What is it going to take for us Americans to stop consuming fast food? The recent fast food horror story involving a severed finger has not discouraged most from saying “yes” to a combo meal.
As I took in the information of the manicured phalange floating around in the chunky brown chili, I weighed my options: “Do I stop eating fast food in fear of accidental cannibalism? Or do I take the risk because that six dollar burger is just so darn tasty?”
I keep eating fast food and figure it’s worth the risk.
Though the floating finger turned out to be a hoax, it brings to the forefront the unsanitary conditions fast food can sometimes be served in.
I have bitten into a burger only to find myself flossing with a long strain of jet-black hair. And I have chewed on a hard chunk of plastic-I speculate a press-on nail-while trying to enjoy a chicken sandwich. Yet, when I am hungry and not at home, I, like most Americans, instinctively limit my eating options to fast food.
Why do I, like most, treat fast food as a necessity? Could it be the convenience? Could it be the taste? Could it be the price? Yes. Convenience, taste and price are the ingredients that make fast food so irresistible. We, as a society are addicted to fast food.
We know it is bad for us, we know that fast food empties our pockets and we know that we can make lunch at home to take to work. But, when lunchtime comes around, the thought of being able to stay on our car, yell that we want a big fat burger, fries and a soda out of our vehicle’s window turns us on.
I often think about what my options would be if I choose not to eat fast food. And I have to say they don’t sound that bad. I could go to the market and pick up some fruit. An apple, orange and a plum would fill me up and cost less than a combo meal.
I could head to a deli and have a sandwich, which would be freshly made right in front of my eyes. Or, like I previously mentioned, make a lunch at home and take it with me to work or school.
The options are out there. It’s up to us to make the choice.
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