpose in doing so. According to NHS UK, the best way to lose weight and then keep it off is to reduce the number of calories you consume while increasing the number that you burn through exercise. Skipping a meal can cause fatigue, end it may mean that you lose some essential nutrients.

Choosing a healthy fast food meal that includes no fried foods, fruits, and vegetables can help you to gain what you need to finish your day without snacking on high-sugar or high-fat foods to satisfy your cravings in the future.

2. Eating fast food items helps you to manage a schedule more effectively.
The average family in the United States is spending about two hours in the evening managing their afterschool activities. That means there could be very little time to cook at home. Because the fast food industry is available in almost every community, you have the option to manage your schedule without going hungry in the process. Choosing a meal like this takes 50% less time than it would if you were to try to make lunch or dinner at home. It may not seem like much, but 15-30 extra minutes in a tight schedule can be quite valuable.

3. Fast food products make it easier to reduce hunger problems in the community.
Fast food items are one of the most affordable food products that you can find in the world today when you compare its cost to the number of calories that you receive. Although you wouldn't want to eat three fast food meals every day, having a couple of bucks can get you enough food in one meal that your body can use to produce energy. Most fast food restaurants average about 300 calories for every $1 spent in the U.S. on food items.

That rate is four times higher than what you would find with healthy grab-and-go items at the grocery store. If you were to stick to organic and fresh produce for your calories, then it could be ten times higher in price when compared to fast food. For a family living paycheck to paycheck, eating out really could be the cheapest option.

4. You can have an expectation of excellent service with every order.
When you choose to eat at a fast food restaurant, then you have an expectation of familiarity with the products that are on the menu. Although there are some regional and international variations that you will find with global chains like McDonald's, you can also expect to find specific items on the menu at every location. That means you know what your food should look like when served, how it will taste, and what your expenses will be.

Fast food restaurants often work with the same vendors across their entire chain of restaurants, including franchises, so that you are essentially eating the same item. That means it can be easier to manage food allergies, expenses, and hunger expectations.

5. The fast food industry provides you with the nutritional information of each item.
One of the most significant complaints about the fast food industry is that the menu items they serve are high in calories. Although there is some truth to this issue, most restaurants offer a clear calorie count on their foods so that you can make a smart decision about what you choose to eat. The entire catalog of nutritional information is available to you upon request as well. Most providers also publish this data online for you to review at any time.

That means you have access to all of the information needed to make a good choice about what you choose to order from the fast food industry.

6. There are more healthy choices at fast food restaurants today than ever before.
You don't need to go on a calorie binge if you decide that a fast food meal is your best choice today. There are several restaurants which provide you with healthy options on the menu so that you can meet your health and wellness expectations. Good Housekeeping reviewed all menu items from 2018 to list the best 31 items that you can order from American restaurants, with these choices as their top options.

The Chicken Cool Wrap from Chick-Fil-A contains 360 calories and 13g of fat, giving you lettuce, red cabbage, carrots, chicken, and cheese in a flaxseed flour flatbread.

Papa John's offers a Mediterranean veggie pizza that comes in at 180 calories and 7g of fat per slice, featuring black olives, onions, mushrooms, and banana peppers.

Denny's provides a loaded veggie omelet if you want more of a sit-down experience, giving you 490 calories for breakfast with 14g of fat with an English muffin and fruit.

Burger King's Grilled Chicken Sandwich without mayonnaise gives you 360 calories, 7g of fat, and 26g of protein without breaking the bank.

7. You can order a complete meal with smart choices for less than $10 each.
The problem with fast food ordering is that many people tend to go with the cheapest or easiest option because of the demands of their schedule. If you take the time to plan your order in advance, then you can make smart choices that are still very affordable, including premium or custom food items. Remember to order sandwiches without mayo and take away the processed cheese for the best benefits here.

If you decide to order from the value menu, then it is possible to come away with a sandwich, a side, and a beverage for under $5.

8. The fast food industry provides a significant economic boost to most communities.
The BBC asks an important question: how could a fast food chain ever make money from a burger that costs $1? When you start looking at the scale of sales for the industry, especially in the United States, then you will see a lot of foot traffic contributing to plenty of service options. If customers buy lots of discounted items, then the sales of add-ons creates a profit margin that wouldn't be there otherwise.

This advantage can sometimes backfire, as it did for Burger King in 2009. Franchisees sued the company because of a required promotion that forced the independently-owned companies to sell a double cheeseburger for $1 even though it cost $1.10 to make - but the courts ruled in favor of Burger King because of the verbiage in the franchising agreement.

9. It is an affordable way to experience new or different food choices.
When Americans start thinking about fast food options, then they are typically looking at burgers, sandwiches, and fries. Different cultures have a unique perspective on what a quick meal should be. You'll find noodle dishes, soups, grilled pork, and plenty of other food options to consider if you explore the various quick-service restaurant options in each community. You will find Chinese, Mexican, and Italian items are routinely available at the same speed that a burger joint offers.

List of the Disadvantages of Fast Food

1. Fast food can have an adverse impact on the cardiovascular and digestive systems.
Most fast food products, which include the sides and drinks that you order with the main meal, are usually laden with carbohydrates and have very little, if any, fiber. When the digestive system breaks down these foods, then the carbs release as glucose into the bloodstream. This process creates a higher sugar level, which then causes the body to release more insulin.

Insulin is responsible for transporting sugars throughout your body to the cells that need it for energy. When your body uses or stores the glucose, then your blood sugar levels return to normal. Eating fast food products will create spikes of sugar intake that can create problems with the insulin response, increasing your risk of diabetes, weight gain, and insulin resistance.

2. You will eat more calories when consuming fast food frequently.
Most fast food meals contain high levels of added sugar. Not only does this mean that you will consume extra calories with your meal, but it also means once you're eating will contain less nutrition. The American Heart Association recommends that all people should have 150 calories or less of added sugar per day, which equates to about 9 teaspoons. If you were to consume a fast food beverage, then you'd hit that recommended limit without eating anything else.

There are high levels of trans fat found in fast food as well. There is no amount that is considered to be healthy or good for your body. It increases your bad cholesterol levels, lowers your good ones, and increases your risk of heart disease and diabetes. Pastries, pizza dough, cookies, and fried items all contain this fat.

3. People who eat at fast food restaurants underestimate their calorie intake.
Even when consumers are trying to watch what they eat, dining at a fast food restaurant can cause someone to underestimate their calorie intake by over 20%. This data includes individuals who choose healthy items from the menu and make conscious efforts to avoid trans fat, sugar, and sodium from the menu. Although more calories is less damaging than more unhealthy fats or high salt numbers, it can still promote weight gain if you are eating fast food products on a regular basis.

4. Eating fast food can lead to issues with edema, bloating, and swelling.
When you decide to eat a fast food meal, then the combination of salt, sugar, and fat can lead to problems with water retention, which is known as edema. This disadvantage is what causes some individuals to feel bloated, puffy, or swollen after they are finished eating. It can also promote higher blood pressure numbers, which could be dangerous if there is an issue of heart disease developing.

About 90% of adults underestimate the amount of salt that they consume when they choose a fast food meal over a healthier option. Surveys indicate that the average consumer misses the mark on their sodium intake by over 1,000mg per meal. Since the American Heart Association recommends no more than 2,300mg of salt per day, you could have half of your daily recommended intake by eating just one meal.

5. Regular fast food consumption can lead to problems with obesity.
If you are eating too many calories from your fast food meals, then a common outcome is to see an increase of weight. Without moderation, this disadvantage can quickly lead toward obesity. People who are severely overweight have a higher risk of experiencing respiratory problems, including shortness of breath and asthma. Extra pressure is placed on the heart and lungs, making the symptoms show up even if there is very little exertion.

If you notice a change in your breathing when all you were doing is walking, climbing stairs in your home, or performing household chores, then it is time to take a closer look at your health and your overall eating habits.

6. There are adverse effects on the nervous and reproductive systems.
When you decide to eat fast food products, then you can satisfy your hunger for a short period. The long-term results from this choice are usually less than positive. Individuals who eat processed foods from this industry are 51% more likely to develop depression or depression-like symptoms at some point in their life compared to those who eat fast food in moderation or avoid the items entirely.

The ingredients which are found in the fast food industry items could also have an impact on adult fertility. Many processed foods contain phthalates, which are chemicals that can change or interrupt how hormones act in the body. High exposure levels to them are known to create reproductive issues that can even lead to birth defects in extreme cases.

7. Fast food chance change your hair, skin, and nails.
Your food choices can also impact the appearance of your skin, but it might not be the foods you expect to cause problems. Pizza, burgers, and chocolate used to bear all of the blame for the problems like acne, but the real problem comes from the number of carbohydrates that you consume. Foods that are rich in carbs will lead to spikes in blood sugar numbers, and it is this sudden jump that can trigger a breakout.

Adults and children who eat fast food products at least three times per week are also more likely to develop eczema. You can also adversely impact the development of your hair and nail grows over time.

8. It can have a negative impact on your skeletal system over time.
When you eat fast food products or processed items regularly, then the sugar and carbohydrates in those items can increase the amount of acids which are in your mouth. Their presence can cause your tooth enamel to break down, allowing bacteria to come in and create cavities.

The higher risk of obesity also comes with problems that include muscle mass issues and bone density problems. Individuals who are severely overweight are at a higher risk of falling or breaking bones. Even if you only eat 1-2 fast food meals per week, you must focus on exercising to build muscles so that your skeletal system receives the support it needs. Then choose healthy foods whenever possible to minimize bone loss.

9. Pricing issues can come into play with the fast food industry.
The next time you visit your grocery store, go back to the meat section to see what the cost of a small ribeye steak happens to be. Then walk over to the produce section to see what it would cost to purchase a potato. Throw in a bag of frozen vegetables that you can steam in your microwave. There's an excellent chance that your total cost for that meal would be between $7 to $9.

What consumers fail to realize is that they pay for convenience when visiting a fast food restaurant. It might take more time to prepare a meal at home, but you're not going to spend more money on those items unless you're always shopping on the $1 menu. That's why one of the fastest ways to grow a savings account for many families is to reduce the number of meals that they eat outside of the home.

10. You must review the quality of the food independently.
Fast food menu items go through mass-market shipping, production, and freezing processes to reduce the cost of each product. Some companies promote using fresh, never frozen beef and similar products, but that also means you might pay more than you would at another location. All of this processing reduces the quality of the foods eaten, increases calorie counts, and could limit your access to the fiber, protein, and fresh fruits and vegetables that your body needs.

Verdict on the Advantages and Disadvantages of Fast Food

There are times when a fast food meal is your best option. If you have a busy schedule and no time to make something, then grab-and-go items can provide a cure to your hunger without causing your budget to take a significant hit. As more restaurants add healthier, low-sodium choices that do not impact your health as adversely as traditional items do, then this choice isn't as problematic as it could be.

The problem that consumers face with the fast food industry is one of moderation. Eating at a burger joint a couple of times per month is a very different health experience then having 3 to 4 meals there each week.

The advantages and disadvantages of fast food must first look at the health impacts before any other concern because of how dangerous these meals can be over time. Almost any other option is a better choice than fast food for your regular eating habits because of the high levels of fat, sugar, and salt found in most items. Use it with moderation, get some moderate exercise every day, and eliminate the sugary sodas from the equation to minimize the impact of this choice.

Author Biography
Keith Miller has over 25 years of experience as a CEO and serial entrepreneur. As an entrepreneur, he has founded several multi-million dollar companies. As a writer, Keith's work has been mentioned in CIO Magazine, Workable, BizTech, and The Charlotte Observer. If you have any questions about the content of this blog post, then please send our content editing team a message here.

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# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
19 Advantages and Disadvantages of Fast Food

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Because of how busy the modern lifestyle happens to be in the developed world, many families find themselves taking a trip to their favorite fast food restaurant more often than they would care to admit. According to information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 45% of a family's food budget goes toward eating out somewhere.