Dr. Squat - Dr. Fred Hatfield

Food is any naturally occurring substance (of mineral, plant or animal origin) that is consumed by humans for the purposes of providing energy and for its nutritional value in supporting growth, recovery and healthy functioning of the organism. Thus, a food source is comprised of any combination of macronutrients (fats, carbohydrates (including fiber) and protein) and micronutrients (vitamins, minerals and trace elements).  .Most nutritionists include liquids in their definition of food.  The only liquids I’d consider including are water, milk and pure, fresh fruit juice.  Despite its total lack of nutritional value, water is nonetheless vital in healthy functioning.   And, once most fruit juices are squeezed from their fruit, they begin to ferment, creating alcohol. 

Junk food, on the other hand, is any edible substance, whether man-made or naturally occurring, whether contaminated (processed or adulterated with various chemicals, pesticides, fertilizers or preservatives) or pure, which does not precisely fit the definition of food given above.  Thus, alcoholic beverages of all sorts, including fermented fruit juices, pre-packaged meals of varying descriptions and most luncheon meats are junk food.Junk food is relatively cheap to manufacture, ship and store, and it is convenient to consume.  It usually has a lot of flavor because of its typically high fat, sodium, or sugar content. Its nutritional value is typically very low, but high in calories. Junk food is also notorious for containing numerous food additives, which are used to enhance flavor, adjust texture, alter color, and prevent spoilage.  Due to its inherent attractiveness, junk food has evolved into a large, world-wide industry. Standard industrial manufacturing and marketing techniques have been successful in increasing consumption of "unbalanced" junk food diets to the extent that I consider it to be a serious health problem in the USA and elsewhere. It is heavily advertised to young people, who often favor taste over nutritional value.A diet high in junk food is widely considered by the medical community to substantially increase the risks of health problems such as obesity, osteoporosis and heart disease. A diet composed entirely of junk food will lead to malnutrition, vitamin deficiencies and other serious health problems.While it would be easy for me to tell you to abstain from eating junk food, it ain’t gonna happen!  Just be prudent.  Moderation is the key.