Fast food generally has a negative connotation in terms of health because it is typically high in sodium, sugar, saturated fats, trans-fats, and calories. However, at Allied Wellness, we understand how hectic some days can be, and sometimes fast food may be your only option. We are here to offer you some helpful tips on how to stay healthy while eating at a fast food establishment.
Which fast food restaurants are the best?
Some fast food chains have made changes to their menus to include healthier options. Chipotle uses mostly organic and local ingredients, and naturally raised animal products, with vegetarian alternatives. The burrito bowl, which replaces the tortilla for a bowl is an excellent reduced-calorie alternative. Chick-fil-A is a chain that provides a trans-fat-free menu. Trans fat raises bad cholesterol and lowers good cholesterol, leading to various cardiovascular problems. Options on the trans-fat-free menu include the egg white grill and a chicken strip kid’s meal. Taco Bell is another chain making health moves. It reduced its sodium content by 15%, and eliminated high fructose corn syrup and artificial flavors from its menu. A healthy choice you can make is ordering any item “Fresco style,” which replaces the mayo, cheese, sour cream and guacamole with pico de gallo, reducing fat content by 25%.
Fast Food Restaurant Tips
It is wonderful to see certain fast food chains making health changes to their menus, but not all have done so.
Fortunately, there are some means by which you may make certain that you select the best choices at all chains. For example, go for the grilled selections rather than fried or breaded ones. Choose tea or water instead of beverages with added sugar. If they can add an ingredient, they can remove it, so make a particular request! Try switching out the bread with lettuce to go protein style. Keep from “making it a meal.” You might not need a side of fries or chips or a drink if a burger or sandwich fills you up. For low-calorie options, look at the kids’ menu!
Tools for Healthy Food Choices
Utilize online sources to help you make an informed food choice. Most restaurants have nutritional information on their website. Another option is a website called fastfoodnutrition.org that compiles an enormous variety of fast food restaurants and their nutritional information all on one convenient site. You can also try apps like MyFitnessPal, which breaks down the nutrition content of most fast food items.
