Fast food: Tips for choosing the healthiest options
These five steps can help you make wise meal choices when heading to a fast food restaurant.
Does dieting to lose weight or a healthy diet mean giving up junk food? not nessacary.
Eating fast food from time to time can be compatible with a healthy diet, if you carefully consider your food intake. Keep in mind the following tips.
Eat a small amount of food
If your fast food restaurant serves different sizes of sandwiches, choose the smallest one. And avoid hamburgers with two or three pieces of meat, as they may contain more than 900 calories.
Instead, choose a regular-sized or kid-sized hamburger, which has about 250 calories.
And order a small plate of french fries instead of the large portions. This adjustment in meal intake alone can reduce calories by 200 calories or more.
Choose healthier side dishes
Take advantage of the healthy side dishes that many fast food restaurants offer. For example, instead of French fries, choose a side salad with a low-fat dressing or an oven-roasted potato. Or add a fruit bowl or an option that includes fruit and yogurt to your meal.
Other healthy options include apple or orange slices, corn, steamed rice, baked potato chips, or a broth-based soup.
Eat vegetables
Choose a main salad of vegetables and grilled chicken or shrimp. Choose the seasoning you like, but be careful when choosing the amount. Use half of the package or set your salad dressing aside to control the number of calories from added fats and other unwanted ingredients, such as added salt and sugar.
And beware of high-calorie salads, such as those served with fried oysters or those topped with breaded chicken or other fried items. Also avoid extra dishes like cheese and toast, which quickly raise your calorie count.
Choose grilled foods
Fried and breaded foods, such as crispy chicken sandwiches and breaded fried fish fillets, are high in fat and calories. So, opt for grilled or oven-roasted meals, such as chicken breast or lean roast beef.
Pay attention to the drinks you take
Many drinks contain high calories. For example, a large, 32-ounce (960 milliliters) regular soft drink can contain up to 400 calories. Alternatively, you can order soft drinks sweetened with sugar substitutes (diet), water, unsweetened iced tea, sparkling water, or mineral water.
Also avoid soft drinks and other ice cream drinks. A juicy shake can contain more than 650 calories.
Eat it your way
Remember, you don't have to accept what comes with a sandwich or meal, not even at fast food restaurants. Ask about healthy options and alternatives. Watch the amount of food.