The Junk Food Industry

 With a wide variety of choices, the basic potato chips and cheese puffs are no longer heavyweight contenders (no pun intended). Now chain stores that span across the nation sell what is commonly known as ‘fast food’, but more than likely have the same effects on the body as junk food, and grocery stores have their own dedicated aisle chock full of cookies, cakes, and sweets. With a mind boggling amount of choices, where does one start?

The potato chip, a widely sold snack that packs an assortment of shapes, sizes, and flavors all over the shelves of grocery stores and mini marts. Although some will argue of the few healthy chip manufactures, the majority of chips sold in America are Lays, Pringles, and greasy potato chips. These crunchy taters are full of trans fats and calories, but not too bad when you eat one serving with a sandwich. The problem comes when people eat bags of chips in one sitting and it often becomes a habit. Pork rinds also tend to be eaten in large quantities, which is why chips are commonly associated junk foods.

Another form of fat inducing junk foods is the cookie. A fresh baked cookie and a cold glass of milk equals some happy taste buds for most people, but not a happy body. The Oreo is a great example of an American tradition, they reach into our hearts at a young age and slowly become apart of the family. The problem with these kinds of cookies is that they have loads of calories which are usually not burned by most people. A quick pick-me-up turns into an all-out dunk fest between the cookie and milk glass.

Burger King, McDonalds, and Taco Bell, all known for cheap food that can ease a mother’s worries about dinner that night. A couple of times a month isn’t harmful, but a lot of Americans tend to skip a home cooked dinner or lunch in favor for a sloppy burger and a spicy taco, and the cheap cost keeps bringing them back for more. These chain fast food joints have a large, artery clogging menu to choose from, whether you would like a medium or king sized heart attack. These places are used very often as a scapegoat for the American obesity rate although they stay open because people keep buying from them.

Junk foods really aren’t bad for you if you exercise frequently or eat it in small quantities. Its just that the majority of times, ‘junk food’ replaces ‘good food’ and is a ‘good’ way to save money on buying fresh groceries. While fresh veggies and fruits might be expensive, the health of you and your loved ones down the road is priceless.