Eat Healthy with Fast Food

It is difficult to determine what is actually healthy at fast food chains without viewing the nutritional facts. In fact, even this information is lacking and can be misleading. Let's assume the worst; which is factual based on the latter of cases. Unfortunately, my diet regime consists of low-fat meals every 2-3 hours throughout the day and time for healthy cooking is scarce. On more than one occasion, I find myself resorting to local fast food chains and staring dumbfoundingly at the menu like a cow looking for water in the desert. Let's see what we can discover about certain items at specific chains.

#1. Subway: Subway is by far the most ideal fast food chain for health conscious eaters. They have low calorie meals for those wanting to lose weight. They have high protein; low-fat meals for those wanting to gain muscle mass. They live by their motto of "eat fresh, live green" and the sandwiches are great! If Jared can do it, so can you! Enough said.

#2. As I drive through the North Las Vegas district I am noticing Jack in the Box, Sonic, KFC, and of course McDonalds. El Pollo Loco is a chain that I have never experienced before and I think, how bad chicken can be for you. After pulling up the menu back in the office, I notice the American Heart Association recommended a few of the products. For one, those with high protein diets can get a skinless chicken breast and some Mexican rice. They also have fresh vegetables and garden salads for those with a desire to lose weight. The one thing I stress the most to individuals who drive through any fast food chain and think that by getting the salad they are eating healthy is that YOU ARE NOT. Some of these greens may be low in caloric intake, but throw some cheese and dressing on top and you may be adding roughly 20 grams of fat to your body. If you get a salad with intentions on losing weight, please get some fat free dressing. But back to "The Crazy Chicken;" heck, if its lunch throw in some carbohydrates like potatoes and chips w/ salsa.

#3. McDonalds: Before I am lynched, please know the only reason I include McDonalds on this list is because many small towns will not have the same choices larger cities provide; but they will have McDonalds! So let's point out a few selections that are aren't so critical. For breakfast, an English muffin with some jam or hotcakes with the minimal amount of syrup will suffice. For lunch and dinner, a salad with low-fat or Italian dressing is about what we are limited to. Even a hamburger or a wrap will include at least 10 grams of fat. Please know that you can get the 96/4 ground beef at Wal-Mart with some Potato Buns to make your own burger for roughly half of the miniature McDonalds order.

To conclude, it is not impossible but I can imagine how limited some areas are. I live in one of the largest cities in the world, and I am better off going to the grocery store and buying some canned foods, etc. Either bring your lunch or resort to such.....Just some food for thought.

McDonalds Nutrition Facts: Retrieved Oct 26, 2009 from http://nutrition.mcdonalds.com/nutritionexchange/nutrition_facts.html