National Junk Food Day

National Junk Food Day is celebrated on July 21st and the entire day is to appreciate tasty treats, regardless of their nutritional value. Heavy consumption of Junk foods may result hazardous to our health however dietitians generally say it’s OK to indulge in an occasional treat — as long as it’s done in moderation.

The official definition of junk food is any food with a high-calorie count and little or no nutrients to show for it. This can include salty and sweet snacks, candy, gum, fried food, and sugary drinks. Almost anything that tastes good. Junk food encompasses all the tasty munchies that dietitians and Mom determine are bad for us.

We don’t advocate eating junk food every day! But today, on National Junk Food Day, you should let loose and try something new, or go back to a beloved food in your childhood that you now know better than to put in your mouth! Being health-conscious can wait for tomorrow. Today, embrace and enjoy National Junk Food Day!

History

The term ‘Junk Food’ was first used in the 1950s when a Lima, Ohio newspaper printed the headline, “Candy, Cake, ‘Junk Foods’ Cause Serious Malnutrition”. Junk food was first categorized in the 1960s. Today the American consumes 25 lbs. of candy per year. Though the day is not recognized as a legal national holiday by any means it is a day for Americans to “skip the diet” and feed the junk food cravings.

National Junk Food Day was Founded by Michael Jacobson. The classification came to be in 1972, when Michael Jacobson, director of the Center for Science in the Public Interest, deemed certain foods with little (or no) nutritional value to be unhealthy when eaten regularly. He used the term Junk Food in some of his teachings and books.

Now it’s a pretty common word and while we all may not know the exact definition, we all know that it’s not a term of endearment. It means you are eating food that you know is not good for you. But it’s usually delicious. Americans began consuming processed foods at an alarming rate. As a result, the concern surrounding junk food and fast food intake directly increased as well.

National Junk Food Day is not an observed holiday, so no, you can’t take the day off from work to stay home and eat junk food. And no, you don’t get brownie points for celebrating Junk Food Day every day.

How to celebrate

In celebration, junk food enthusiasts can pile on the extra cookies, doughnuts, Ghostbusters candy, and soda-flavored Pop-Tarts. Celebrating National Junk Food Day involves consuming your favorite guilty pleasures. And then posting on social media using the hashtag #NationalJunkFoodDay #JunkFoodDay.

People will be feasting on their favorite guilty pleasures because it’s National Junk Food Day. With anything, moderation is the key. That is the lesson to learn on Junk Food Day. The other lesson is that it’s ok to let junk food take you away. We all need a break now and then.

So go forth, celebrate National Junk Food Day on July 21, and have fun, but on July 22, you may want to have an apple. Maybe some kale. Put it on a stick, it’s fun.

Suggested Read: Unhealthy Foods For Children

Healthy Alternatives to Junk Food

Sweet Potato French Fries – Better than the original

Yes, I know I mention french fries as being junk food, but these aren’t ordinary fries from the frozen food section or your fast food place. Sweet potato fries are healthy for you because they can prevent high cholesterol and improve your cardiovascular health. When they are oven-baked, their sweetness will be brought out and you may not want to go back to ordinary, greasy fries.

Popcorn – Hold the butter and salt

Popcorn is a healthy junk food if you didn’t know already. However, when you add things such as salt, butter, cinnamon, and other spices, it can become less healthy. Making popcorn will take no time at all. Just grab a pot, add a small amount of oil and some kernels and you will have a nice serving of warm, healthy popcorn.

Switch Ice Cream with Frozen Yogurt

Fresh fruit is the healthiest food that grows and when combine with some yogurt, it’s just about the best thing in the world. The best way to create frozen yogurt is by mixing 4 cups of your favorite frozen fruit such as strawberries or peaches, 1/2 cup of plain yogurt, and a couple of tablespoons of honey for sweetness. Combine it in a food processor and then serve immediately.

A day to enjoy junk food and take a break from healthy eating. National Junk Food Day only comes around once a year, but we know many or most of us celebrate junk food many, many times throughout the year, day or weekend.

Happy National Junk Food Day!