The Anatomy of Fast Food So your out doing errands and decide to stop for a quick meal, where do you go and what do you eat! Interesting question, for the most part restaurants prepare meals that are appealing to our taste buds and overlook any aspects of nutritional value. In order for restaurants to appeal to our senses three ingredients, sodium, fat and sugar must be present and usually in amounts much higher than should be consumed. For example, two slices of deluxe pizza (tomato sauce, topped with Italian sausage, pepperoni, onions, mushrooms, green peppers and mozzarella cheese) contains more calories, fat, saturated fat, sodium and protein than should be consumed in one meal. The amount of sodium equals to one days worth in just one meal and the amount of protein is three times the recommended daily amount. High-protein diets restrict carbohydrate intake so much that they can result in nutritional deficiencies or insufficient fiber, which can cause health problems such as constipation and diverticulitis. Our bodies store very little protein and certain organs are responsible for getting rid of the protein namely the kidneys and liver. The more protein we eat, the harder the kidneys and liver have to work to excrete the protein. The result of overuse of these organs is obvious, premature wear and tear. Excess protein makes the body more acidic, and these acids accumulate in the joints causing arthritis and gout. Animal protein is hard to digest so it is hard on the digestive system causing digestive problems. Animal protein is strongly associated with heart disease and is also associated with many kinds of cancers, such as breast cancer, prostate cancer, colon cancer, and pancreatic cancer. So what is a good choice when out and about! First of all stay away from anything that is fried, breaded and processed (luncheon meats). Ever wonder why you fall asleep after a heavy lunch, it’ partly due to high amounts protein and an excessive amount of calories. Sandwiches or subs are a great choice. Paired with whole wheat bread, mustard instead of mayo, lean meats like roast chicken, turkey or pork, lots of veggies and Swiss cheese are good choices, stay away from orange cheddar. Be careful with roasted chicken breasts since some are made with flour to allow each one to be uniformly shaped, not a good choice for those who are gluten intolerant. By the way, those grill marks are most likely stamped on. Little trick, always drink a glass of water fifteen minutes prior to a meal. This will stop you from eating in excess. 1
Keep fruits like oranges, tangerines & clementines and vegetables like carrots and celery or a handful of almonds with you so when you’re in-between meals and finding your blood sugar dropping you will have a healthy choice to help you get to your next meal. Ian Harris is a Registered Nutritional Therapist, Natural Nutrition - Clinical Practitioner, Certified Wellness Coach, Certified Food Psychology Coach (Hon), Certified Personal Fitness Chef, Personal Professional Chef and has a Diploma in Nutritional Counseling (Hon). As well, Ian holds many other certification and specialties within weight management, wellness & nutrition and specializes in both Lifestyle & Weight Management and Nutritional & Lifestyle Oncology. Ian recently put his life’s work into practice by losing 55lbs pounds. Ian writes a bi-weekly health column in the Arnprior Chronicle Guide and has written for the Canadian Association of Natural Nutritional Practitioners. Ian Harris has also been heard on local radio and has been featured on local television. A Healthy Tomorrow Starts Today! What Are You Weighting for? – Ian Harris
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