Junk food is quick but poses problems

Ty Short sat at Whole Foods eating a chocolate chip cookie.

Short, a construction project manager who grew up on a farm in Michigan, said it’s often easier to grab a bag of chips rather than cook a meal especially after a long work day.

“Eating healthy is being very involved,” said Short, 38, noting what he said is the convenience junk food offers.

Short is one of many Americans struggling to eat healthier as they face busy work and family situations and are seemingly awash in lower-cost, fast food restaurants and chains that many say save time. Some have suggested taxing junk food as a way to limit usage.

According to the Reference Point, most junk foods contain zero nutritional value. They are nutrient-deprived, but are generally stuffed with various chemicals and additives that add to their shelf value.

fast food
A fast food restaurant in the Tenleytown neighborhood of Washington, D.C. Photo by Liya Savasman.

By the year 2050, the rate of obesity in the U.S. is expected to reach 42 percent, according to researchers at Harvard University. That has lead some places to consider taxing foods and drinks high in fat and sugar.

Although Short knows it’s not ideal, when asked if junk food should be banned, he quickly answered, “no!”

“Would you rob a person of their choice even if it is the wrong one?” Short said. “It’s just not right.”

Marqurita Lightfoot, 68, stood on the sidewalk with her neatly rolled yoga mat in her arms and, with a laugh, said she tries to lead a healthy lifestyle although she does have a weakness for potato chips.

The taste is good she says, not to also mention that it’s quick and easy to just grab off the shelf especially when people don’t feel like preparing a meal.

She believes that the reason junk foods are cheaper than organic foods is because it’s mass produced and because, “It has lots of additives, lots of names you can’t pronounce.”