You’ve probably wondered: Why aren’t there any healthy fast food places? The answer is simple: fast food is loaded with empty calories and ultra-processed ingredients that may contribute to obesity, diabetes, and even certain cancers. Despite this, some fast food chains have started to offer healthier alternatives. According to the CDC, 36.6 percent of American adults ate fast food daily between 2013 and 2016. Another study, by the University of Connecticut, showed that 74 percent of parents bought unhealthy food for their children at fast food restaurants.
While burgers aren’t unhealthy, they aren’t good for you, either. While they may not be nutritious, they do contain iron and protein, which can contribute to a healthy diet. However, it’s important to choose foods that include a wide variety of nutrients, like fruits and vegetables. You can also try to order something with less sodium and sugar if you’re on a budget.
But in addition to being healthy, fast food must still be tempting. It’s difficult to make a healthy option appealing when the business model dictates that the ingredients are compromised. Most popular fast food chains have adopted healthier menu options, but the actual methods of food production are still not optimized for this. This is because the nutritional value of the food remains low, and consumers must pay for convenience. So, a healthier option is better than no alternative.
