Healthy Fast Food Facts

Posted on August 20, 2007

Fast food habits have become a great health threat today. Fast food contains meat-based carcinogens and saturated fat, and thus is high in total calories.

Fast foods are a principal source of trans fat. Trans-fats are man-made fats. You can find on the labels of many manufactured foods the words “partially hydrogenated”. This means that the manufacturer added hydrogen to a polyunsaturated fat, making it ia trans fat. When fat becomes more saturated, it becomes stiffer and more solid.

Trans fats are also less likely to go rancid, and thus have a longer shelf-life. Eating fast foods that contain this can make you gain more weight and become more fat. Fast food weight loss refers to restricting the intake of foods that are not good for health and body. And choosing all those foods that facilitate digestion, promotes metabolism.

You have to fit fast food carefully into your weight-loss plan. You may doubt whether fast food can be part of a weight-loss or healthy-eating plan. But you know the fact that you can’t have a meal that’s both quick and healthy. This isn’t really true. Here are some keys to choose your fast food wisely.

Keep Portion Sizes Small for Fast Food

When there is availability of several sandwich sizes, take the smallest or order half of a sandwich, if available. Avoid hamburgers with two or three beef patties. It gives more than 1,000 calories and 70 grams of fat. Instead, choose a children’s-size hamburger, which gives you 250 to 300 calories. Also, avoid large serving of French fries or onion rings. Instead select a small serving. It saves about 300 calories.

Choose a Healthier Side Dish

Take healthy side dishes offered at fast-food restaurants. For example, instead of French fries take a side salad with low-fat dressing. You can also add a fruit bowl or yogurt as an option. Other healthy choices are applesauce or apple slices, mandarin oranges, corn on the cob, steamed rice or baked potato chips.

Take More Greens

Select a large entree salad with grilled chicken, shrimp or garden vegetables with a fat-free or low-fat dressing on the side. Avoid high-calorie salads, such as those with deep fried shells or those topped with breaded chicken or other fried toppings. Also, avoid salad extras such as cheese, bacon bits, croutons and fried chips that increase your calorie count.

Opt for Grilled Food

Avoid food items like fried and breaded foods, such as crispy chicken sandwiches and breaded fish fillets. They are high in fat and calories. Instead, select grilled or roasted lean meats such as turkey or chicken breast, lean ham, or lean roast beef.

Do it Your Way

Go for healthier options and substitutions. For example, get reduced-fat mayonnaise or mustard on your sandwich. Request salsa along with your meal instead of shredded cheese and nacho cheese sauce. Try to avoid special dressings, tartar sauce, sour cream and other high-calorie condiments.

Watch What You Drink

Many beverages contain large number of calories. For example, a large soda of 32 ounces gives you about 400 calories. Instead of it, order diet soda, water, unsweetened iced tea, sparkling water or mineral water. Also, avoid shakes and other ice cream drinks, which can contain more than 1,000 calories.

» Filed Under Diet and Nutrition

Comments

Leave a Reply