Fast-food is with us to stay whether we like it or not and the majority of products sold by these establishments are usually far from nutritious. They contain too much fat (including trans fat which is not good for you at all) and far too many calories than are acceptable, or so we’re told by the experts.

People eat fast-food for a variety of reasons, the main one of which is because it’s ‘just as it says on the label’. I.e. it’s food to be eaten on-the-go, not consumed over two or three hours with your favourite bottle of Claret!!

Let’s pop down to McDonald’s with our calculator and see what it means for a 35 year-old male of height 5ft 10ins :-

* The daily allowance recommended is between 2600 to 3000 calories and 77 to 90 grams of fat.

* A Big Mac contains 540cals and 29 grams of fat. A regular portion of French fries contain 570cals and 30g of fat. A regular bottle of Coke contains 140cals.

So the result is a grand total of 1250cals and 59g of fat. As you can see we’re getting close to the minimum fat requirement already - another portion of fries and you’re maxed out!!

It is interesting to note that in the developing countries where fast-food outlets such as McDonald’s and Kentucky Fried Chicken have only become established within the past ten years or so, there are more and more of the local population (especially the teenagers and youngsters) becoming overweight; and in countries where rice is the main source of carbohydrate, things are going to get worse before they get better.

There is now the option to order fast food online from sites offering a 118 directory, all you need to do is search the location e.g Leeds Takeaway and all takeaways in that area will appear. It's easy to use and a popular option without you having to leave the house. All major cities will offer a delivery service but those of you living in the outskirts, in the countryside, this option may not be available. Ordering food online also gives you a chance to obtain discounts and vouchers and save even more cash.