Fast Food is Being Overused

Fast food as become a large portion of the average American's diet in the 21st century. The industry is designed to be addictive, both in its makeup and accessibility. MSG and other common ingredients in fast food chains' menu items have been found to be addictive. Fast food is also addictive because it is filled with loads of sugar, tons of salt, and that nice prepared food taste we grow up to love. Most fast food customers are regulars (multiple times per week), which shows that we are creatures of habit - once you learn that it isn't just a safety net if something goes astray in your day, you begin to stop there as a routine, over and over. McDonald's actually labels their regular customers (one's who eat there more than twice a week) as "heavy users" like they are drug addicts or alcoholics.

Fast food should only be used in case of emergencies: getting caught out for hours on end and being really hungry or traveling on a road trip. These circumstances are understandable. However, both of those situations can be solved by simple planning with emergency snacks in the glove box or packing a cooler. Most people, however, don't think about things like that before departing the homestead. There are better options when it comes to having to consume fast food, but you have to know the best (of the worst) at all the different places. It takes research before you get in line and see all of the mouth-watering pictures of burgers, fries and soda to make a good choice. Making the best of the situation also takes the willpower to say no to all the sugary, fatty, salty "treats" out there trying to tempt you. Fast food is very addictive with MSG, loads of sugar, tons of salt, and that nice prepared food taste we grow up to love. Most fast food customers are regulars (multiple times per week), which shows that we are creatures of habit - once you learn that it isn't just a safety net if something goes astray in your day, you begin to stop there as a routine, over and over. The fast food industry has made it even easier for us to gain weight and be unhealthy, turning to their addictive "food" for comfort over the years. Super-sized sodas and fries are common items on menus today. They are great sources of profit for the companies (only 39 cents for twice and much soda and fries) as well as hooking the customers with the salt and sugar of the items.

Statistics:

40% of Americans have fast food/delivery/take-out for dinner on a given night.

Americans spend more money on Fast Food than Education