Entry #9: Food Feuds...Processing...

I was doing some thinking about some prevalent food issues that plague our society, and the first thing that popped up in my mind was the issue of processed foods within fast foods, and why the convenience of it all inevitably being the very reason for its downfall. 

Let's give a bit of background first. Processed foods, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), is "...defined as any raw agricultural commodity that has been subject to washing, cleaning, milling, cutting, chopping, heating, pasteurizing, blanching, cooking, canning, freezing, drying, dehydrating, mixing, packaging or other procedures that alter the food from its natural state." (Harguth) 

By now we know that processed foods can lead to unhealthy results, such as weight gain, and diseases such as diabetes and endometriotic cancer. The fast foods that we eat contain ingredients that stick to our bodies and inhibit bodily function over time. This is not to say that all processed foods are bad for you, though! Processed foods are also developed to last longer over time, and there are plenty of healthier options out there that are cost-effective as well. 

But the major reason as to why this is still such a huge problem for America is due to the mass percentage of individuals who are obese, which is at an unfortunate 71% at over 100 million Americans (Furhman). If it weren't for the surge in the convenience of fast food plaguing our nation, and the lack of time for those who can't readily prepare foods, which is achievable with a slight change in lifestyle, America would be a lot healthier and less at risk for disease and heart conditions. 

Here some options for some cleaner alternatives to add to your everyday diet that won't take time out of your busy day! I also found a really interesting video on the science behind our bodies craving more processed foods and causing us to overeat as a result. Stay healthy, Sunflower Socialites!