How to Choose a Healthy Fast Food Breakfast

It's true: fast food really can be healthy! It all depends on the types of foods you choose and, of course, the amount you eat. There's no reason why a breakfast at the drive-through can't be a nutrition powerhouse.

Instructions

1. Plan before you go to avoid last-minute temptations. Every fast-food chain posts the nutrition information of each menu item online. Check the websites of the fast-food restaurants you frequent for breakfast and develop two or three breakfast choices. Know exactly what you want to order before you leave the house in the morning.

2. Include some type of protein for a healthy breakfast, typically eggs or Canadian bacon. Choose a whole-grain bread or cereal whenever possible. Add fruit or vegetables for necessary vitamins and minerals. Opt for a lower-calorie yet nutritionally dense beverage such as fat-free milk.

3. Choose a healthy breakfast at McDonald's:Egg McMuffinFruit and walnut saladFat-free milk(610 calories, 22 grams fat, 30 grams protein)Instead of this:Bacon, egg and cheese biscuitHash brownsLarge orange juice(830 calories, 33 grams fat, 21 grams protein)

4. Choose a healthy breakfast ideas at Chick-fil-A:One eggMultigrain bagelMedium fruit cup(370 calories, 13 grams fat, 21 grams protein)Instead of this:Chicken breakfast burrito(420 calories, 18 grams fat, 22 grams protein)

5. Order the small or medium size of every food and beverage to avoid extra calories that go straight to your waistline, unless you have an active job or exercise for an hour or more before breakfast.

Tips & Warnings

• Pay particular attention to the amount of calories, total fat and protein in each food item. Choose foods lower in total calories and fat for overall good health and weight control.