Just Admit It! Sometimes You Eat Fast Food
Harm reduction: 6 ways to eat healthier at fast-food restaurants
Smaller portions. There’s a reason super-sizing has gotten such a bad rap: it might only cost a few pennies more, but it could net you lots of extra pounds. Don’t pick your food according to price per calorie! When you’re at fast-food restaurants, choose smaller sizes. (This is true for fries and drinks as well.) Don’t be shy about ordering kids’ portions, either.
Switch out the fries. Lots of fast-food restaurants are offering healthier, lower-fat side dishes. Instead of French fries or onion rings, try a salad, vegetables, fruit salad or baked potato.
Grilled, not fried. Grilled meat is high in protein and low in fat. Watch out for fried foods, especially crispy breaded items. They may be tasty, but that’s because they’re dripping in fat.
Try a salad. As fast-food restaurants face increased pressure to offer healthier options, meal-sized salads are appearing on more and more menu boards. These can be great, but watch out for hidden sources of fat: cheese, bacon, breaded chicken, and high-calorie salad dressings. It’s always a good idea to ask for low-fat dressing on the side – you’d be amazed by how many calories that will save you.
Watch your condiments. Even the healthiest meal can be quickly ruined if you slather on high-fat condiments and extras. Mayonnaise, sour cream, cheese, and many sauces can contain massive doses of fat. If you can’t skip your condiments altogether, ask for reduced-fat versions, or replace them with lower-fat options.
Drink responsibly. Large sodas contain lots of calories, and milkshakes are even worse. Diet soda has fewer calories than regular soda, but it also contains artificial sweeteners. Keep your soda portions small, and watch the sugar in your iced tea or coffee. But why not just get a bottle of water instead?
Oh, and one final option… Stop by the farmer’s market to buy fresh ingredients; take them home and cook yourself a healthy meal. You know it’s good for you — and you might also be surprised how great it tastes and how good you feel! Plus, you’ll be supporting local farms and businesses.
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