Many fast food menus deserve the reputation they have for offering unhealthy options but if you know what to look for, there are many healthy choices available. Before ordering a meal at your favorite fast food restaurant, read the nutrition guides for the various menu items. These guides are sometimes available online and can be printed out or downloaded to any computer. This is something that is extremely important for people suffering with heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease and other medical conditions aggravated by poor eating habits. Nonprofit organizations maintain websites with valuable information about healthy eating choices. Once you have the information you need, you will be able to find restaurants that offer healthy menu options.
Even if you fail to plan, there are healthy choices for you to make. Someone who wants to consume healthy foods should stay away from the salad topped with a dressing high in fat. The better choice is a salad made with grilled protein, fresh vegetables and a light dressing.
How to Order Healthy Meals
Managing portion size is the key to eating healthy.
Most fast food places sell a single serving meal that has enough food for at least two people.
Items to avoid when choosing from the menu:
-Never super size your portions. The smaller size is enough for one person. Many large servings are big enough for two meals.
--Another tip that can help you is to take half home or divide the portion with a dining partner.
--Avoid foods heavy with salt or sodium content. Fast food places tend to be very high in sodium, which is a major contributor to high blood pressure and other problems. No need to add more salt since it is literally inside many products already. (Beware of high sodium soups for example.)
-Do not order menu items made with bacon. While flavorful, bacon is high in calories and fat while offering hardly any nutritional value. Tomatoes, pickles, onions and other vegetables add just as much flavor and contain no fat.
--Don't make All You Can Eat Buffets a regular thing. You'll likely somewhat overeat just to get your money's worth. If you do choose buffet dining, opt for fresh fruits, steamed vegetables, salads with olive oil & vinegar or low-fat dressings, broiled entrees, and seafood like crab or shrimp is very good.
Now let's give you a few positive things that you can remember to do when dining with Fast Food:
- Carefully read the menu and analyze the ingredients. Order a meal of lean meat and fresh vegetables. Do not order anything breaded, deep-fried or smothered in a creamy sauce.
- Drink water with the meal instead of a soda or milkshake. Unsweetened iced tea with lemon is another good choice. Some people flavor their water with lemon to make it more palatable.
Once you know more about the calorie content of different foods, you will be able to make healthy choices from any menu automatically without even thinking about it. Become informed about the calorie and fat content of dressings, cheese, sauces and different condiments. Ask for sauces on the side so you have control over how much you consume. Some items may be acceptable choices if served without the usual unhealthy toppings or sauces. One mistake many people make is rushing through a meal. The stomach is actually full for quite some time before the brain receives signals that allow you to perceive you are full. Enjoying your meal slowly and chewing your food completely helps improve digestion. A leisurely meal makes you feel satisfied after you eat instead of stuffed.
Even if you fail to plan, there are healthy choices for you to make. Someone who wants to consume healthy foods should stay away from the salad topped with a dressing high in fat. The better choice is a salad made with grilled protein, fresh vegetables and a light dressing.
How to Order Healthy Meals
Managing portion size is the key to eating healthy.
Most fast food places sell a single serving meal that has enough food for at least two people.
Items to avoid when choosing from the menu:
-Never super size your portions. The smaller size is enough for one person. Many large servings are big enough for two meals.
--Another tip that can help you is to take half home or divide the portion with a dining partner.
--Avoid foods heavy with salt or sodium content. Fast food places tend to be very high in sodium, which is a major contributor to high blood pressure and other problems. No need to add more salt since it is literally inside many products already. (Beware of high sodium soups for example.)
-Do not order menu items made with bacon. While flavorful, bacon is high in calories and fat while offering hardly any nutritional value. Tomatoes, pickles, onions and other vegetables add just as much flavor and contain no fat.
--Don't make All You Can Eat Buffets a regular thing. You'll likely somewhat overeat just to get your money's worth. If you do choose buffet dining, opt for fresh fruits, steamed vegetables, salads with olive oil & vinegar or low-fat dressings, broiled entrees, and seafood like crab or shrimp is very good.
Now let's give you a few positive things that you can remember to do when dining with Fast Food:
- Carefully read the menu and analyze the ingredients. Order a meal of lean meat and fresh vegetables. Do not order anything breaded, deep-fried or smothered in a creamy sauce.
- Drink water with the meal instead of a soda or milkshake. Unsweetened iced tea with lemon is another good choice. Some people flavor their water with lemon to make it more palatable.
Once you know more about the calorie content of different foods, you will be able to make healthy choices from any menu automatically without even thinking about it. Become informed about the calorie and fat content of dressings, cheese, sauces and different condiments. Ask for sauces on the side so you have control over how much you consume. Some items may be acceptable choices if served without the usual unhealthy toppings or sauces. One mistake many people make is rushing through a meal. The stomach is actually full for quite some time before the brain receives signals that allow you to perceive you are full. Enjoying your meal slowly and chewing your food completely helps improve digestion. A leisurely meal makes you feel satisfied after you eat instead of stuffed.
About the Author:
Looking to find which foods contain antioxidants, then visit Michael Edgar to find the best best vitamin supplements for you.
No comments:
Post a Comment