The best holidays are the ones that encourage eating. From Thanksgiving to National Donut Day, everyone loves an excuse to eat — National Junk Food Day, July 20, does just that.
From french fries to pizza and ice cream, everyone has their favorite guilty pleasure. In honor of National Junk Food day, here is a breakdown of some of the most popular junk foods, so you can get some inspiration for what you’ll be splurging on today.
Pizza
Whether it’s a deep dish pepperoni, a thin crust veggie or a simple cheese on classic crust, pizza never fails to satisfy. So, as to not let the holiday go to waste, order a large pie from your local Papa John’s or Domino’s, or indulge in one of Ledo’s famous square treasures. You can make a family night out of it, and bake your own at home. Try making your own dessert pizza with chocolate and marshmallows or fruit.
Chips
Even though National Potato Chip Day is March 14, National Junk Food Day provides just as much a reason to veg out with a bag of chips. You could go for the classic potato chips or the Marylander-friendly, Utz Crab Chips. Or you could try out something more interesting like Lay’s Pico de Gallo or Stacy’s Pita Chips in the cinnamon sugar flavor. Make today not only a day of indulging, but also experimenting.
Milkshakes
National Ice Cream Day was Sunday but that doesn’t mean you can’t chow down on your favorite frozen treat. Milkshakes are a perfect portable treat. Go to Bert’s 50’s Diner and grab a classic vanilla, chocolate or strawberry shake, or head to Sonic and try out something a bit more unusual. Their menu consists of a multitude of ice cream and milkshake flavors, and you can’t really go wrong with any of them. Are you a fan of cookies and cream? Try out their Double Stuf Oreo Master Blast. Do you love the Samoa Girl Scout cookies? Give their Caramel Coconut Camp Cookie Master Blast a try, and give in to your guiltiest food pleasures.
Donuts
Like many of the foods on this list, donuts have their own national holiday. But since it was June 2, there’s nothing wrong with using today as an excuse to pick up a dozen, or two, of your favorite sugary treats. While we may not have a convenient Krispy Kreme in Southern Maryland, there’s always Dunkin’ Donuts or many of the donut shops located in Maryland. And while your favorite may be the classic glazed, try out a croissant donut, or “cronut,” and see what all the trendy hype is about.
French Fries
People have always appreciated the McDonald’s french fry for its golden, salty goodness, so today provides a wonderful excuse to appreciate it yourself. If you’re in the mood for something a bit more creative, throw on some Old Bay and enjoy a classic Maryland treat. And if you’re feeling really adventurous, you can always give Outback’s Loaded Bloomin’ Onion a shot. A deep-fried onion covered in cheese fries? There’s probably no better way to celebrate the holiday.
Whether it be cheeseburgers, cookies, chicken wings or corndogs, pick your favorite junk food and pig out. You can worry about calories tomorrow.