In America, he eats 3 burgers a day: And then they go to a vegan cafe to detox

In the United States, hamburgers, but also other fast food, form a significant part of the diet. According to a 2023 CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) survey, the average American eats more than 150 burgers a year. That averages out to three burgers a day in some age groups. The paradox, however, is that there has also been a surge in interest in detox, healthy eating and veganism in recent years.

Excessive consumption of fatty foods, fried ingredients and white pastries is very unhealthy. Moreover, it leads to an increased risk of obesity, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Although this is common knowledge, fast food accounts for up to 20% of the daily caloric intake of American adults.

A myth called detox

In recent years, detoxes have become very popular in America. There are a number of guides on the internet, but also companies offering detox products and promising miracles. And of course, yes, detoxing is healthy and can make the body feel better. But experts warn that it definitely doesn’t work just as opposed to junk food.

The human body has its own detoxification mechanisms. These take place in the liver, kidneys and digestive tract. “No juice or smoothie can erase months of junk food,” says Susan Levin, a doctor and healthy eating expert. Having a burger and then relying on miracles is really futile.

Veganism as a step in the right direction?

Americans have also been relying heavily in recent years on changing their diet to a plant-based one to help them lead a healthy lifestyle. It’s just that even vegan burgers aren’t downright healthy. They still contain white bread and often fried ingredients. In addition, people like to add fatty mayonnaise and fries to similar meals.

Research from 2023 indicates that long-term inclusion of a plant-based diet can extend life by 5-10 years. However, it depends on how one processes these foods. If you continue to consume sweets and fatty foods, omitting animal products from your diet will not save you.

It takes a change

Many people feel that eating junk food and then eating something healthy is a change for the better. But that’s just not how it works. Indulging in a burger once in a while isn’t bad. But it should only happen rarely and the majority of your diet should be healthy foods.

If a person eats junk food and thinks that a vegan diet and detoxes will save them, they are mistaken. But many Americans don’t get it, and the popularity of hamburgers is not declining. So the fact that the desire for alternative diets is growing doesn’t mean much of a change for the better.