Fast food is really convenient, and tasty too. You can easily find them anywhere regardless of shopping malls or standalone outlets in the city centre, neighbourhood areas or even R&Rs on the highway. But as you know, fast food often get a bad rep due to their high sodium, calories as well as sugar and fat contents. Eating fast food regularly can take a toll on your body, leading to all kinds of pains and other health problems. Here are the 8 Positive Things That Happen When You Quit Fast Food.
1) You’ll Get A Good Night’s Sleep
Having trouble sleeping soundly throughout the night? You might want to blame it on your fast food consumption. This is particularly evident if you crave these high-fat, greasy foods during dinnertime or late at night. It can cause your blood sugar to spike, giving you a burst of energy (that you don’t need right before sleeping). Let’s not forget that fast food usually contain lots of sodium, which can trigger dehydration. By eliminating them from your diet or at least reducing your fast food intake, you will be rewarded with a good night’s sleep in the long run.
2) You Manage To Beat The Afternoon Slump
That dreaded afternoon slump? Well, it commonly happens to all of us and we know that feeling truly sucks. Imagine you are busy at your workplace and you need to rush a deadline by the end of the day. Then, the afternoon slump kicks in and your energy begins to take a nosedive. This happens if you frequently eat fast food during lunchtime. The reasons? Your blood sugar takes a hit as it crashes and burns. Fast food also takes a longer time to digest and makes you feel sluggish too. Your best bet? Make a habit to eat food with complex carbohydrates as well as adding more vegetables and fresh fruits to your diet — a result that provides all the nutrients you need to overcome the afternoon slump.
3) You’ll Get Fewer Headaches
Headaches happen to all of us no matter we are young or old. All those MSG and additives that make fast food taste both irresistible and appetising are among common causes for headaches. And if you find yourself frequently reaching out for some Panadol or medicated oil/balm, you should reconsider your fast food intake. Your head would thank you for it.
4) No More Acid Reflux And Indigestion!
High-sodium content, coupled with saturated fat found in fast food, can do more harm than good to your body in the long run. They are notoriously hard to digest and even cause your stomach to produce more acid, which in turn, can trigger acid reflux and heartburn. If you are prone to acid reflux, quitting or reducing fast food intake significantly would be the best way to go.
5) You Shed Some Weight
Here’s an obvious one but it’s still worth mentioning here. Fast food has loads of fat and calories, which can lead to weight gain and that annoying belly fat. If you want to lose weight or simply live a healthier lifestyle, the best solution is to cut down on fast food from your diet.
6) You’ll Get Clearer Skin
Believe it or not, frequent consumption on fast food can wreak havoc on your skin, thanks to the added sugar and refined carbohydrates. Such a result causes your blood sugar levels to rise and produce more insulin than it should. This, in turn, leads to dry and flaky skin problems. And of course, inflammation happens and don’t be surprised to find yourself having some breakouts on your facial skin. By cutting back on fast food as much as possible, you are basically doing your skin a huge favour.
7) Helps To Boost Your Mood
Ask yourself these questions: Do you find yourself easily annoyed or irritated? Or perhaps you have that nasty penchant of a mood-swing problem? This can happen if you often eat fast food and drink fizzy soda at the same time. One of them has to do with the trans fats found in fast food, say fried chicken nuggets. Trans fats can disrupt the omega-3 fatty acids in the body, which in turn, ruins your mood. To prevent this imbalance, you’ll need more nutrient-dense meals and eat less fast food.
8) Your Immune System Improves
Eating fast food on a regular basis can affect your immune system in a long run. Those with a weak immune system can easily fall prey to the likes of fatigue, colds and runny nose. However, you can always choose to break the habit and gives your immune system a positive boost by consuming more natural, whole foods.
