Fast foods are foods or snacks that do not take much time produce. They are cheap and are also referred to as convenient food. Though they are a mainstay of many busy individuals diets, eating fast foods and patronising fast food outlets on a daily basis often leads to unhealthy feeding habits which could spell doom for an individual’s health. Fast foods are notorious for their high salt, high sodium, high cholesterol, high calories and high fat content. Of which, low density lipoprotein which is bad for the heart and blood vessels abound, resulting in high blood pressure. Examples of such include the pizzas, chicken and chips, hot dogs and the rest.
It is well documented that diets high in sodium, cholesterol and calories are significant risk factors for developing high blood pressure and such diets are referred to as modifiable amongst the risk factors for high blood pressure. With the above information, I resolved to decrease the amount of fast foods I eat by initially reducing the frequency of times I eat out to the barest minimum. Also, whenever I eat out I make sure I eat right. In addition, I cultivated the habit of preparing my meals at home before going out. Also, I stopped taking caffeinated and carbonated drinks; I now take water. Also, I ensured that I reduced my sodium intake through reducing my salt intake and also reducing the number of times I eat canned/processed foods. In addition, I now eat more of vegetables such as lettuce, cabbage, tomatoes, carrots, garlic and salad, more of fresh fruits as they are very rich in potassium which reduces the risk for high blood pressure. Also, I eat fresh fish more than I eat meat as meat contains higher cholesterol which could result in arteriosclerosis. The above lifestyle modification has worked wonders for me. My blood pressure dropped significantly from 135/88mmHg four months ago to 108/80mmHg which it is presently.
References
(2012) High Blood Pressure. http://www.emedicinehealth.com/high_blood_pressure/page2_em.htm
(2012) G. Jacob, Hypertension.http://www.holisticonline.com/remedies/heart/hypert_diet_therapy.htm
