How to Find Diet Friendly Food at Fast Food Restaurants

Sticking to a healthy eating plan while going to fast food restaurants may seem impossible, but you can do it with some will power and by following these steps. It's often surprisingly easy to find the diet-friendly options, which allow you to stay committed to your health.

Instructions

1. Order water with your meal when dining at a fast food restaurant. If you hate plain water, try coffee or unsweetened tea.

2. Review the menu options with the aim of quickly excluding items that are deep fried. These include all french fries, deep fried onion rings and anything crispy.

3. Use this opportunity to try a fresh garden salad. Avoid the salads with the creamy dressings and ask for a lowfat or low-calorie dressing instead.

4. Decide if you want to add an entrée to your drink and salad. If you do, look at the items on the "junior" or "children's" menu. The portion size at most fast food restaurants is the correct size for adults on diet plans.

5. Choose meat that is grilled or broiled but not breaded. Breading is often fried and contains more fat than grilled or broiled meat.

Tips & Warnings

• When eating out when on a diet, remember to eat slower than the rest of your party. This allows everyone to finish eating at the same time. You then don't feel as if you deprived yourself.

• Order your sandwich without the mayo and or sauce. This cuts out additional fat.

• If there is no lowfat or low-cal salad dressing available, opt for a vinaigrette dressing instead of a creamy dressing. Use no more than half the dressing in the package.