Fast Food Vs. Home Cooked Meals

Fast Food VS. Home Cooked Meals

Quentin T. Henry

COM/170

February 20, 2013

Sherrie Gilbert

Fast Food VS. Home Cooked Meals

Since the 1970s, American couples' combined weekly works hours have increased nearly 20 percent, according to a 2004 study appearing in the "Journal of the American College of Nutrition." Busy lives often cause good nutrition to fall down on the priority list, as evidenced by the substantial consumption of fast food in this country. Work and other obligations can make cooking seem like just another chore, but trading in some of those fast food meals for home-cooked dishes will pay off in the long run.

Lack of Nutritional Variety

One key advantage that home-cooked meals have over fast food is nutritional variety. When you prepare meals at home, you're more likely to include foods from different groups, such as a protein source, vegetable and carb source. While fast food restaurants have improved their offerings to include veggies, fruits and dairy, many people still choose burgers, fried chicken and fries, providing little nutritional benefits. A 2004 study in the "Journal of the American College of Nutrition" found that survey respondents who ate fast food had lower consumptions of healthy picks, including milk and fruit

Sodium Intake

You are in control of what goes into your food when you cook meals from scratch -- and watching your salt intake is important. Meals from fast food restaurants, however, are often loaded with sodium. In fact, 57 percent of meals contain more than 1,500 mg of salt, according to a study of major fast food chains published in 2010 in the "Archives of Internal Medicine." In addition, 20 percent of these meals surpassed 2,300 mg, which is the recommended maximum of daily salt consumption. Excessive sodium intake is associated with high blood pressure, kidney problems and cardiovascular conditions.

Weight Gain

Building home-cooked meals around lean sources of protein, whole grains and veggies provide fiber; a host of vitamins and minerals; and keep you feeling full longer. The high-calorie meals at fast food restaurants, often high in saturated fat, can contribute to weight gain. The University of Vermont's Center for Rural Studies found in a 2004 poll that respondents who ate fast food were significantly more likely to be overweight. In fact, 70 percent of those who ate fast food were overweight.

Convenience Factor

Despite the health benefits of home-cooked meals,