Well….it has been another year for “Little Mac” to hang around and another birthday for my grandson ~ 26 years to be exact!   It seemed like just yesterday I was sitting at a fast food restaurant with his mom and then almost 4 years old eating the traditional “happy meal”. But only after a few bites, he decided he did not want it and moved on to the play yard outside. I scooped it up and put it into a paper bag, hamburger, and french fries together, and put in on a shelf in my closet as I was told this meal would not decay and I wanted to check this out for myself.

That was October 12, 1997.  I recently took a picture of this burger and fries. It actually looks a lot like it did so many years ago (going on 26 to be exact)!  It still looks pretty much the same now as it did then.  You would expect mold?  Or perhaps bugs would have wanted it?  None of that…..just stale bread, half-eaten burger meat, and greasy fries…..and apparently a lot of chemicals.  I began to wonder about the nutrition of this meal.

McDonald’s is the world’s largest chain of hamburger fast food restaurants, serving around 69 million customers daily in 100 countries across 41,800 outlets.  The founder, Ray Kroc, opened the first McDonalds April 15th, 1955 in Des Plaines, IL  Who knew what the impact at that time would be on America’s obesity issues.   Prices at McDonald’s has gone up of course since then. But fast food is generally cheaper than meals at sit-down restaurants. Assembly-line cooking and pre-prepared ingredients, which reduce labor costs and preparation time, of course are some reasons for this.

According to the CDC, over 40% of adults in the United States are obese, with rates similar for men and women. The growth of fast food in America seems to coincide with the growth of obesity in the United States. 

A fast food diet, while convenient, can lead to several health issues over time, especially if consumed regularly. Here are some of the main detriments:

1. Nutritional Deficiencies

Fast food is often high in calories but lacks essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Regular consumption can lead to deficiencies in vital nutrients such as:

  • Vitamins A, C, and E
  • Calcium and Iron
  • Fiber

2. Weight Gain and Obesity

Most fast foods are high in unhealthy fats, refined sugars, and empty calories, which can lead to weight gain and obesity over time. Obesity increases the risk of various chronic conditions.

3. Increased Risk of Heart Disease

Fast food is typically high in:

  • Saturated fats and trans fats, which raise LDL cholesterol levels.
  • Sodium, which can contribute to high blood pressure.
    These factors significantly increase the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks and strokes.

4. Higher Risk of Type 2 Diabetes

The high sugar content in many fast food items, including soft drinks and desserts, can cause insulin resistance, leading to type 2 diabetes. Excess calories and refined carbohydrates also contribute to this risk.

5. Digestive Issues

Fast food is often low in fiber, which can lead to digestive problems such as:

  • Constipation
  • Bloating Over time, a low-fiber diet can also increase the risk of developing diverticulitis and other gut-related issues.

6. Impaired Cognitive Function

Diets high in sugar and unhealthy fats have been linked to cognitive decline and a higher risk of conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. Studies suggest that excessive intake of fast food may impair memory and learning ability.

7. Mental Health Effects

Regular consumption of fast food has been associated with an increased risk of depression and anxiety. The lack of essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and B vitamins may contribute to mood disorders.

8. Addiction to Unhealthy Foods

Fast food can create a cycle of addiction due to the high levels of fat, sugar, and salt, triggering the brain’s reward system and causing cravings.

9. Higher Risk of Cancer

Processed meats, such as those found in many fast food burgers, have been linked to an increased risk of certain cancers, including colon cancer. The excessive fat content in some fast foods also contributes to the risk of cancer.

A fast food diet can severely impact long-term health and quality of life, especially when it becomes a regular part of one’s diet. Focusing on whole, nutrient-dense foods can help mitigate these risks.

A recent E.coli outbreak has been tied to onions and impacted multiple fast-food chains nationwide, including McDonald’s, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, KFC, and Burger King. Anyone can get infected with the kinds of E.coli that cause diarrhea. Some groups of people are more likely to get infected or get seriously ill. These groups include children younger than 5, adults 65 and older, people with weakened immune systems, and international travelers.

Michael Pollan, author of The Omnivore’s Dilemma and Food Rules,  states, “The industrial food chain, in its quest to produce vast quantities of cheap animal protein, has changed the diet of most of our food animals from plants to seeds, because animals grow faster and produce more milk and eggs on a high-energy diet of grain.  But some of our food animals, such as cows and sheep, are ruminants that evolved to eat grass; if they eat too many seeds, they become sick, which is why grain-fed cattle have to be given antibiotics.”

This, of course, is all “food for thought.”  As a parent and grandparent, my gut feelings would be to avoid the fast food, school lunch, processed food route and opt for wild, not farm-raised fish and grass-fed hormone-free beef, free-range chickens (for those not vegan or vegetarian), whole grains, lots and lots of wholesome veggies, and pure, safe  supplements without pesticides and contaminants.

I would love to hear your suggestions as well on this important topic.  

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