HAHPN - October #2 2010

• It's Fast Food...in Abundance
• The Athletes, The Young...Easy Does It Y'all
• The Good and More Good

It's Fast Food...in Abundance

The United States ranks #1 in the fast food industry. Many sites rank Americans as consuming the most fast food. Euromonitor.com ranks the U.S. #1 in fast food consumption. With fast food restaurants in every city (some cities are more saturated than others), it is difficult to pass up a restaurant. Seriously, it's a culture thing. So, don't blame yourself too much.

Yes, I said it! Do not blame yourself too much if you consume more fast food then you would like. Let's face it: If you're hungry... I mean really hungry... you look to your left and to your right...up the street and down the street...and all you see are fast food chains (or in food courts). Chances are that you will eat at the fast food place. It's difficult to avoid it; however, it is avoidable. Fast food restaurants know exactly what they are doing when they advertise healthy menus.

McDonald's can add a tofu and brussel sprout burger, and it will still be suspect.

The Athletes, The Young...Easy Does It Y'all
I see a lot of young athletes and young non-athletes consume a large portion of junk food...when it's unnecessary.

I truly think that all young athletes should understand that junk food before competition is unacceptable. Yes, it's fuel. But, it certainly is not the best fuel or even the right fuel. I am aware that it is sometimes the only choice to make. The unnecessary consumption plays in when it is not the only option. As a former college athlete, I remember eating junk food before a game because it was the best and fastest option. Plus, how many college kids are going to prepare their own food for the road?

I also truly think that all young non-athletes should understand that the rare consumption of junk food is accepted. At a young age, teenagers gain an acquired taste for junk food. This acquisition continues into adulthood after it overtakes a good percentage of a teenagers diet. Thus, the inclusion of powerfoods is lost.

It's a battle that will be hard to break.

The Good and More Good

We have established that the abundance and density of fast food restaurants promotes problems for those who are really trying to eat healthy. The same rule counts for cheaper buffet bars, large and scrumptious holiday dinners, and freebies.

With this establishment, a person who is beginning an exercise routine, an avid exerciser, and an athlete somewhat fall in the same nutritional choice category. All three groups have to make the conscious decision to make a change in their nutrition plan. They may not eat the same foods or the same amount of calories, but they will share this restriction: avoiding what they know is bad for them! Simple as that.

The "good stuff", which we are calling "bad", is a form of satiety for those that do not follow a plan. The "good stuff" is also a nutritional break for those that do follow a strict diet plan.

I'll end: eat up!

Be well,
Derek