Another Reason to STOP Eating Fast Food

Families on budget and/or those who are living a frugal lifestyle don't eat at fast food restaurants very often. It can really add up if a family of four eats out even once a week it can run over $20-$25 dollars with even a minimum order.

As I sat in the doctor's office the other day I picked up a guide to nutrition and dietary exchanges for fast food booklet. Oh my gosh! No wonder America is experiencing an obesity epidemic!!!

I'm going to list just a few of the items available at some fast food restaurants in my area. I think you'll be shocked AND you may decide the fat and calories are another good reason NOT to eat fast food!

Arbys:

Regular Roast Beef Sandwich - 320 cal., 950 gm. sodium, 34 gms carbohydrates.

Think the Market Fresh Sandwiches are "healthier" than ordering from the regular menu?

Roast Turkey and Swiss Market Fresh Sandwich - 720 cal., 1790 gms. sodium, 74 grams. carbohydrates.

Think a salad would be a better option?

Santa Fe Salad - 490 cal., 1230 gm. sodium, 40 gms. carbohydrates (this is without tortilla chips or dressing! Dressing - 300 cal., Tortilla chips - 61 cal. - That brings total calories for this menu option to 851 calories!

Burger King:

Whopper Jr. w/Cheese - 430 cal., 770 gms. sodium, 32 gms. carbohydrates.

Whopper w/Cheese - 800 cal., 1450 gms. sodium, 53 gms. carbohydrates.

Chick-Fil-A

Chicken Sandwich - 410 cal., 1300 gms. sodium, 38 gms. carbohydrates.

Chargrilled Cool Wrap - 390 cal., 1020 sodium, 54 gms. carbohydrates.

McDonald's

Like to run through McDonald's drive-thru for a quick breakfast? You may want to grab a cereal or protein bar and piece of fruit instead!

Sausage Biscuit w/Egg - 500 cal., 1080 gms. sodium, 36 gms. carbohydrates.

The lunch menu is similar to others in terms of calories, sodium and carbs.

Quarter Pounder - 420 cal., 730 gms. sodium, 40 gms. carbohydrates.

Think switching to one of their salads is a wiser choice?

Caesar Salad w/Grilled Chicken w/o Dressing - 200 gal., 830 gms. sodium, 10 gms. carbohydrates; Caesar Dressing - 190 cal. 500 gm. sodium, 4 gms. carbohydrates.

Grand total: 390 cal., 1380 gms. sodium, 14 gms. carbohydrates.

Now be honest - you order fries with your burger, right? Those "value meals" are such a great deal!

French Fries (med./4oz.) - 380 cal., plus or minus.

I don't know about you, but I was almost sick reading these statistics! Without a thought it would be easy to consume a full day's calories and carbohydrates with one value meal (including drink) and a dessert item. If you eat a fast food breakfast and lunch -- you may want to increase your life insurance because you are headed for some major health issues!