National Junk Food Day

Junk Food Day is devoted to junk food, which is food mostly devoid of nutritional value, but instead high in fat, sugar, and salt, and often highly processed. When eaten in high amounts, junk food may impact energy levels, contribute to obesity and cardiovascular disease, and advance other health problems. It may even alter brain activity and affect emotional well-being.

The word "junk food" is usually thought to date back to the early 1950s, although some have credited Michael F. Jacobson of the Center for Science in Public Interest as coining the term in 1972. Junk food has since become a part of American culture, although there has been much effort to curtail its growth over the years.

The list of foods that are considered junk foods is endless. Most foods at fast food restaurants are considered junk foods, although not all offerings are. Many of the following are considered junk foods, although some of these foods can be prepared in healthier ways. Common foods include burgers, fried chicken, hot dogs, ice cream, potato chips, fries, chicken nuggets, pizza, candy, cookies, and soda. Even some cereals can be considered junk food, when they are high in sugar and high fructose corn syrup, and are made with white flour.

How to Observe National Junk Food Day

You can interpret the day and celebrate however you would like. Eating as much of, and whatever junk food that seems appealing may be the most fitting. Conversely, the day could be used to raise awareness about the harmful effects of junk food, and about the need for access to healthy, high-quality food. To learn more about junk food, pick up a copy of the Encyclopedia of Junk Food and Fast Food. You could also celebrate the day by listening to "Junk Food Junkie" by Larry Groce.

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