Avoiding Junk Food, Speech Example

Introduction

Attention Getting Device: Obesity Statistics

Obesity has become an epidemicin the United States. The rate of obesity has nearly doubled in the past 40 years. A 2011 study showed that 2 out of 3 American adults are obese. This has led to a rise in diabetes, heart disease, and other illnesses. There are a number of issues that contribute to the problem of obesity, but the most significant is diet. Americans are eating more fast food than ever before.

Central Idea:

Avoiding junk food is one of the best things you can do for your health, and with a little planning it is easier than you think.

Forecasting Statement:

I will show you the facts about the dangers of junk food and give you some tips about how to avoid them and eat a healthier diet.

Body

Main Point 1: Junk Food is called “junk food” for a reason

SubPoint 1:

Junk food is loaded with empty calories. The average fast-food cheeseburger contains almost 25-50% of the recommended daily calories for an adult, with very little nutritional value.

SubPoint 2:

Junk food contains excessive amounts of sugar, salt, and fats, which contribute to major health issues

Source 1:

http://healthyliving.msn.com/health-wellness/obesity-in-america-whats-driving-the-epidemic-1

Main Point 2: Why we eat junk food

SubPoint 1:

Americans spend more time sitting and less time moving. Sitting in classes, working in front of computers, playing video games, and other sedentary activities limit the chances to burn calories.

SubPoint 2:

Junk food is quick and easy, and busy Americans are spending less time cooking. Why spend hours in the kitchen when you can just grab breakfast, lunch, and dinner at a fast-food restaurant?

Source 2:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/12/05/eating-healthy-vs-unhealthy_n_4383633.html

Main Point 3: Many people do not realize what or how much they are eating

SubPoint 1:

Portion size is an issue at fast food restaurants and dine-in restaurants. American consumers have become used to “super-sizing” their fast food combos, and dine-in restaurants serve large portions or all-you-can-eat buffets.

SubPoint 2:

The ingredients in junk food are not just bad for you, they are addictive. The sugars, fats and salt in fast foods and junk foods trigger spikes in blood sugar and even blood pressure. When blood sugar levels crash, this triggers the desire to eat more junk, setting up a dangerous cycle

Source 3:

Main Point 4: Junk Food is expensive

SubPoint 1:

It may seem like a bargain to get a meal at a fast food restaurant for a few dollars. But this does not take into account how much the costs can add up. Eating 3 meals a day at a fast food restaurant can easily cost $15 or more. That pizza delivered to your door can cost $20 before the tip. Add in the cost of a mocha latte from your favorite coffee shop and the cost of a fast food diet can exceed $100 a week for one person.

SubPoint 2:

There are a lot of “hidden costs” in eating junk food. The time and expense of driving to and from fast food restaurants, stores that sell chips and sodas, and other junk food outlets can quickly add up. It may seem convenient to spend 20 minutes buying and eating a fast food meal, but at the end of the week that can add up to several hours. Then there are the costs one medical care and health issues related to a poor diet. These may not just cost money; they may also cost you your good health or your life.

Main Point 5: It is easier than you think to avoid junk food

SubPoint 1:

If you add up all the time you spend on junk food, from driving to dine-in restaurants, fast food restaurants, and convenience stores. You can see how much time you can save simply by making a weekly trip to the grocery store to buy healthy food.

SubPoint 2:

With good planning you can save a significant amount of money and still eat a healthier diet.

Main Point 6: Making a Food Journal

SubPoint 1:

The first thing you can do to make changes to your diet is to keep a food journal. It may seem a bit inconvenient when you first start doing it, but if you stick with it you can get in the habit very quickly. You can use a notebook as a food journal, or you can choose from hundreds of different apps for your tablet or smartphone that will help you track your food habits.

SubPoint 2:

Use your food journal to keep track of several key points.

1. Track what you eat and when
2. Write down the calories, fat content, and sodium content of each meal or snack
3. Make a note of the cost of each meal or snack you eat, and how much time it took you to get and consume the food
4. At the end of the week, total up your average daily calories and other nutrition information, the daily cost of eating, and the amount of time spent each day on getting and eating food

Main Point 7: Alternatives to Eating Junk Food- Making a Plan

SubPoint 1:

You will need a plan to avoid junk food. Make a list of your favorite healthy snacks and foods. You should be eating as many fruits, vegetables as possible. After you make a list of your favorite foods, use what you learned in your food journal to figure out when to eat every day, and set a schedule and menu that works for you. If you need help making a healthy shopping list, websites like webmd.com offer pre-planned shopping lists you can simply print out and take with you the grocery store.

SubPoint 2:

Go grocery shopping with your list and your plan. Avoid the center aisles of the grocery store; that is where the junk food and processed food can be found. The outer aisles are where you will find fruit, vegetables, and unprocessed meat, poultry and seafood.

Set yourself up for success

SubPoint 1:

Set yourself up for success by creating a food schedule and diet that is based on your habits and routine. If you buy a $ iced coffee from Starbuck’s every day, try making your own iced coffee by the pitcher and keeping it in your refrigerator. If you typically snack on chips while you study, try keeping grapes, carrots, or other fruits and vegetables around. If you regularly stop at McDonald’s for lunch, start making yourself a healthy lunch in the morning and bringing it with you to school or work. The time you used to spend driving around to get food will more than make up for the time you spend I the morning getting your coffee and lunch ready.

SubPoint 2:

Don’t Get Discouraged. Change won’t happen overnight. If you slip up one day, just get back to your regular schedule the next day. Stick with your food journal and you will be amazed at how much time, money, and calories you save by making a fe simple changes. Use your extra time to take a walk, ride your bike, or go for a swim.

J.My Favorite Snacks

SubPoint 1:

Make a pitcher of iced coffee using fat free creamer and low-calorie sweetener. If you like, you can use 1/2-caffeine coffee or decaffeinated coffee. I like to use fat free milk and sugar-free caramel syrup. Put some grapes and some pre-cut baby carrots into sandwich baggies, and you have a healthy snack you can eat any time that will save you time and money and eliminate hundreds of calories from your daily intake.

Conclusion

A.Summary Statement:

America has become the fattest nation in the world. The obesity epidemic is leading to diabetes, heart disease and other issues that keep us from living long and healthy lives. Fast food and other junk food is everywhere, and it can seem easier to just stop for a burger or eat a bag of chips than to prepare healthy meals and snacks. By keeping track of what you eat and finding ways to replace junk food with healthy food, you can avoid being part of the obesity epidemic.

B.Closing Zinger:

If 2 out of 32 American adults are overweight, that means that 1 out of 2 adults is at a healthy weight. It’s OK to be a statistic, as longs you chose the right one!

Works cited

Calorieking.com,. ‘Calorieking – Calorie Counter – Fast-Food Chains & Restaurants’. N. p., 2014. Web. 26 Jul. 2014.

MSN Healthy Living,. ‘Obesity In America: What’s Driving The Epidemic?’. N. p., 2014. Web. 26 Jul. 2014.

Myfitnesspal.com,. ‘Free Calorie Counter, Diet & Exercise Journal | Myfitnesspal.Com’. N. p., 2014. Web. 26 Jul. 2014.

Polis, Carey. ‘This Important Eating Habit Will Cost You More Than $500 Extra Each Year’. The Huffington Post. N. p., 2014. Web. 26 Jul. 2014.

Polis, Carey. ‘This Important Eating Habit Will Cost You More Than $500 Extra Each Year’. The Huffington Post. N. p., 2014. Web. 26 Jul. 2014.

Webmd.com,. ‘Webmd Healthy Grocery Shopping List & Guide’. N. p., 2014. Web. 26 Jul. 2014.