You’ve probably heard it said a million times before: fast food is poison…it’s largely responsible for America’s growing obesity problem…it’s completely incompatible with a healthy lifestyle. By and large, these things are all true. As a society, we have supersized our way into an epidemic of obesity, cancer, heart disease, diabetes and a variety of other ailments. In America, beach season is looking more and more like beached whale season as scads of increasingly gelatinous citizens take to the shores in tiny bikinis that can scarcely be seen beneath massive rolls of hanging fat.
And of course, we’re all to blame. Sometimes fast food is just easier. It’s certainly less expensive than casual dining establishments, and cleanup is as simple as sliding a tray into a trashcan at a downward slant. And then there are those times when fast food is unavoidable: you’re late for work and can’t find the time to scrounge together a balanced breakfast; or you’re with your friends on a Saturday afternoon and your travels inevitably lead you to the local Burger King.
Fortunately, the fast food industry is starting (and I do mean starting) to get wise to America’s increasing health concerns. Taco Bell, for instance, has unveiled what they refer to as their Fresco menu, eliminating fatty sauces and cheeses; McDonalds has introduced a variety of salads, fruit options and grilled chicken meals; Burger King carries the BK veggie (a meatless hamburger) and Subway prides themselves on their low fat/low calorie options.
So how can you partake of the fast food giant without becoming a giant yourself? Here are a few tips:
1) Skip the sugary sodas with all of their empty calories, and opt instead for diet cola, iced tea (sans sugar) or water.
2) Pay attention to the numbers. With new legislation requiring restaurants to post their nutrition info, this is easier than ever. You might be amazed by the fat/cholesterol/calorie content of some of your favorite items. For example, did you know that a 5-piece order of Chicken Selects Premium Breast Strips from McDonalds contains 55 grams of fat?
3) Avoid anything fried and go easy on the red meat. Grilled chicken, fish and vegetarian options are best.
4) See if the restaurant has any healthier alternatives to French fries, such as apple wedges or a garden salad.
5) Sometimes even small things, like eliminating cheese or sour cream, can make a huge difference.
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