FEATURES
Healthy consumer looking to fast food for quick meal
While fast food restaurants may not offer the healthiest options, most people find themselves eating fast food from time to time. Generally, fast food meals are higher in calories, sodium and fat, and lacking in essential vitamins and minerals. So how can one make the most of a fast food meal? The good news is that many restaurants now offer healthier alternatives.
America has always been known as a fast food nation. According to the National Restaurant Association, more than 46 percent of Americans eat out three or more times per week. This explains why at least 60 percent of the nation is overweight or obese.
It is easy for many people to overeat and consume a lot of extra calories at fast food restaurants. Most meals include condiments which amount to serious calories and extra grams of fat, such as mayonnaise, guacamole, sour cream, and cheese sauce. Drinks are also a source of nutritionally empty calories. For instance, a typical 32oz. large soda has 310 calories.
Bottled water can be purchased a most fast food restaurants, and fountain water is always free. Sacrificing a sugar loaded soft drink for a zero calorie water is a choice with myriad benefits. Aside from the obvious lack of empty calories, water aids in digestion and is a vital part of the metabolic process.
Luckily, there are now more nutritious alternatives now than ever for those who can’t avoid a fast food meal. Wendy’s has introduced more salads, such as the Mandarin Chicken Salad, and offers healthy sides, like a cup of mandarin oranges and low-fat milk. McDonald’s also has healthy salads, and even some sweet picks for dessert like the Fruit ‘n Yogurt Parfait.
Some additional healthy options that have always been available are grilled chicken and fish sandwiches, which are always a good choice. Baked potatoes with vegetables on top instead of sour cream and cheese also pack a lot of vitamins and very little fat. Subway offers a variety of low-fat sandwiches that are both delicious and filling.
Fast food consumption is inevitable. Many people often slip up when eating out and overeat or pick the least healthy choices because they sound good, people are stressed, or they just prefer it.
Healthy eating is an attainable and lifelong goal. If one meal isn’t healthy, the next should be. An entire day of overdoing it can be compensated by eating less the following day.
According to Dr. Maureen Zimmerman, an MCC professor and nutritionist, everything can find a place in the diet, but healthier options and portion control are key. For example, eat pizza, but only one slice, suggests Dr. Zimmerman.
A good diet helps the body to better withstand stress. However, when hustling through the day, people are not thinking about the nutritional content of their next meal. There are many simple guidelines for healthy fast food dining.
Dr. Zimmerman suggests to opt for take-out instead of eating at the restaurant, using utensils, and opting for the new coming mini-size value meals instead of the supersize option.
All help slow down the eating process which will prevent overeating.
Splurging once in a while is not bad for your health. Weight gain will occur should poor decisions when dining out become a habit.
Be smart when eating out, and only enjoy fast food in moderation.
Volume 44, Issue 3. Today is
Illustration by Scott Seligman/Mesa Legend