Are You Full of Fast Food?

Have ever seen a McDonald's in a hospital? It seems to be a general consensus that the processed meats are carcinogenic and too much sugar causes metabolic syndrome, but we so often see fast food in places that are treating these conditions. This year, a hospital made the news for ending its 25-year-old contract with the Golden Arches, and a number of children's hospitals have followed suit.

Fast food makes your blood sugar skyrocket, then quickly tank. It also brings on the release of serotonin in your body, which converts to melatonin. This is why you feel super happy right after you eat fast food, but crash soon after. It can be addictive, which is a real problem when we can't escape them!

Are you stuck in the vicious cycle of picking up fast food instead of cooking for yourself? Take a minute to remind yourself what that food is doing for you:

• Increasing risk of cancer, especially colon cancer
• Adding extra empty calories to your diet
• Contributing to high blood pressure and high cholesterol
• Decreasing insulin sensitivity and contributing to diabetes
• Causing neurotransmitter dysfunction, including problems with depression and anxiety
• Making you feel bloated
• Breaking down the enamel on your teeth
• Contributing to breakouts and acne
• Not adding any vitamins or minerals to your diet, adding to any deficiency problems
• Increasing your toxic load

How do you avoid fast food? Plan ahead, stick to the plan, and remember to consider your health with every bite.