How to Choose Healthy Fast Food Options

As busy as our lives can get, sometimes eating fast food is unavoidable. Thankfully, fast food places are changing their menus to meet the needs of the public. There are hundreds of options available to meet every individual’s needs, the problem is figuring it all out. Once the proper information is obtained, figuring out what to eat should be a breeze.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Nutritional information
• Menu list

1. Each fast food restaurant should have a menu list and/or nutrition information sheet. You can obtain one simply by asking. Some restaurants are even printing the information out on the exact food item, which is helpful only if you are a diabetic who is not watching weight but taking insulin based on carbs. If you want to know nutritional value prior to purchasing something, you will need the list first.
2. Study each option’s information. Look at the calorie content, sodium, cholesterol, carbohydrate, protein or fat content for each. Your diet is tailored for your specific needs so if you need low sodium, stick to foods that meet that need. If you need high or low protein, look for that as well.
3. Most (if not all) restaurants will specially make foods for your needs. By adding different ingredients or taking out certain things, you can still enjoy great tasting foods. For example, if you crave a cheeseburger but are watching carbs, try asking for no bun or half of one. If you love a fish filet but can’t have tartar sauce, hold it or ask for half as much.
4. If your goal is to lose weight, the idea is to burn more calories than you take in. Working out and then eating chicken nuggets is generally a good idea for the high protein content which helps build muscle mass. The breading may be too much so you may have to pick that off.
5. Try switching from regular soft drinks to diet or unsweetened iced tea. They may be an acquired taste, but simply cutting down the high sugar content of regular sodas can make a huge difference in any diet.

Tips & Warnings

• These are not guaranteed, easy ways to achieve your health goals. Everyone has different needs and it is important to consult your doctor about any diet changes.