Ah, the greasy burger--an American tradition. If only more people were educated on how cutting fast food can make you feel, the world would be a happier, healthier place. The truth about living in a fast food culture is that we have no idea or control over what we are eating. We are spoon fed the idea of fast food from a very young age--post sports practice or weekend errand trips always ended in a "treat" at McDonald's or Burger King. But do we really know what we are eating? We can believe whatever we want, but the truth is, we have absolutely zero control over what we are putting into our bodies.
I recently wrote an article about an occurrence at a local Dunkin Donuts, and after reading the comments I felt inspired. In this instance, an employee dropped a tray of donuts on the floor and proceeded to sell these donuts like nothing ever happened. People commented noting that protesting this particular location would accomplish nothing--and they're right. How are we certain that the food we are eating is clean? The reality is that we can't be sure. We have no idea what goes on in those kitchens--and the kitchens aren't even the scariest part.
What about the factories the fast food is produced and packaged in--what goes on there? Well, there have been books and movies published on the matter (Fast Food Nation changed my outlook on fast food completely, I read this book three years ago and haven't eaten true fast food since). I'm sure, however, that all the horrors of this industry have not been disclosed. I am certain that there are many awful, disgusting, gut-wrenching things occurring that we have no idea about--all we know is that we're lovin' it.
But are we really? You see, the truth of the matter is, we cannot know for sure what we are putting into our bodies unless we are making it ourselves. Even at local restaurants quality could be compromised--not to say that you should never eat at a restaurant again or that all restaurants are bad, but there always is that possibility. The only way to truly eat clean, good food is to prepare it ourselves.
I have a proposition to make--it may be bold, it may seem impossible, but just hear me out. Go one week without fast food. For some, the task seems impossible, for others a slight change--but give it a shot. See how you feel after the one week. Maybe try it for a month, depending on how frequently you eat fast food. Then, reintroduce it into your diet if you're daring. See how your body feels going from clean eating back to eating processed foods. I can almost guarantee you'll notice a big difference. You'll have more energy, be less bloated, and overall feel better.
If you're interested in learning more about the fast food industry, just google food documentaries. Netflix has a bunch that are really good, I recommend "Fed Up", "Supersize Me", and "Food Inc.".
