Freshman English 1
15 June 2013
We usually cook our meals at home, but eating fast food occasionally can be a special treat and is sometimes necessary when we are having an especially busy night. Unfortunately, my family's eating habits are not the same as those of the typical American family. Americans have become addicted to the highly-processed, over-salted, and excessively sugared products fast food offers. Fast foods are easy to acquire, taste delicous, satisfy hunger, and are relatively low in cost. The time-consuming homemade meal is featured less than ever on American dinner tables. Home cooked meals are generally considered healthier than fast food. This is because of the high calorie, sugar, salt, and fat levels in fast food. They differ in terms of serving size and overall nutritional value. Typically, there is not fresh fruit and vegetable options available at fast food restaurants. The processed and microwaved pickle placed on burgers does not count as a fresh vegetable. When home-cooking, people can tailor their meals to the nutritional values their family needs. If a family member has a low iron count, they can cook more red meats and green vegetables. Despite the obvious health risks, people continue to eat fast food for many reasons. Fast food is more immediately gratifying and pleasurable to consume than home cooked food. Americans are addicted to instant gratification. One of the easiest things to get in our country is fast food. Many families have sport activities, school functions, or church to attend throughout the week. This makes the readily available fast food chains even more appealing. There are fast food chains located inside gas stations, airports, themeparks, and rest stops. They are even built inside some grocery stores! It does not matter where people are, they are always just a "drive-thru" away from some artery-clogging, greasy foods. The convenience of being able to drive a vehicle