When non-English speakers hear the phrase “junk food” they are usually lost. In many foreign languages words “junk”, “garbage” and “trash” have the same meaning. So why in the world human beings who were given the privilege to think and reason, are spending their money on food, which has astronomic amounts of fats, calories, salt, sugar and chemicals, and which has absolutely no nutritional value. Why even we, the organic advocates, who know that junk food is bad, are sometimes tempted to snatch a burger with fries or grab a doughnut?

Another word for “junk” food is “fast” food, which pretty much answers the above questions. It is fast, it is convenient, it is easy to get. It is also cheap.

Dramatically increased child obesity rates and general population’s health problems raised some concerns. Junk-food machines were banned in many schools and the government started talking about banning fast-food commercials from television.

Nevertheless millions of Americans are continuing to harm themselves with junk food. An everyone-else-is-doing-it attitude along with people’s careless relation to health, keep junk-food one of the highest selling products in the food-market.

One burger has 1000 calories on average, which calorie-wise is a half of what we need for a day. Add fries and soda to it and you pretty much reached your daily norm. I don’t need to explain what happens if you exceed your daily norm twice or thrice. I also think that you know how many health problems obesity causes.

Studies show that preservatives, artificial flavors and chemicals may lead to some severe mental disorders. Researches have linked chemicals in junk food to dyslexia and ADHD. Also, chemicals used in junk food may cause depression and mood swings. Are you convinced that junk food is bad yet?

Remember, fast is not always the best. If you like to snack outside your home, carry apples or healthy crackers along. Or buy water instead. You will thank yourself later.

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