Most words in the English language have more than one simple, or basic, meaning. One example is the word diet. The most general definition of the noun is “a person’s or group’s usual food choices and habits.” In a more specific definition, diet means “an eating plan with only certain kinds or amounts of food.” For instance, a diet is often a plan to lose weight. Moreover, as a verb, diet means “go on diet.”
All over the world, the global diet includes fast food—prepared items from inexpensive restaurants, snack bars, or food stands. Some examples of typically American fast food are hamburgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, fried chicken, and so on. Some types of international fast foods might be German sausage and schnitzel, Italian pizza and pasta, Mexican tacos and burritos, Japanese sushi and tempura, Chinese eggrolls and noodles, and the like. The variety of fast foods available on the planet is growing. Even so, this kind of style of nourishment is becoming universal, or worldwide. Fast-food places usually prepare and serve the items quickly. Many are part of fast-food chains (eating places with the same name and company owner). KFC, the Pizza Company, and Pizza Hut are some examples. Restaurants under a fast-food chain usually have a similar atmosphere—the look of the place, menus, and the style and taste of food, for instance.
For several reasons, many people choose fast food. First, it is quick and convenient. Second, it is cheaper than special home-cooked meals or formal restaurant dinners. Finally, it is identical in every eating place with the same company name. The atmosphere and style of most fast-food places is casual, comfortable, and familiar. So why do other eaters dislike or stay away from this fast, easy kind of nourishment? The main reason is its low nutritional value. Fast food doesn’t contain large amounts of fibers, vitamins, minerals, and the like—elements necessary for good nutrition and health. In contrast, most types of fast food have a lot of fat, cholesterol, sugar, and salt in them. Possibly, these substances can cause or increase health disorders, like heart disease, strokes, and some kinds of cancer.
Some people believe food should be perfectly fresh and natural. They view that fast food is not good for human beings. They don’t think that convenience foods such as canned, frozen, or packaged foods are nutritious either. In fact, these quick and easy kinds of foods are getting better and more healthful, however. Many fast food restaurants, for example, now have salad bars and put more vegetables items in their menus. In some places, veggieburgers are offered instead of hamburgers, and grilled chicken in place of fried. Also, some kinds of packaged fast-foods contain less fat, salt, and sugar. Moreover, some kinds of snacks like nutrition bars—snacks that contain a lot of protein, vitamins and minerals—are becoming widely available.
Currently more people become more selective in eating, both at home or fast-food places. In general, more meals include the basic necessary food elements—protein, carbohydrates, and fats. The variety of food choices is large and increasing. The number of food preparation methods is growing too. Ways of cooking, eating habits, and food preferences all over the world are becoming more healthful. The global diet is changing in these and other ways.