As much as you might try to avoid it, fast food often presents itself as the only option during particularly hectic days. Instead of banning these quickie restaurants, Weight Watchers provides guidance for the dieter trying to make sense out of this maze of unhealthy food choices. Luckily, most national fast food chains supply nutritional information. You can still apply the Weight Watchers point system when navigating the fast food landscape.
Better Burgers
According to the Weight Watchers Fast Food Survival Guide, if you must eat a burger, go for a plain, regular-size burger. McDonald's, Burger King and Wendy's small, unadorned burgers range from 5 to 7 points. For men, or anyone with a larger appetite, opt for a quarter-pound burger without cheese and fatty mayonnaise dressings. Points for quarter-pound burgers from the big three burger chains vary from 9 to 11, depending on your condiment choices. Save additional points by ordering your burger without a bun and top it with greens from the salad bar. Dress the bunless creation with a low-fat dressing.
Alternatives to Fries
Fast food restaurants now offer healthier side options in addition to the traditional order of french fries or potato chips. Order a 5-point plain baked potato from Wendy's or substitute a 2-point bag of Baked Lay's BBQ potato chips at sandwich shops, such as Subway. Try one of these tasty options from two of the nation's biggest burger chains: McDonald's Apple Dippers with low-fat caramel sauce for 2 points or a Mandarin Orange Cup from Wendy's for 1 point.
Smart Drink Choices
Follow the advice of HelpGuide.org by drinking water with your fast food meal. Regular sodas and fountain drinks, such as cola and lemonade, can add on unnecessary points and calories. The Exercise 4 Weight Loss website says one small Coca-Cola or Minutemaid Lemonade equals 3 points. Try unsweetened iced tea, water or diet soft drinks for a 0-point thirst quencher.
Healthy Chicken
Resist the urge to splurge on fried chicken, whether in a bucket, on a sandwich or in a salad. Order grilled chicken menu items instead of high-fat, high-calorie fried versions. KFC offers grilled chicken options as do Chick-Fil-A, McDonald's, Burger King and Wendy's. At 7 points, Wendy's Ultimate Chicken Grill and Burger King's Tendergrill Chicken Sandwich provide two healthy chicken alternatives. If you cannot fight the temptation, satisfy your craving with a KFC extra crispy drumstick, corn on the cob and a side of green beans. This tasty fast food meal counts for only 6 points.
Salad Tips
Fast food chains have reacted to growing dietary and health concerns by adding ready-made salads and salad bars to their menus. Peer Trainer's website offers a nutritional breakdown of McDonald's salads. A 7.5 oz serving of McDonald's Caesar salad without chicken will only set you back 2 points and comes in at under 100 calories. Keep the calorie and point counts low by using low-fat dressings and limiting yourself to half the dressing in the container. Stay away from high-fat and high-calorie ingredients, such as croutons, cheese and fried chicken.
Member Comments