For students who have hectic school and work schedules, eating healthy is not always an option. And for many University of Memphis students, a burger and fries can be just what the doctor ordered.
Several students find themselves dining out more than dining in.
“I eat (fast food) about twice a week,” said Thomas Richardson, a sophomore civil engineering major.
Richardson said that even though he eats fast food, he knows it is not good for you.
“It’s nasty,” said Richardson, admitting that he does not feel guilty about eating fast food.
C. Malaika White, a senior journalism and political science major, said she eats fast food about once or twice a week.
“I love sushi,” said White, who also said she is extremely conscience about the amount of fast food she eats.
Daniel Nelson, who is majoring in interdisciplinary studies at University College, said he prefers home cooking rather than fast food.
“I love to cook all the time,” said Nelson, who also said he eats fast food about twice a week.
Gayle Shiba, associate professor at the Loewenberg School of Nursing at the University of Memphis, said students can develop several health problems as a result of eating fast food.
“If you eat foods high in salt, you can develop hypertension,” Shiba said.
Shiba also said the number of calories in one fast food meal can be more than the number of calories one should eat in an entire day.
“But it is more convenient for students to go to a fast food place rather than the grocery store,” Shiba said.
