My Journey Away from Fast Food: A Journey to Healthier Dining Choices
When it comes to fast food, my relationship with it has been evolving for many years. From regularly indulging to quitting altogether, my journey offers insights into the benefits of healthier eating.
My Complete Detour from Fast Food
I do not eat fast food. Ever. It has been more than 20 years since I last went through a fast food window. The last time I did so was for a special treat, like Happy Meals for my children, only a couple of times a year.
Most recently, I visited McDonald's for collectibles my daughter wanted. I purchased 12 Happy Meals and gave them to people in line. This visit was unique, as I usually only go for a treat with others and do not partake myself.
Few Occasional Exceptions
While quitting fast food may seem radical, I have a few exceptions. Pizza is one of them, and I indulge in it about once every six weeks. I understand that other individuals may follow different routines, but for me, it is a rare occurrence.
For many people, fast food is a weekly or even daily habit. Personally, I hardly ever eat a burger, and when I do, it is for specific reasons. I recently tried the Chicken Big Mac at McDonald's for the first time in over a year, and I was underwhelmed with the sandwich. It took longer to receive than a sit-down Mexican restaurant's full meal, which is a significant factor for me.
Apakka Desi Preference
When I do have a craving for something besides pizza, I indulge in desi cuisine. I prefer to go to restaurants like Adyar Anand Bhavan, MTR, Saravana Bhavan, and Vidyarthi Bhavan to enjoy dishes such as a masala dosa. At food courts, I choose only desi items, and even then, I might opt for noodles occasionally.
My Fast Food Experience
Compared to my fast food habits, my experience with McDonald's, Burger King, and KFC is sparse. For myself, I rarely spend on fast food from these establishments. On rare occasions, if someone else pays, I am part of the group but do not partake in the meal.
For those who want to indulge in fast food more often without compromising on frequency, Burger King may be the best option. Despite the lack of nearby locations, Burger King offers the best prices, making it a better choice than its competitors. However, traveling the distance to a Burger King becomes a challenge for me.
Bringing your own food to social gatherings can be a simple solution for occasional indulgences in fast food without disrupting your dietary goals.
In conclusion, while fast food has its appeal, the long-term impact on health outweighs the occasional treat. My journey has shown that a shift towards healthier dining choices can lead to better overall well-being and a more sustainable lifestyle.