CATCH 22 OF THE BEST FAST FOOD RANKINGS

"Consumer Reports has ranked the best-tasting burgers, sandwiches, burritos, and chicken at 65 national and regional fast food chains." Hayley,P. (2014, July 2)  http://www.businessinsider.com/best-fast-food-chains-ranked-2014-7#ixzz36KO9Rx1W

The unfortunate matter is that there is a ranking for fast food, but the upside is that the public is now being drawn to "healthier" and "fresher" options. The likes of McDonalds. Burger King, taco Bell, KFC, and even Subway are all ranked extremely low, if not last on each respective list. Smaller chains known for healthier or cleaner cooking options such as The Habit, In & Out, Chipotle and EL Pollo Loco are all at the top of their respective lists. I find this to be a positive sign that with all the fast food industry expose style documentaries, in addition to increase propaganda around obesity and cardiovascular illnesses, the public considers the fact that you can choose between the evils of fast food. In healthy living, I believe in moderation according to one's goals. Interestingly enough, if ever I do eat fast food it usually is In & Out (protein style burger), EL Pollo Loco (chicken and salad/mixed veggies) or Chipotle (salad bowl) because they do have healthier options. 

These trends go to show you that the customer is more powerful than believed. If everyone stopped going to the classic chains, they would completely have to re-establish their brand, menu, and efforts to create fresher & healthier options. I'm aware that McDonald's has added "healthier" options like apples and dip to the happy meals, parfaits, wraps and more, but the problem is that the ingredients and chemical they use are still compromising. As a nation, we cannot continue to let ourselves and our children continue with such obesity rates and preventable health conditions. An even greater trend to emerge, would be the overall decrease in fast food chain profits, even the healthier ones. All together, fast food spending is at its highest! We spend $680 Billion on average on this food causing long term hormonal deficiencies and influxes in our children, chronic preventable illnesses, absurd obesity rates, and small effects such as fatigue, low energy and poor concentration. I think a fun and creative way to taste your favorite items at home is to try and duplicate your favorite dish. It will never taste completely the same, but it will save your waist, your insides, your money, and your life. 

Here are some tips!
1) I am a huge promoter of pre-planned meals and handy healthy snacks on the road. This prevents individuals from having to buy out because of "time" or being burned out from a long day at work.
2) When meal prep doesn't happen, and people feel forced to eat out, then picking the healthiest items you can are ALWAYS going to be more beneficial for you
3) Once you get your meals, don't feel like you have to eat the whole portion. Sometimes its ok to eat half and make sure to drink a lot of water. 
4) Especially on the days you have an unhealthy meal, follow it up with LOTS OF DARK LEAFY GREENS. Green vegetables like spinach, kale, broccoli, or asparagus, will help cleanse the toxins you put in your body. The more, the better!

Remember, you're stomach isn't a garbage can, so don't fill it with such. If you wouldn't sit and let someone kill or poison you, don;t take the necessary action, to do it to yourself. Learn to eat, live and be well because you will just feel so much better about yourself and life!

BE Well~
Written by: Tiffany W

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