When the expression “Fast Food” is used, images of McDonalds, Taco Bell, Burger King, Wendys and Arbys are conjured up. These are the classic drive-thru “fast food” places that we all partaken of at different times of our lives. Additionally, we all know that during weight control journeys these places should be avoided like the plague.
However, the concept of “getting food fast” is not limited to the burger and taco places. Panera, Chipotle and the myriad of “fresh salad” assembly line places offer food quite quickly and these seem to be much “healthier” choices than the aforementioned burger joints.
“Fast food” can also be made at home by popping in microwaveable frozen dishes. As the years have gone on, there seem to be more and more of these choices at the supermarkets. Even the chain restaurants such as TGI Fridays, Boston Market and others offer frozen microwavable dishes.
The growth of obesity in our country parallels the growth of fast-food restaurants in the U.S. AND the ever-increasing use of processed foods. Why has this occurred? No longer are the days when June Cleaver would stay home the whole day taking care of the house, the children and cooking fresh meals. The modern day June Cleaver is doing every bit of her previous responsibilities AND working an 8-10 hour day as well. There is little-no time to plan and prepare fresh meals.
Here is what I consider “compatible Serotonin-Plus plan” fast foods:
- Salad bars at the grocery stores that allow you to place lots of chicken, eggs and other proteins on top of the vegetables of your choice.
- The chickens, turkeys and meatloafs made at the supermarkets
- Fresh food delivery services such as Blue Apron
The bottom line: Drive through burger places, taco places, processed food bought from the freezer sections and even those “healthier” new fast food salad places are NOT recommended if your goal is to lose weight and keep that weight off.
