Considering fast food restaurants are economical, convenient, and in just about every major city you can think of, it’s easy to assume at one point or another we will dine at one. Therefore, it’s best to know which restaurants are really the healthiest choices.
While a large number of people prefer picking up coffee and a pastry for breakfast, or a burger at lunch, the decision doesn’t always have to include foods that are high in fat, cholesterol, or sodium.
As our overall objective is (or should be) to consume foods high in nutrition, choices are easier made when checking health and calorie guides showing meal selections and nutritional value. So take advantage of free calorie counters and downloadable food charts to help evaluate your options prior to eating out.
What are some of the healthiest fast food choices?
- Salads – No fried toppings, cheese or bacon, and low or fat free varieties, only
- Chicken – Roasted or grilled, only, in a salad or wrap (optional) and no sauce, dressings, or cheese
- Soups – Bean, vegetable, or chicken (no cream based)
- Baked potato – Plain with or without low fat sour cream
- Wraps – (Preferably) Whole wheat with grilled chicken or lean turkey
- Beans – With non-fried vegetables of any kind (including tomatoes, corn, carrots, etc.)
Unhealthy fast food choices:
- French fries or hash browns
- Deep fried foods (including seafood, chicken wings or nuggets, and sandwich patties)
- Large hamburgers and roast beef sandwiches (especially including cheese, mayonnaise, gravy, sauces or bacon)
- Biscuits, muffins, and cornbread (especially with butter)
- Macaroni & Cheese and any pasta side dish
- Desserts and milkshakes
Why is fast food so unhealthy?
There are three reasons fast foods are so unhealthy. This includes food preparation, portions, and ingredients. As frying seems to be the method of choice in preparing the main course, it adds more fat and calories than grilling, roasting, baking or steaming. Additionally, one portion is large enough for two people and contains calories that will cover two days worth of meals. Lastly, with all of the toppings loaded with extremely high calories it’s impossible to lose or control weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
The good news is you can take caution when choosing to eat out, especially with concerns of high blood pressure, heart health, weight loss, or diabetes. The use of good judgment will help to avoid consuming more calories with unhealthy additives.