Fast food is one of those habits that are really difficult to kick. But if you want to live a healthy life, it’s a good idea to eliminate your fast-food intake. Eating out too often means you’re likely getting more saturated fats and sodium than you need in your diet, as well as less fibre and nutrients like calcium and iron. To help you get started, here are some great tips on how to kick the fast-food habit once and for all.

A Trip Down Memory Lane

The smell of breakfast, lunch and dinner wafting from fast-food restaurants might seem enticing, but don’t be fooled: In most cases, these meals are going to put a damper on your diet. Saturated fats from sausages and burgers (not to mention a salty bag of fries) can pack on pounds quickly. You might also be missing out on crucial nutrients by opting for fast food. A quick breakfast made at home with eggs and oatmeal is likely healthier than any Egg McMuffin you could purchase at McDonald’s. And if you're trying to cut down on sugar intake, that sweet-and-sour chicken isn't helping your cause either.

Did You Know? That 50% of Americans Eat at Least One Meal Away From Home Each Day?

The number of meals people eat away from home has risen in recent years, with over 50% of Americans eating at least one meal outside their home each day. In fact, 30% of Americans ate lunch or dinner at a restaurant on any given day in 2010. The sharp increase in eating out has contributed greatly to America’s growing waistline.