Westerners have drastically increased their dependence on fast food over the last 50 years. Fast food has become a staple of the American diet as two-income households have emerged as the primary family structure. Many fast foods are loaded with sodium, saturated fats and calories. Recent legislation requires fast food chains with at least 20 units to provide nutritional information to customers, which makes researching nutritional information a much simpler process.
Access Online Nutritional Data
Step 1
Visit the fast food restaurant's website. Many fast food chains provide complete nutritional data via a web page or a PDF, or portable document file.
Step 2
Click on the link pointing to the website's nutritional page, or download the PDF "Nutritional Information" file.
Step 3
Review the web page or PDF document containing the nutritional information. This document will disclose calorie counts, fat content and other nutritional information related to menu items.
Obtain Nutritional Data From the Chain Itself
Step 1
Visit one of the fast food chain's restaurants in person. Ask the manager at the fast food restaurant for a nutritional information pamphlet. Large fast food restaurant chains are legally required to provide this information upon request.
Step 2
Review the physical nutritional information document. Like website-based documents, a physical document will provide you with information related to fat, calories, sodium and other components of menu items.
Step 3
Use the information to compare the most nutritious foods with the unhealthiest ones. Look up the calorie, fat, sodium and sugar content of the foods you consume most often at that chain.
Tips and Warnings
- Look for menu items that are lower in calories, saturated fats and trans fats. These items represent healthier choices that can can help you enjoy the convenience of fast foods without loading up on items that are harmful to your health.
- Avoid independent and small fast food restaurants. Restaurant chains with fewer than 20 locations are not required to provide nutritional information.
Things You'll Need
- Computer
- Internet access
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