If you find yourself running through fast food restaurants several times a week, you may be consuming excess calories, fat and sodium. While it is usually healthier to eat at home or to pack a lunch filled with non-processed foods, it is not always possible. Knowing what foods to avoid and what to choose in a fast food establishment can help you maintain your health.
Avoid Cheese
When ordering in a fast food establishment, always ask the server to leave the cheese out of the dish. Cheese adds unnecessary calories. By leaving cheese out of the equation, you are reducing the calorie damage.
No Fried Foods
When given a choice between fried or grilled, always choose the grilled. Fried foods adds unnecessary calories through the use of butter, margarine and oils. Don’t be fooled into ordering a salad with fried chicken pieces and dressing on it. This can have as many–if not more–calories than a hamburger with fries will have. Order the salad with grilled chicken and request low-fat dressing on the side.
Drink Water
Drink water with all fast food meals and pass on the sugar-laden sodas. If you must have a soda, order a diet soda to reduce the number of calories you will consume during the meal.
At McDonald’s
McDonald’s offers a wide array of healthier products to choose from. The Premium Chicken Classic Sandwich can be eaten for about 370 calories if you tell them to cut out the mayonnaise. If you hear salad calling your name, order the Asian salad with grilled chicken strips. Most of the fat comes from the almonds, which are healthy fats.
The yogurt parfait is a good choice, if you have a sweet tooth. Low-fat yogurt is layered with sliced strawberries and blueberries and topped with low-fat granola. For 160 calories, you can satisfy your craving for something sweet.
At Wendy’s
The Mandarin Chicken Salad is a good choice at Wendy’s because of the flavors and crunchiness of the crispy noodles and roasted almonds. If you are in the mood for chicken, order the Ultimate Chicken Grill. It is grilled and comes with honey mustard, tomatoes and lettuce, which are all low- fat, low-calorie accompaniments.
Taco Bell
Ordering at Taco Bell should always come from its Fresco Menu, which, in 2010, included choices that were cheese- and sauce-free. Instead, the items are smothered in tomatoes, cilantro and onions.
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