Don't be tempted by fast food

• The odds that frequently eating fast food meals can "supersize" you are real.
• According to a recent, large nutrition survey, American adults and children who eat fast food meals more frequently tend to consume more calories, fat and sodium.
• These individuals consume almost 200 extra calories, including nine more grams of fat and more than two extra tablespoons of sugar, than those who don't eat at fast food restaurants.
• They were twice as likely to develop health problems related to insulin resistance than those buying fast food less than once a week.
• The difference in weight gain is more than a reflection of where people choose to eat.
• More high-fat, calories Studies show that the same people tend to consume more calories, fat and sodium, and fewer vitamins on the days when they go to fast food restaurants than on the days they don't.
• Not counting French fries, people eat fewer vegetables with fast food, which results in a lower intake of nutrients.
• This report highlights fast food as a particular problem, since these meals tend to be from 65 to 100 percent more concentrated in calories than other meals.
• Since adolescents tend to eat at fast food restaurants so often, you might think they should all be overweight.
• One study concluded, however, that leaner teens seem to eat less during the rest of the day than overweight teens, if they eat fast food.
• It's possible that our ability to compensate for extra calories may depend on how much extra we eat.
• A large drink often provides about 300 calories, which is close to a meal's worth for some individuals.
• Furthermore, a problem with fast food could stem from our attitudes, as well as the food and drink for purchase.
• By eating a variety of plant foods everyday, you can take advantage of all the nutrients and health-protective benefits that these foods offer.