FAST FOOD CHALLENGE

mamakitty
mamakitty Posts: 249
edited September 19 in Food and Nutrition
Eating too much fast food is a big problem in America. It contributes to the obesity epidemic in adults and children. I know that fast food can be an addiction just like sweets and cigarettes (for some people). People justify fast food for a variety of different reasons: I don't have time to cook, I don't know how to cook, I don't like to cook, it is less expensive than buying healthy food from the grocery store, my family likes it, I can never remember to pack a lunch, and the list goes on. Does this sound familiar to anyone. I have known several people, including myself, that after giving up fast food they lost weight.
I know that it is hard, there are McDonald's and Wendy's (and countless others) at every turn. They are so easy. But it is not worth it. Cooking and packing your lunch takes an effort, just like going to the gym. Friends and family request it all the time. My son's favorite is chicken McNuggets with ranch. But I am making the CHALLENGE to all the fast food junkies, to quit eating fast food. If you have to grab something on the go, make it healthy, like a veggie sub or a salad or even a grilled chicken breast salad. Start making small goals and changes. Example: "I will only eat fast food once this week" Make your 1st challenge customized to your situation. Every time you meet your goal make another one.
I was able to break my fast food addiction. I still crave a Culver's butter burger (you have to be from Wisconsin to know what that bite of heaven tastes like). I drive by McD's and want a McFlurry. But I drive right by. I save these things for a special time, or when I have no other choice.
Skipping fast food may be the difference you need in your eating habits. You have nothing to loose. Only things to gain. You can learn to cook, pack a lunch you look forward to, teach your children about healthy choices, learn how and where to shop for good prices on healthy foods, etc. Before you know it you will be wondering how you ate fast food all the time.
If anyone wants to do this challenge and accountable for your eating, join this thread. We can encourage, share tips and keep each other accountable.
Have a great weekend. I hope to hear from you soon.
MK

Replies

  • mamakitty
    mamakitty Posts: 249
    Eating too much fast food is a big problem in America. It contributes to the obesity epidemic in adults and children. I know that fast food can be an addiction just like sweets and cigarettes (for some people). People justify fast food for a variety of different reasons: I don't have time to cook, I don't know how to cook, I don't like to cook, it is less expensive than buying healthy food from the grocery store, my family likes it, I can never remember to pack a lunch, and the list goes on. Does this sound familiar to anyone. I have known several people, including myself, that after giving up fast food they lost weight.
    I know that it is hard, there are McDonald's and Wendy's (and countless others) at every turn. They are so easy. But it is not worth it. Cooking and packing your lunch takes an effort, just like going to the gym. Friends and family request it all the time. My son's favorite is chicken McNuggets with ranch. But I am making the CHALLENGE to all the fast food junkies, to quit eating fast food. If you have to grab something on the go, make it healthy, like a veggie sub or a salad or even a grilled chicken breast salad. Start making small goals and changes. Example: "I will only eat fast food once this week" Make your 1st challenge customized to your situation. Every time you meet your goal make another one.
    I was able to break my fast food addiction. I still crave a Culver's butter burger (you have to be from Wisconsin to know what that bite of heaven tastes like). I drive by McD's and want a McFlurry. But I drive right by. I save these things for a special time, or when I have no other choice.
    Skipping fast food may be the difference you need in your eating habits. You have nothing to loose. Only things to gain. You can learn to cook, pack a lunch you look forward to, teach your children about healthy choices, learn how and where to shop for good prices on healthy foods, etc. Before you know it you will be wondering how you ate fast food all the time.
    If anyone wants to do this challenge and accountable for your eating, join this thread. We can encourage, share tips and keep each other accountable.
    Have a great weekend. I hope to hear from you soon.
    MK
  • kathyjo
    kathyjo Posts: 24 Member
    I started a no-fast-food challenge for myself on September 3rd! Last August, I didn't allow myself to eat any fast food for 30 days, and it was really hard, but I did it, and afterward my fast food cravings went down a lot! Well, a year later, I found myself eating fast food ALL the time, so starting on September 3rd, it's no fast food for 30 days again! My bf suggested that I keep with it after the 30 days, so if I make it until October 3rd, maybe I'll do another 30! Anyone else want to vow to eat no fast food with me?
  • smsmithart
    smsmithart Posts: 26 Member
    im in no fast food for me ...last night i had fish filet from mcdonalds and ithought gross why am i eating this
  • kathyjo
    kathyjo Posts: 24 Member
    I know that we are all on the run and sometimes it feels like there is no other choice but fast food when we don't have a lot of time, but when I found myself in this situation, I would either stop at the supermarket (which, frankly, takes just as much time as the drive through and you can get pre-packaged sandwiches, salads, fruits, etc) or even stop at the gas station (most gas stations also have pre-packaged sandwiches, though I would highly recommend the supermarket if there is one near by!) just so that I could stick to not eating fast food. =)
  • raincloud
    raincloud Posts: 405 Member
    I agree 100%

    I used to eat fast food 2 times a day. My husband and I spent $200 a week on food, plus, obviously it took a toll on my body. Since June 23rd I don't eat out at all really, and when I do I make sure my full meal is under 400 cals. I was ADDICTED, that's ALL I WANTED TO EAT. And now, I think about it from time to time, but it's not worth it. Once I month I treat myself to a restaurant and cheat a little (mostly for drinks, lol). It's amazing how much better I feel.

    Another great part, we now spend $60 a week instead of $200! AMAZING!!!!!!!
  • gaelbrady
    gaelbrady Posts: 68 Member
    I hardly eat out anymore. Mostly because I can't afford it. Of course, in two weeks I leave for vacation...so we'll see what I can manage.
  • TamTastic
    TamTastic Posts: 19,224 Member
    I rarely eat fast food anymore. Once in a blue moon if I am hanging out at the mall, I will get something off the fresco menu at Taco Bell or maybe a Subway sandwich or if I have to, my standby at McDonalds is the grilled chicken caesar salad with low-fat balsamic dressing. But even that is rare these days.

    I just prefer to eat at home or at least make my own food. I bought this little cooler about 2 years ago at Walmart for $5. It's small...the perfect size to pack a little lunch for my son and I if we go out during the week. I will pack sandwiches, yogurt, light string cheeses, fruit, etc.

    It's so cool. The company that makes it is Frozn. You can expand it by unzipping the top portion too and it has a great strap that allows you to wear it over your shoulder. One of the best investments!!

    I will get my son a regular old McDonalds hamburger once in awhile.

    I was trying to find a pic of my cooler on Walmarts website but their site is down right now! Here is a similar one...though this one is more expensive...but it's the same idea. Hard liner inside and soft on outside...way cool! Mine is red! :wink: If you have something like this around and healthy foods, you can whip up a lunch in 5 min!
    http://www.target.com/Igloo-MaxCold-Hard-Liner-Cooler/dp/B000L9J91Q/qid=1221302410/ref=br_1_1/602-0927586-0455001?ie=UTF8&node=1042168&frombrowse=1&pricerange=&index=tgt-mf-mv&field-browse=1042168&rank=pmrank&rh=p_36:$0-$24&page=6
  • jamerz3294
    jamerz3294 Posts: 1,824 Member
    Yeah, Ezzie and I are decidedly *not* FF fans, and really never were! About the only time we do it is when we're on the road, and just hafta get sumpn, and there's no other options. So now we carry more healthy snax in the car, and try to be better about planng our meals.
  • pecksun8
    pecksun8 Posts: 570
    Well I know that I have pretty much stopped eating at FFR but if we do go, I always try to get something healthy. I think my hubby still visits FFR for lunch, when I don't make one for him. He has cut out the soda (pop) which is great. And I haven't had one in a while either? Hmmm...I can't remember the last time I had a diet sode! YEAH!
    I think it's been at least 3 weeks.
  • saralaisblueeyes
    saralaisblueeyes Posts: 18
    when working somtimes or should i say usualy i tend to eat out. i try to eat the salads wich yes can be high in calories but lower than a burger as long as you choose your dressing wisely. i also like the snack size fruit and walnut salad it makes a good fry replacment. you can eat a cheese burger reg sized and a fruit and walnut salad for under 500 calories, for thoes days you verry hungray but i usualy try to only eat one or the other. i lost 70 lbs eating fast food for lunch almost daily just pay atention to labels get the food wich is lower in c als and fat if you choose wisley you can have a god sized meal with no guilt. :happy: stay away from fried and breaded foods. dont take in empy calories. (calories with no nutricional value) and high fructose corn syrup is evil stay away from it your body stores it and does not reconize it as sugar91665.png
    Created by MyFitnessPal.com - Free Diet Journal.
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