Can You Still Eat Well With Fast Food?

The truth is, fast food menus are tricky to navigate when you’re watching your weight or your health.

Although finding a nutritious meal in fast food restaurants can be a challenge, there are usually hidden healthy options within the menu. Still, if you are eating regularly at fast food restaurants, this may impede on your ability to follow a healthy diet.

When you’re hungry and on the run, fast food is the most convenient, as it’s cheap, quick and tasty. However, it’s generally high in saturated fat, sodium and calories, and tends to have a low nutritive value.

The key to eating well with fast food depends on what you order. Just remember that even the healthiest fast food options still don’t meet most nutritional requirements, so it’s important not to keep fast food a regular habit.

Fast food restaurants such as Oporto and McDonald's usually provide a few healthy options such as a grilled chicken salad or a wholemeal wrap. Even Subway has super healthy options, with a variety of vegetables to add into your foot-long.

It’s important to keep your entire meal to 500 calories or less. Most fast food outlets post nutritional info both on their websites and at the store. It’s crucial to review this information before making an order; this is one way to make sure you’re eating well with fast food.

Furthermore, make sure you choose foods that are lower in fat and higher in protein and fibre.

You should also monitor your sodium intake and your portion size by avoiding ‘supersized’ items. For example, go for the smallest size burger, with only one patty, to avoid unnecessary calories and fats.

Be careful with your side options, as this can be what tips your fast food meal into the ‘unhealthy’ category. Avoid fries and instead of soda have water. Also, order grilled or roasted lean meats as they are healthier, with not much fat compared to fried chicken.

Who says you can't make a few substitutions to your order to make it healthier? Don’t be afraid to make some changes; in fact some fast food restaurants even encourage this. Changing something as small as the type of bread for your hamburger could make all the difference; try whole grain instead of white bread, for instance.

Overall, you’re the only one who can determine if you can eat well with fast food, because it comes down to how much you order and what you order. If you start monitoring what you order in the ways mentioned above, fast food won’t be an overly unhealthy option.

So, what are you eating today?

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