I was watching a news program this past Sunday when they mentioned a survey that identified the Top 5 types of foods consumed in America.  I was already expecting the worst but the results were even more surprising than I thought!

Can you guess what the number one food is that Americans eat? (see picture for a hint)  The number one type of food, by far, that is consumed in America is – drum roll please – the hamburger.

The other 4 types of foods, in descending order, were French Fries, Pizza, Mexican Food, and Ham Sandwiches. Can you believe that?  I would have bet money that salads were in there somewhere.  Boy, was I wrong.

The “Drive-Through” Society.

My first question upon hearing this report was, “How can this be?”  What is it that has changed the typical American meal from “Pot-roast-on-Tuesdays” to “burger-and-fries?”  One reason is that we’ve become a “drive-through society.”

We’re so busy, so rushed for time, that we’ve come to value convenience above all else – even above our health.  Why is it that a hamburger and fries are the top 1 and 2 foods consumed in America?  Because they’re convenient.  You can pick up a combo meal at the drive-through window and eat it in the car on your way to the kid’s soccer practice.  How convenient.

Same goes for the other foods.  They’re fast, relatively inexpensive, and you can take them with you as you rush to your next appointment.

By the way, ever notice that most people would rather sit in their cars waiting in line at the drive-through when it would be much faster to simply park the car and go inside to order?  What’s up with that?

The Problem with Convenience Foods.

Here’s the problem with so-called “convenience” foods:  they lead to an early grave.  I know that’s pretty harsh but it’s the honest truth in my opinion.

Yes, yes, I know you’re busy.  I know that by the time you get off work, pick up the kids, the dry cleaning, get gas, etc, etc, etc, that you’re beat.  The last thing you want to hear is, “What’s for dinner?”

I know it’s a problem but here’s what’s at stake:  hamburgers and french fries are the top 1 and 2 foods consumed in America!! Don’t you see what that says about us as a society?  Can you spell h-e-a-r-t-a-t-t-a-c-k?

Get a Side Order of Common Sense.

OK, I know that unless you have your own farm, cutting out convenience foods is not realistic in today’s society.  I’m actually OK with that as long as you use a little common sense and don’t go overboard.  Here are a couple of tips to keep in mind:

1.  Reduce your consumption of the Top 5 foods to no more than once a week.  Sure you can have a Deluxe Burger and Chili Fries OR some pizza OR a taco dinner BUT no more than once a week.  Give your body a couple of days to process all that saturated fat.

2.  Eating out at “convenience restaurants” like AppleBee’s, Chili’s, Denny’s, Luby’s, Caraba’s, and so on can be just as bad because of the huge portion sizes.  If you’re going to bring stuff home, it’s much better to try to get “family-sized” portions of meats and vegetables and then break them into smaller servings when you get home.

3.  Convenience foods are usually loaded with fats and sodium.  Combat this by ordering your food ahead of time and specifying that no salt be added.  Also, select baked foods instead of fried or grilled and make sure to ask that butter or cream sauces be put into a separate container (“on the side”) so you can control the amount used.

4.  Load up on greens by increasing your consumption of green vegetables, salads, and fruits.  They’ll help to balance out any nutritional “gaps” caused by eating too much starchy convenience food.

5.  Don’t forget to exercise.  Don’t really feel like moving much after having a huge plate of Mexican food?  That in itself should tell you something!

I’m all for convenience — but not if I have to give up my health for it in the process.  Keep this in mind the next time you’re sitting in your car waiting in line to go through the drive-through! <grin>

Hiram
The Balanced Health Guy

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