It’s on nearly every street corner, on our social media feeds, and even in our cravings. Fast food is quick, convenient, and, for many, an undeniable part of life. Fast food. For high schoolers like Bo White and Owen Waleski, fast food is more than just a meal, it’s a mix of convenience, taste, and habit.
“My favorite fast food restaurant is Chipotle, and I get it about three times a week because it’s really good. I can eat it conveniently because it is right beside where I work. It’s fast, delicious, and cheap.” said White. He has also been paying attention to his health and being conscious of what he’s eating. Interestingly, he still eats Chipotle frequently, opting for its fresher ingredients over more processed alternatives. “I cut out a lot of other unhealthy processed things from my diet but I still eat Chipotle often. I’ve managed to lose around thirty pounds,” he said. “That’s why Chipotle is a great pick.” Chipotle’s kitchen is visible from the line where customers can choose what to put on their food. Everything that is cooked is fresh and the vegetables are chopped in the restaurant.
Waleski, on the other hand, is all about variety. “My favorite fast food is Taco Bell because tacos are my favorite food,” he said. “But I think a burger is the best fast food item because they’re good, versatile, and most places have them.”
For both students, convenience plays a major role in their fast-food choices. “Chick-fil-A is around 20 minutes away, and I don’t get it as often as I would if it were closer like Taco Bell, which is just five minutes away,” Waleski explained. Students driving far for fast food isn’t feasible most of the time because of the cost of gas and they also may not have their own car.
While it’s hard to deny the appeal of a quick and tasty meal, the cost both financially and health-wise adds up. “The price just adds up though, and it can become expensive compared to making food at home. I have noticed an increase in price for my usual order and I probably spent around thirty to forty dollars a week on fast food,” Waleski admitted.
The health factor. While White believes fresh fast food options like Chipotle can be part of a balanced diet, Waleski isn’t as convinced that fast food has a direct effect on his own well-being. “I feel like fast food doesn’t really have a big effect on my energy levels or health and the quality of the food doesn’t really bother me either. I trust that all the food is safe to eat. So the quality isn’t really a deal breaker for me,” he said. He acknowledged that the impact could go unnoticed. Experts, however, warn that fast food’s high levels of saturated fats, sodium, and sugars can contribute to long-term health issues like obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. Even fast-food salads and “healthier” options often contain hidden calories and preservatives. In the U.S., 40% of adults are obese and fast food consumption is a significant factor in this. 25% of children or adolescents in the U.S. consume fast food on any given day, contributing to rising childhood obesity rates. The worst fast food meal according to eatthis.com is Burger King’s Triple Whopper with cheese.
With fast-food advertisements popping up everywhere, from TV screens to mukbangs on TikTok, marketing may have a lot of influence on our choices. White admits that fast-food marketing does make him crave certain items. “The marketing for Chipotle does make me want to get it,” he said.
Waleski disagrees. “I see a lot of Burger King ads, but I still think Burger King is terrible and I won’t get it,” he said. He knows which places he already likes and usually isn’t swayed to try advertised meals at places he knows he doesn’t like.
While fast food will likely always have a place in teen life, White believes changes should be made. “I would change fast food to have more fresh options rather than just lower-calorie substitutions that make you feel worse throughout the day,” he said.
Both students agree that nothing beats a home-cooked meal. “I definitely prefer a homemade meal over fast food because I think it tastes better and is definitely healthier,” Waleski said. White says that his moms amazing cooking will always top fast food. Fast food is quick and delicious but it’s also made in large amounts and a homemade meal will most likely be more appetizing than from a chain fast food restaurant.
At the end of the day, fast food is what you make of it. Whether it’s an occasional indulgence or a go-to meal, knowing what you’re putting into your body and making conscious choices can make all the difference.
