ABU DHABI // Workers admit they rely on fast food for ease – but nutritionists say the convenience comes with a hefty price.
More than three quarters of those surveyed say they order fast food at least once a week.
“Fast food is one of the most harmful foods for you,” says Rashi Chowdhary, a nutrition expert from Dubai.
“Fast food refers to food that can be served quickly. In many cases, that means food that is highly processed and contains large amounts of carbohydrates, added sugar, unhealthy fats and salt.”
These foods have a high number of calories and offer little or no nutritional value, Ms Chowdhary says. When fast food frequently replaces nutritious food in your diet, it can lead to poor nutrition and poor health.
“In the end eating this type of food will only leave you feeling low on energy and can have long-term effects on your heart,” she says.
“Too much sodium makes you retain water, so it can cause general bloating and puffiness. High cholesterol and high blood pressure are among the top risk factors for heart disease and stroke.”
Often deliveries can take up to an hour, in which time a home-cooked meal could have been pre-pared, Ms Chowdhary says.
“An omelette is always a good, quick and filling meal, and you can always make it different by throwing in some spinach or vegetables of your choice.
“There are no excuses. If people want to see a change and care for their health, they will stop being lazy.”
Vishnu Rajeevan, 27, an Indian store manager in Abu Dhabi, relies on fast food and deliveries for most meals.
“I order fast food or eat out on a daily basis because it is convenient,” Mr Rajeevan says.
Seven per cent of those asked admitted they ordered food every day or almost every day.
“This is the result of the fast- paced life most residents in the UAE lead, and the lack of time they have at hand,” says Lara Al Barazi of YouGov.
“This is, however, something that only leads to more ailments and diseases.”
Eating out is also common. About a quarter of respondents eat out every day or a few times a week. Another 30 per cent say they eat out about once a week.
Aditya Nangia, an Indian engineer at an electronics company in Abu Dhabi, eats out regularly.
“I eat at an Indian restaurant most of the time,” says Mr Nangia, 29. “The food is not very unhealthy, but it isn’t healthy either.
“I am new to the country and have a few friends here so I eat with them sometimes.” Mohammed Usman, 29, a Pakistani pharmacist in Abu Dhabi, eats out twice every day – “breakfast as well as lunch”.
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