July 21 has long been the unofficial “National” Junk Food Day. The very hazy origins of this holiday do not prevent individuals from celebrating it.
Straight-up National Junk Food Day celebrations
Celebrating National Junk Food Day is relatively simple, compared to some holidays. In many countries, junk food – food with very little nutritional value – is easy to get. Some are using this “holiday” as an excuse for pigging out.
The opposite celebration of National Junk Food Day
Many nutritionists are practically having a coronary over National Junk Food Day. The reality is that most people already eat plenty of junk food every single day. Encouraging junk food just seems like a very bad idea for most. Some dietitians are calling for National Junk Food Day to become a day to eat anything but junk food.
Why junk food is attractive
A huge junk food industry has grown in the United States, even though it’s not nutritional value. The main reason, after sugar, salt and fat is simple – cost. Potato chips or junk food, calorie-for-calorie, tends to be cheaper than “good” food. With stretched-thin food budgets, junk food is the cheaper option. Nutritional value often comes second — for everyone from the regular consumer to school lunch programs.
Making your own Junk Food Day celebration
Making your own homemade candy bar would be an excellent way to celebrate National Junk Food Day. The full instructions for this confection can be found all over the internet – but Instructables is the best we’ve found. An easier option would be making your own potato chips. Slice potatoes very thinly, and bake at 450 degrees. You will find plenty of other things you could try – homemade doughnuts, homemade popcorn, or more.
