Mrs. Mary Shannon English 113 B Spring 2013 Junk Food Exerci
Mrs Mary Shannonenglish 113bspring 2013junk Food Exercise
Mrs. Mary Shannon English 113B Spring 2013 Junk Food Exercise DUE: Wednesday, February 12 Draft due Monday, February 17 Final Purpose: To do primary research To organize and think clearly about junk food To demonstrate understanding of definition and description Background: Many of us eat unconsciously, barely taking time to savor or enjoy the foods we put in our mouths. In addition, we eat foods that may taste good at the moment, but are harmful to our bodies in the long run. We also tend to eat while doing other tasks such as driving, watching television, playing video games, taking notes in class, or walking. We may know that some foods are not good for our bodies, but when we get hungry, we often want to get food as soon as possible. Task #1 Read this article from the New York Times on mindful eating: It is also posted on Moodle. Task #2 Choose three days in which you will try as hard as you can to eat no junk food/fast food. Be aware of the choices you make when you eat, and make an honest attempt to avoid the usual foods that you know are considered junk food. Part of this task is to define junk food and fast food. Don’t assume “everyone knows” what it is. If you do decide to consciously eat junk food, eat it mindfully, as the article describes. Task #3 Write an essay about your experience of avoiding junk/fast food, or eating it mindfully. In preparing to write your essay, you may find it helpful to ask such questions as: What does this experience mean to me? How can my narrative of the experience be most effectively organized? What do I want to communicate to my audience with this writing? The essay should be two pages, which is approximately 500 to 600 words (pages are more important than word count). The paper must be typed, double-spaced, Times New Roman or similar font, one-inch margins, 12-point type. Name, class, and date are to be in the top left-hand side, double-spaced. Insert your last name in the header, right justified, along with the page number. Read it carefully for typos and misspellings. NO LATE PAPERS!
Paper For Above instruction
The pervasive presence of junk food in modern society has sparked ongoing debates regarding its health implications and its distinction from fast food. Many individuals conflate the two terms, but understanding their differences is crucial for making informed dietary choices. This essay recounts my personal experience of abstaining from junk and fast foods over three days, exploring the challenges faced, insights gained, and the significance of mindful eating in fostering healthier habits.
To commence, it is essential to define what constitutes junk food and fast food. Junk food typically refers to foods that are high in fat, sugar, and calories but offer little nutritional value. These foods are often heavily processed, contain preservatives, and are designed for quick consumption. Examples include chips, candies, confectioneries, and many snacks readily available at supermarkets. Conversely, fast food encompasses meals prepared and served rapidly in restaurants or takeaways, often characterized by convenience and affordability. While fast food can sometimes be healthy, such as salads or grilled options, it frequently overlaps with junk food in terms of nutritional content, especially when laden with fried items and sugary beverages.
My choice to undertake this challenge stemmed from a desire to evaluate how deeply ingrained junk food consumption is in my lifestyle and its impact on my health. As an international student living far from my family, I primarily relied on quick meals, including fast foods, due to limited time and convenience. During this period, I aimed to avoid all junk foods while remaining open to eating fast food that is healthy, like salads or grilled chicken, if available.
The initial day was relatively smooth, largely because I had consumed two junk food meals the previous day, which left me somewhat satisfied. To support my goal, I shopped for organic, healthy foods, preparing simple meals such as chicken with white rice based on instructions from my family. This effort gave me confidence that I could succeed. However, as days progressed, especially on the second day, I faced challenges. My friends and I went to a fast food restaurant, and I found it particularly difficult to resist joining them. I explained to them my decision and even showed them a commercial about the dangers of fast food, which highlighted the health risks associated with overeating these foods.
Despite my resolve, I ordered a healthy salad with chicken breast, proving that nutritious options are available even in fast food outlets. The third day was the most taxing, as I experienced intense cravings for my favorite pizza—its crispy crust, melted cheese, and savory barbecue sauce. With each passing moment, resisting this temptation strengthened my understanding of the importance of mindful eating. I realized that eating consciously allows us to recognize our true hunger and make healthier choices, whether that involves abstention or moderation.
Reflecting on this experience, I perceive a significant parallel between junk food consumption and smoking cigarettes: both entail long-term health hazards. Successfully completing the three days gave me not only a sense of accomplishment but also reinforced my confidence and determination to indulge mindfully rather than impulsively. The article "Mindful Eating as Food for Thought" from the New York Times articulates this concept clearly, emphasizing that eating is healthiest when approached with awareness, allowing us to listen to our body's signals and avoid unnecessary overeating.
In conclusion, this experiment illuminated the substantial influence dietary choices have on overall health. It highlighted the importance of understanding the distinction between junk food and fast food, recognizing that healthy alternatives exist even within convenience meals. More importantly, mindful eating emerged as a practical strategy to foster healthier eating habits, encouraging deliberate consumption rather than unconscious indulgence. Moving forward, I intend to apply this awareness in my daily life, promoting both physical health and mental consciousness regarding my diet.
References
Gordinier, J. (2012). Mindful Eating as Food for Thought. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/08/dining/mindful-eating-as-food-for-thought.html