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Fast food has become a staple in our modern-day diets, with its convenience and affordability being hard to resist. However, what we may not realize is the detrimental effect it can have on our health. With high levels of salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats, fast food has been linked to a range of health issues, from obesity to heart disease. But why is it so harmful, and what exactly are we consuming when we indulge in a fast food meal? In this article, we’ll explore the truth behind fast food and how it’s impacting our health. From the ingredients used to the preparation methods, we’ll uncover the hidden dangers that are lurking behind those delicious burgers and fries. So, before you stop at the drive-thru, read on to discover the truth about fast food and why it’s time to start making healthier choices for the sake of our wellbeing.
The origins of fast food can be traced back to the early 20th century, where the first fast food restaurant, White Castle, sold hamburgers for a nickel. After WW11, restaurants like McDonalds, Burger King and Wendy’s opened with a similar model- food made at a very low cost, so it could be sold to consumers for little cost. Gone were the days of needing to go to a dine-in restaurant if you wanted to eat out. Today, fast food restaurants feed more than 50 million Americans every single day, which means billions of dollars in revenue for fast food companies.
As fast-food is best described as quick-to-make and low-cost, the convenience of fast food has made it a popular choice for people who are on the go. With busy schedules and limited time, fast food provides a quick and easy solution for those who don’t have the time or energy to cook.
One of the biggest concerns with fast food is the quality of the ingredients used. Most of these chains use low-quality ingredients that are high in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats. These ingredients are often processed and contain a range of additives and preservatives that can be harmful to our health. For example, many popular menu items like chicken or burgers are made from ground beef and chicken that has been treated with antibiotics and hormones, which have been shown to have negative effects on our health. Perhaps one of the most harmful ingredients used in preparing fast food is inflammatory oils used to deep-fry. Vegetable, peanut and canola oil are most commonly used, and are directly associated with conditions like heart-disease, cognitive disorders, obesity and other inflammatory diseases.
Not only are the ingredients used in the preparation of the food harmful, but the way that the food is stored can be cause for concern. Fast food items like fries, burgers and sandwiches are often prepared well before they are sold, stored in a plastic wrapping, and kept warm under a heat lamp. These plastic wrappers and containers commonly contain PFA’s- which are chemicals found in everything from waterproof gear to water bottles. Research has shown that these substances can migrate into the food we eat, which has been linked to issues like neurodevelopment disorders, reproductive disorders, decreased antibodies and cancer.
Another concern with fast food is the lack of nutrition it provides. Most fast food meals are high in calories, but low in nutrients. If eaten regularly, this can lead to excessive weight gain, which can increase the risk of developing a range of health issues. For example, a typical fast food meal can contain over 1000 calories, which is more than half of the recommended daily intake for an average adult. These meals are also high in sodium and added sugars, which can lead to conditions such as high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes.
It’s no secret that food laden with inflammatory fats and processed sugars has negative effects on our physical health, but we often fail to realize what they do to our brains-therefor affecting our mood and mental clarity. Convenience foods like fast food, soda and pre-packaged snack foods have been linked to a range of mental health issues, including depression and anxiety. This is because they are high in sugar, unhealthy fats and preservatives which can have a negative impact on our mood and energy levels. Additionally, fast food is sometimes consumed as a way of coping with stress or emotional issues. This can lead to a cycle of emotional eating, which can have a detrimental effect on our mental health.
One of the reasons why fast food is so popular is due to the advertising and marketing tactics used by the industry. Fast food companies spend billions of dollars each year on advertising campaigns that target children and young adults. These campaigns often feature celebrities and athletes, that make you believe that the product is fun, delicious, and they may even try to convince you that the product they sell is healthy!
Fast food, since it’s origin, has been attractive because of its low-price tag. The cost of a full meal at a fast food restaurant is significantly cheaper than other meal options, which these companies use to their advantage- often promoting deals that entice the consumer to buy based simply off of value.
There are plenty of alternatives to fast food that are both healthy and convenient. For example, meal delivery services offer healthy, pre-prepared meals that can be delivered straight to your door. These meals are often made with high-quality ingredients and are designed to be both nutritious and delicious. If you prefer a more customized approach, a personal chef company like Chefs for Seniors does the cooking for you right in your own kitchen and allows you to decide your meals using fresh ingredients.
Additionally, there are plenty of healthy and convenient food options at these restaurants that are available, such as salads, grilled (rather than fried) chicken sandwiches, and veggie burgers, which are often lower in calories. However, it’s important to know that just because something is advertised as healthy, doesn’t always mean it’s better. For example, a salad may seemingly be a healthier option than a hamburger, but the dressing on that salad is loaded with sugar, sodium and inflammatory oils.
In conclusion, fast food is a convenient and affordable option for many people, but it comes at a cost. The ingredients used in fast food are often low-quality and high in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats, which can have a negative impact on our health.
It’s time for us to start making healthier choices when it comes to our food. By choosing high-quality ingredients and nutritious meals, we can improve our physical and mental health, and reduce the risk of developing a range of health issues. It’s time for us to create a healthier food culture that prioritizes the wellbeing of ourselves and our communities.
The JAAs Mollies Meals program delivers over 28,000 meals annually to seniors in the Squirrel Hill, Greenfield, and Shadyside areas. Dedicated volunteers bring nutritious meal options directly to the doors of homebound older adults who are unable to prepare their own meals. In addition to providing a hearty meal, these visits also offer a friendly greeting and an opportunity for connection.In partnership with the Allegheny County Area Agency on Aging, the program ensures that these fresh meals are affordable, thanks to subsidies. Designed to be easily microwaved or frozen for future use, the meals offer flexibility and convenience for the recipients.But dont just take our word for it! Hear from one of our very satisfied customers: I am a relatively active senior but have a difficult time shopping and Im not always motivated to cook for myself. My out-of-town daughter encouraged me to try Mollies Meals. And I am so glad that I did. Now mealtime is a treat! I anxiously await the arrival of my cheerful volunteer who always has an extra minute to visit while she makes sure I am well! Your meals have truly changed my life and my outlook! I cant thank you enough. PS. My daughter AND my doctor second those words of gratitude!!Mollies Meals isnt just about providing foodits also about the relationships our volunteers build with recipients. These bonds allow our volunteers to notice when something is wrong. For instance, when Chris arrived to deliver Mr. Hs meal, she grew concerned when he hadnt picked up his morning newspaper and wasnt answering his phone. Then, when he didnt answer his door as usual, she contacted the Mollies Meals office. We reached out to his nearby emergency contact who had a key. It turned out Mr. H had fallen and couldnt reach the phone or door. Thanks to our driver, Mr. H was able to get the help he needed. After a few days in the hospital, Mr. H was back on his feet and now wears a life alert button.If you would like to register yourself or a loved one to receive Mollies Meals, or if you would like to become one of our compassionate volunteer deliverers, please call the Mollies Meals office at 412-521-7616.-Sharyn Rubin, MEdDirector of Resident & Community Services
More than 750,000 Americans experience a stroke every year. Readjusting to life after a stroke can be overwhelming, but SYNERGY HomeCare Gerontologist Dr. Macie Smith has tips for a successful home-based recovery. When focusing on stroke recovery at home, be sure to review all of the information you received from the hospital and/or rehab facility. This will include any new medications that have been prescribed. It will also include information about in-home care providers for physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy. If there are prescriptions for any durable medical equipment like a walker or gait belt, make sure to understand how to use them properly.As you recalibrate to your at-home routine, it is important that you stick to the prescribed therapy sessions and that you do the prescribed exercises in between home visits from your therapists.The biggest focus of stroke recovery is getting ones strength back. But its equally important to recognize that a full recovery from a stroke may mean having a new baseline of ability and function. That means you may not get back to what you had before the stroke. Doing your therapy will mean that you get as much back as you possibly can.Another important component of recovery relates to understanding the recovery journey, which is specific to each person. Knowing what to expect during recovery can help manage expectations so frustration or despair doesnt set in. Talk with the doctors and therapists to get a clear picture on how much progress you might expect to make over specific time periods.Pay attention to your or your loved ones mental state during this period of recovery. An extreme sad mood lasting longer than two weeks may be a sign of depression, which will need to be addressed.The bottom line is that there are a lot of moving parts during stroke recovery at home. Family caregivers may be overwhelmed and need some assistance with activities of daily living. Respite care for the family caregiver may also be warranted.SYNERGY HomeCare offers highly personalized levels of quality care as early as pre-discharge from the hospital, and our Stroke Recovery program specializes in supporting a recovery plan at homethe best place to be.To learn how SYNERGY HomeCare can support you following a stay in the hospital, click here.Dr. Macie P. Smith is a licensed gerontology social worker who is focused on helping families support their aging loved ones through long-term care. Specifically, Dr. Smith educates caregivers on how to care for seniors with dementia. She is an advocate for specialized care and assists others in finding a way to provide a better quality of life for individuals with Alzheimers or dementia. Dr. Smith has dedicated over 22 years of her life working in gerontology and assisting families in finding personalized solutions for dementia care. For more information, please call 720-204-5788.
Did you know September is National Senior Center Month? Senior benefits centers are often overlooked as a vital source of support for our older loved ones. Heres what you should know.1. How to Find a Senior CenterAs of 2024, there are an estimated 11,000 senior centers in the U.S., serving roughly 1 million older adults every day. In contrast, there are roughly 58 million Americans over the age of 65, meaning that many are neglecting the benefits of the services available at these centers.One of the biggest reasons these centers are underutilized is because not everyone knows how easy they are to find. A simple Google search for senior centers near me, can redirect you to your towns office of aging and disabled services, or you can also visit the website for your local Area Agency on Aging. Both resources can provide you with plenty of options and information about the senior centers nearest to you.2. A Senior Center is a Community HubSenior centers not only provide older adults with a community hub to interact with other people of the same age, but they also provide productive outlets to keep our older loved ones engaged. From fitness classes and health screenings to organized social events and parties, a senior center can provide a lifestyle similar to what youd find at an upscale country club.3. Senior Centers Combat IsolationOne of the biggest risks to older adults is isolation. Isolation can expedite the aging process and is a leading factor behind depression in older adults. Senior centers offer the perfect social outlet to avoid these threats by providing older adults with a wealth of group-centric entertainment options to choose from.4. Senior Centers Promote Health & WellnessMany of these group activities are centered around fitness and health. From group yoga to swim classes to readily available health screenings, there is no shortage of options to choose from for a person to stay in shape at a senior center.5. Senior Centers Provide Support and ServicesSenior centers can also handle many day-to-day needs for older adults that they may not feel comfortable doing on their own. Some centers come with in-house nutritional programs and meal prep to keep diets balanced, while others also provide transportation assistance and direct access to other nearby social services. The ultimate goal of these senior centers is to provide the everyday assistance that an older adult may need in order to continue living independently.SYNERGY HomeCare offers many services that complement those found at a typical senior benefits center. Both outlets are designed to provide much-needed respite for everyday caregivers, meaning your local SYNERGY HomeCare office likely has a close working relationship with nearby senior benefits centers.If you want to tap into SYNERGY HomeCares professional in-home caregiving services, visit our website here, or call (877) 432-2692. Conversely, if you need information or guidance on how to get your older loved one some out-of-home help, the professionals at your nearest SYNERGY HomeCare location are happy to point you in the right direction. If you have any questions, please call us at 720-204-5788.
Chefs For Seniors specializes in preparing flavorful, nutritious meals. Our professional chefs prepare a variety of delicious meals using our expansive collection of menu items we create a rotating list of seasonal, fresh meal options for you. We understand that proper nutrition is very important and can make a significant difference in seniors wellbeing.
Chefs For Seniors specializes in preparing flavorful, nutritious meals. Our professional chefs prepare a variety of delicious meals using our expansive collection of menu items; we create a rotating list of seasonal, fresh meal options for you. We understand that proper nutrition is very important and can make a significant difference in seniors wellbeing. Well create menus that are 100% customized to not only fit your dietary needs but also excite your palate. Were more than just a senior meal delivery service, we offer a meal service thats convenient and surprisingly affordable so you can spend more time doing the things you love - and less time worrying about cooking. Our chefs are ServSafe certified, undergo thorough background checks, and are fully insured. Plus, you can enjoy watching them perform their culinary magic in the safety of your home.
Chefs For Seniors specializes in preparing flavorful, nutritious meals. Our professional chefs prepare a variety of delicious meals using our expansive collection of menu items we create a rotating list of seasonal, fresh meal options for you. We understand that proper nutrition is very important and can make a significant difference in seniors wellbeing.