Nutrition Facts of Your Favorite Fast Food Items

Fast food restaurants can offer a lot more than just a quick meal. They can load up your plate and your body with hundreds or even thousands of calories and unhealthy fats. In our fast paced society where there is just not enough time, we struggle to provide meals for ourselves and for our families. It is sometimes much easier and more convenient to stop on our way home to pick up a little something, then it is to prepare a meal that could take hours. Much has been written about unhealthy choices that people sometimes make and the price to your health that those choices can cost. With a little time and reading you can find good, healthy fare to eat that will be convenient and good for you. Most restaurants are happy to provide smart, healthy choices for their patrons along with the high calorie laden standards so often chosen. Obesity in our country is at an all time high and changes must be made not only for ourselves but for our children. I have listed a few of these foods to make your choices a bit easier.

McDonald's You can have your MckyDee's and still be happy when you choose wisely. A 'Premium Grilled Chicken Classic Sandwich' (without mayo) is only 370 calories with 4.5g.of fat along with 32g.of protein. There is also the 'Bacon Ranch Salad With Grilled Chicken' before the dressing that has only 260 calories and 9g. of fat and 33g. of protein. One more option would be the 'Caesar Salad With Grilled Chicken' also before the dressing is added. This will cost only 220 calories, 6g. of fat and give you a whopping 30g.of protein. Always ask to either leave off the dressing or at least have it on the side.

Burger King has it's 'Tendergrill Chicken Sandwich' without sauce for 400 calories,7g. of fat and 36 g. of protein.The new 'Angus Steak Burger' also comes without the bun, mayo or sauce for 270 calories,18g.of fat and 23g.of protein. They have a 'BK Veggie Burger' (without mayo) for 340 calories and only 8g.of fat. 'The Tendergrill Chicken Garden Salad' (without dressing of course) contains only 240 calories,9g.of fat and 33g. of protein.There is a BK Veggie Burger (without mayo) with 340 calories, 8g.fat and 23g.of protein. You may also order the side-salad which contains only 15 calories. You may add extras but the calories will begin to add up. You can order 'Ken's Light Italian Dressing' for an additional 120 calories, and 'Garlic Croutons' for 60 calories. Most big name facilities will also offer diet soda or bottled water for a drink choice.

Jack In The Box has some great choices for low cal- high quality meals. There is the 'Asian Chicken Salad' (no won-ton strips, please) With Almonds and Low fat Balsamic Dressing' for 290 calories and 12g.of fat and 19g.of protein. They have a great 'Chicken Sandwich' (without mayo), a side salad (no croutons) and Low-fat Balsamic Dressing for 410 calories,16g.fat and 18g.protein. One more choice is A 'Chicken Fajita Pita With Salsa' only 305 calories,10g.of fat and 23g.protein.

Arby's offers it's 'Regular Roast Beef Sandwich' for 320 calories,14g.fat and 21g.protein. They also have a "Martha's Vineyard Salad' with Light Buttermilk Dressing' for 277 cals. 8g.fat and 26g.protein. If you choose to do so you may also order their 'Medium Roast Beef Sandwich' that has a few more calories coming in at 415 calories.

Wendy's has a great healthy selection menu. You can order it's 'Ultimate Chicken grill Sandwich' with 370 calories,8g.fat and 33g.protein. They have a plain 'Baked Potato with Buttery Best Spread and a Side Salad with a fat free French dressing for 435 cal. Another option for that potato s to top it with Wendy's great low-cal chili. You can also order it's two quarter-pound 'Classic Singles without the bun or sauce toppings for a whopping 38g. of protein and 28g. fat. Children's Menu Choices at Wendy's will make you smile too. You can order your choice of a turkey and cheese sandwich or a ham and cheese sandwich with fruit on the side instead of fat laden fries. You can also replace the soda with low-fat milk, either chocolate or white.

Kentucky Fried Chicken offers it's 'Tender Roast Sandwich' without sauce of course, for 300 cals.37g.of protein. They have a 'Roasted Chicken Salad' (no sauce or croutons) with 220 cals. 8g.fat and 30g.of protein. This one sounds yummy though I have yet to try it, a 'Roasted BLT Salad', no dressing, 200cals. and 29g. of protein.

Carl's Jr. has a great BBQ Chicken Sandwich for 360 cals. or you may choose it's very popular 'Low Carb Six Million Dollar Burger' with no bun for 490 calories,6g.of fat and 33g. protein.

Remember when ordering out to leave off the dressings and cheeses or croutons. These really raise your calorie count. Use mustards and ketchup for flavor. Chicken and fish are great choices but only if they are grilled not breaded or deep-fried. Order your sandwich without cheese. Cheese adds many calories and unwanted fat to your diet. Opt instead for extra lettuce, onion, pickles and tomato slices. These are filling, low calorie and delicious. When you have the option, salads or soups without all of the extras are excellent choices to fill you up with few calories and not much fat. If what you want is not available at your local fast-food place, express your desires and needs to the store manager. In most instances they will be more than happy to accommodate you. Remember you can eat out with ease without all of the calories and the expanding waistline. The choice is yours.