Survey: Most feel guilty after fast-food

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RED BANK, N.J., Jan. 14 (UPI) -- Fifty-four percent admit feeling "a bit guilty" after eating fast-food and another 16 percent say they just feel "bad", a U.S. survey indicates.

A survey of 1,563 members of the Allrecipes online social networking community -- largely female -- for the non-profit organization HealthyWomen showed more than 56 percent ate at fast-food restaurants at least several times a month and nearly 15 percent ate fast-food two or more times a week.

"The majority of respondents -- 75 percent -- said they pay more attention to eating healthy now than they did five years ago," Elizabeth Battaglino Cahill, executive director of HealthyWomen, said in a statement. "Unfortunately, the quick stops at fast-food restaurants often sabotage their efforts."

Half of the survey's respondents said convenience to accommodate busy schedules and faster meal availability were the top reasons for eating fast-food instead of cooking at home. To skip a fast-food meal and cook a healthy meal at home, 83 percent said it would have to be prepared in 30 minutes or less.

The study was conducted Nov. 8-14. No margin of error was provided.