Over 3% of Americans, about 10 million people, eat fast food about once a week. Most Americans spend at least $1,200 every year on fast food and restaurant dining. That is the equivalent of about $12 per meal. Think about what you can do with an extra $1,200 a year. What is notable is that over 76% of Americans know that fast food is unhealthy. Yet, we knowingly continue to spend lots of money on fast food.
In addition to causing morbid obesity, fast food consumption shortens lifespans. Over 80 million Americans are morbidly obese. Americans who eat fast food more than four times a week have an 80% probability of dying from heart disease. Further, Americans spent over $245 billion for diabetes-related medical treatments in 2012 alone. I don’t mean to come off as pretentious or holier-than-thou. Believe me, I am as powerless before a hamburger as Superman is to a shard of kryptonite.
Especially the Wendy’s Cheddar Lovers Bacon Cheeseburger. The burger that is over-topped with bacon and where melted cheese is used as a condiment instead of ketchup. Believe me, I know. It’s hard to quit fast food. That is why I am suggesting that you cut back as much as possible. For the sake of your annual finances and your long-term health. Here are some reasons that I researched for my own motivation that I want to share with you.
Fast Food Salads Contain Chemicals
Wide-scale studies should be conducted about the delusions of people who get their, “healthy,” salads from fast food joints. Anyway, it goes without saying that they are not the most nutritionally optimal places to eat salad. Many fast food salad meals contain chemicals like propylene glycol. They are legally considered safe for human consumption. Yet, you can also find it as a main ingredient in sex lubricants and antifreeze.
Fast Food Soda Fountains Probably Contain Fecal Matter
Almost 50% of fast food soda fountains may coliform bacteria. This kind of bacteria is usually found only in fecal matter. The study was conducted in 2010 by experts from Hollins University. So, how does fecal matter get into soda fountains? The experts don’t know either. They think it be due to the use of unclean cleaning equipment. Or, contact with the unwashed hands of consumers.
Combo Meals Make You Want to Eat More
There are scientific studies that suggest people eat over 85% more than they intend to when they order combination fast food meals. In fact, combination meals make up over 30% of all fast food transactions. These meals pack a walloping 1,200 calories on the average. Also keep in mind that combo meal side orders are pre-chosen for you.
Taco Bell’s Taco Meat is Partially Filler
An infamous 2011 lawsuit against Taco Bell become the butt of late-night TV joke for several years. The lawsuit alleged that is was false advertising for the fast food giant to say its tacos contained beef. Taco Bell tacos contain 88% beef, fillers like soy and oats, spices, and other ingredients. The lawsuit was dropped when Taco Bell enhanced its menu advertising. Also, the caramel coloring for the taco beef may be linked to possible carcinogens.
One Day At a Time
I wrote this piece to inform you, not scare you. You know that fast food is not good for you. Also, you know that you, and I, spend way too much money on it. There are better ways to spend such money. And, healthier ways to live life.
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Allen Francis was an academic advisor, librarian, and college adjunct for many years with no money, no financial literacy, and no responsibility when he had money. To him, the phrase “personal finance,” contains the power that anyone has to grow their own wealth. Allen is an advocate of best personal financial practices including focusing on your needs instead of your wants, asking for help when you need it, saving and investing in your own small business.
