Fast Food And Weight Loss

Fast Food: Eat This Instead of That!

By Kathleen Aicardi, M.Ed.
Special for eDiets

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How can we better prepare ourselves for the assault on our senses and sometimes on our good intentions when visiting our favorite fast-food restaurant? How can we make the best fast food meal choices?

First we need to remember knowledge is power. Knowing what we want to eat before going into the fast-food restaurant is half the battle.

Second, knowing more about our options will help to arm us against the high fat, high calorie, high cholesterol and high sugar found in many of the entrees.

Thinking about the whole-food options can help us make the choice. What are whole foods? Whole foods are foods in their natural unprocessed state such as raw fruits and vegetables, grilled meats, whole grains, beans and legumes. They contain a higher nutrient quality including some vital antioxidants to help fight off infections and diseases. Whole foods don’t contain as much added sugars, chemicals and fats.

Take a look at the following suggestions to help jump start your whole food thinking:

Instead of BK Tendergrill Chicken Sandwich, which has 450 calories, try the BK Tendergrill garden salad with 350 calories.

Instead of Arby’s Philly Beef Supreme, which has 710 calories, try Arby’s Martha’s Vineyard Salad with 422 calories.

Instead of Carl’s Jr. Charbroiled Sante Fe Chicken Sandwich, which has 750 calories, go for the Jr. Charbroiled Chicken Salad with 590 calories.

Instead of Chili’s Fajita Steak Quesadillas, which have 2,020 calories, pick the Grilled Caribbean Salad with 440 calories.

Instead of Wendy’s Chicken Nuggets and Medium French Fries, which as 660 calories, try the Broccoli & Cheese Baked Potato and Side Salad, which has 475 calories.

Instead of McDonald’s Hot Fudge Sundae (330 calories), go for the Fruit & Yogurt Parfait with 160 calories.

Instead of McDonald’s Steak, Egg, Cheese Bagel, which has 640 calories, try the Fruit & Walnut Salad, with 310 calories.

Instead of Dominoes Pepperoni & Sausage pizza, with 206 calories per slice, select the Green Pepper, Onion and Mushroom Pizza (142 calories per slice).

We can make fast food work for us and not against us. Simply keep in mind whole food when looking for the best options at your favorite fast-food restaurant. You’ll certainly make the better choice.

Bon Appetit!