It is not only #TuesdayTips but also National Junk Food day. Junk food is unhealthy food that is high in calories from sugar or fat, with little dietary fiber, protein, vitamins, minerals, or other important forms of nutritional value. Precise definitions vary by purpose and over time. Some high-protein foods, like meat prepared with saturated fat, may be considered junk food. Fast food and fast food restaurants are often equated with junk food, although fast foods cannot be categorically described as junk food. Most junk food is highly processed food.

Junk food provides empty calories, supplying little or none of the protein, vitamins, or minerals required for a nutritious diet. Many foods, such as hamburgers, pizza, and tacos, can be considered either healthy or junk food, depending on their ingredients and preparation methods. The more highly processed items usually fall under the junk food category, including breakfast cereals that are mostly sugar or high fructose corn syrup and white flour or milled corn.

Fast food is not necessarily junk food however these restaurants fall under the Junk food category: McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Checkers, KFC, Taco Bell, Moe’s, Sbarro, Domino’s, Pizza Hut, Shake Shake, Five Guys, Burger King, Whataburger, In and Out, Carl’s Jr., Nathan’s Hot dogs, Panda Express, Sonic, White Castle, Hardee’s, Long John Silver, Starbucks and Chipotle. There are so many more I didn’t name.

There are healthier options at these locations that you can choose from. Once in a while, having a meal from a fast food restaurant isn’t a bad thing, however, many don’t realize that it adds up when you have processed foods in the house as well. I know it’s easy, I’m just as guilty having options in the house.

If you haven’t heard the expression to shop on the outskirt aisles of grocery stores where the fruits and veggies are, meats and seafood and the dairy aisles, well those are the no to least processed foods are located. The culprits are in between.

Another tip to combat fast food/junk food on a daily basis is meal planning, meal prepping and making food from scratch. It’s easier said then done but setting aside a day to plan, shop and prep/or cook helps.