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There are some foods that we eat on a consistent basis even though we know that they are bad for us. A steady diet of fast food is an expressway route to the grave.

One of the biggest reasons why fast food kills is the fact that everyone, no matter what age or economic status, has access to fast food. There are few, if any, small towns in the United States that do not contain a fast food restaurant of some type, and everyone knows where to get fast food even if it's not right in their town. There is fast food in the malls, fast food at colleges and even at high schools in some parts of the country. As early as in elementary school, children are able to walk over to the nearest fast food restaurant McDonald's, Burger King, Taco Bell and order up a meal after school.

Another reason why fast food kills is the price. While accessing the food is extremely easy, paying for it might even be easier. Dollar menus, value menus and value meals mean that with five dollars, most people can purchase enough fast food in order to overfill themselves with fat, sodium and carbohydrates. Gallon sized cups of soda, available at many of the different restaurant chains, cost less than a dollar, and huge shakes are less than three. Cartons of fries, triple decker burgers and whirled ice cream treats all fall within this five dollar range as well, making stuffing yourself affordable.

Third it tastes good. No matter how much you try to deny it, our bodies are programmed to think that sugary and salty snacks are delicious. We also enjoy fat, we even CRAVE it, although we might find the idea of eating so much fat repulsive. The smell of cooking French fries, the grilling burgers, the garlic pizza aroma and the nacho cheese all of these things call to our bodies in ways we can't even identify. We just know we want it and will enjoy these foods, even if we know it is wrong.

All of these reasons combined make up the explanation for why fast food kills. Combine access, with constant bombardment of commercials and ads touting the the delicious taste and smell of these foods, and make them cheap and quick... it's hard to say no. While some people manage to keep themselves and their children away from food that can be harmful, others can not afford to not take advantage of the cheap rates on food at fast food restaurants.

The only way we can stop the fast food from causing as much damage as it does is by stopping the bombardment of commercials, and making fresh, healthy food available that costs less than it does right now.

Walter Taguchi writes nutrition health articles for WeightLossLodge.com

# posted by wmbjzc : 11:09 PM