The Impact of Saying Goodbye to McDonald’s on Health Improvements

Many of us have a history with fast food, and the experience can be quite extensive. For instance, my own journey with McDonald's spans much of my childhood through adulthood. Even after establishing a stable life, the transition away from fast food has brought about noticeable health changes.

Background and Previous Eating Habits

My relationship with McDonald’s began during my childhood and continued throughout my teenage years and much of my adulthood. Regular consumption of fast food was a common occurrence, albeit not daily. I worked in fast food establishments for most of my life, making it a necessity in some cases. Despite the fact that we only had the most basic bills to cover and often struggled to afford groceries, we frequently found ourselves relying on whatever was left over from our jobs or bought the cheapest options available.

At that time, it was common for us to buy frayed pants hems due to budget constraints, and processed foods were an everyday part of our lives. Even when we could afford healthier options, they often came with a higher price tag. In such instances, we opted for the cheapest and most enjoyable alternatives.

Transition and Current Eating Habits

Life has changed for me since I left fast food behind. Not only am I no longer working in the industry, but I’ve also shifted to a lifestyle that prioritizes natural ingredients and minimally processed foods. We now cook a variety of healthier meals, often focusing on vegetables, which my mom and brother consume in large quantities. Despite my disdain for most vegetables, I’ve started eating more fruits. We have also moved towards using seasonings and juices in our meat dishes, rather than relying on processed sauces. We now opt for whole potatoes instead of instant flakes.

Some canned produce remains in our diet today, including green beans, corn, and applesauce. Everything else is either frozen or fresh. Even though we occasionally indulge in snacks and sodas, it’s not as frequent as before. It’s currently around once per week, maybe even less.

Health Implications of the Transition

My health has improved considerably since my diet shifted towards cheaper, processed foods. While the change itself may not have been miraculous, there have been subtle but noticeable improvements. A more significant emphasis on fresh fruits and vegetables, combined with a reduced intake of carbohydrates and processed foods, can positively impact health conditions, especially those related to diet.

In my case, this healthier diet has helped me manage my high blood pressure, allowing me to successfully incorporate powdered ginger into my meals. This, in turn, has helped to reduce the frequency of asthma-related problems.

We all know that consistent consumption of healthy foods can lead to better overall well-being. While the transition from eating at McDonald’s might not have miraculous results, it contributes positively to our health and quality of life.