TO EAT AND RUN: WHAT IS AMERICAN FOOD?
People who visit the United States for the first time believe that fast food is synonymous with American cuisine. Fast food, on the other hand, is only a small portion of American cuisine.
Despite the prevalence of fast-food outlets, fast-food does not account for the majority of what Americans consume. Many Americans prepare meals at home. Some people still cook from scratch, utilizing many ingredients and complete meals, even if it means simply heating up manufactured food in the microwave. Protein, such as meat, legumes, and nuts; dairy (such as milk, eggs, and cheese); grains (such as rice and wheat); fruits; and vegetables are some of the five main food groups that some Americans adhere to. Everyone should eat foods from each food category every day, according to health professionals and the government.
While fast-food restaurants’ cuisine is generally excessive in calories, cholesterol, and trans fats, they are beginning to provide healthier options. Salads, fruit and yogurt, and oatmeal are available at McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Burger King, Subway, and Starbucks, for example. Healthy meal alternatives are available at most sit-down restaurants, such as Applebee’s or Denny’s. These are occasionally seen in a separate part of the menu called “light,” or next to a menu item with an image of a heart. Restaurants in the United States are also known for serving huge amounts of food. If Americans leave a restaurant still hungry, they may not believe they received value for their money and may not recommend the establishment to others.
Supermarkets and grocery stores have a variety of healthy food selections. All you have to do now is look for them. Fresh produce (fruits and vegetables), grains, and meats are available all year in grocery stores. Additionally, dedicated aisles for organic foods, or food farmed without the use of hazardous chemicals like fertilizers and pesticides, are prevalent. Organic food, according to many people, is healthier since it is more natural.