How to stop eating fast food
When your schedule is jam-packed with activities and events, finding the time to prepare and eat a healthy meal can seem challenging. And while it might be tempting to stop by a fast food restaurant for a quick meal, these options may not be very good for you (or your weight loss!). Check out these three easy ways to stop eating fast food, all while eating healthily and supporting your weight loss goals.
Easy ways to eat at home more often
- Prep your meals ahead of time. It’s much easier to avoid last-minute takeout when your meals are ready to go! Meal prepping isn’t just a helpful way to save time, it can also be a great weight loss tool.
- Try meal delivery. Why not skip the grocery store and get healthy, prepared meals sent straight to you? Meal delivery options can actually be good for you. And when you include thoughtfully-portioned foods and the right balance of nutrients, delivered meals can even be beneficial for weight loss. Looking for a weight loss meal delivery program?
- Follow a meal plan. Take the stress out of grocery shopping and map out your meals for the week. This simple guide is great for busy parents, or, you can make things even easier by getting a meal plan designed just for you.
Fast facts on fast food
- It can be very calorie-dense. Depending on what you order, a fast food meal could contain over 2,000 calories — which is the daily amount the Food and Drug Administration recommends for most people. (But if you’re trying to lose weight, the number of calories you need may vary!)
- It could contribute to weight gain and insulin resistance. One study found that people who ate fast food more than two times per week gained almost 10 pounds over a 15-year period. What’s more, the research showed that frequent fast food eaters experienced a two-fold increase in insulin resistance compared to those who ate fast food less than once a week
- It’s not as inexpensive as you might think. Fast food prices are quickly climbing, making them cost almost as much as similar items at fast casual restaurants. Fast casual prices used to be 30% more expensive than fast food, but now, the cost difference between getting a hamburger at a fast casual or fast food restaurant is only 8%.
