Over 25,000 fast food chains exist in the United States, reports The Healthy Eating Guide website. This makes fast food easy and convenient, in addition to typically being inexpensive. The problems with these benefits are that fast food is a contributing factor to some health problems. If you chose your meals wisely and do not eat fast food too often, you can find healthy fast food options that don't contribute to health problems.
Limit the Size
The high calorie content of many fast food meals can contribute to unwanted weight gain. By picking smaller fast food meal options, you can cut out extra calories. Always pick the smallest fast food meal, no matter how little it will cost you to upgrade to the next size. Or, you can skip the meal deal entirely, forgoing the side and drink for simply a sandwich and water. Pick a meal from the kids menu for a more reasonably proportioned option.
Ask For
Take your own steps to make fast food healthier. Ask for mayonnaise and high-calorie dressings to be removed. Limit your saturated fat and cholesterol intake by asking to have the sour cream and cheese removed. Always avoid bacon. Bacon is high in unhealthy fats and calories and contains very little nutritional value. Have your burgers wrapped in a piece of lettuce or a whole grain bun instead of a bun made of refined grains. Substitute fries for healthier sides such as apples or broccoli.
Healthier Fast Food Options
Subway and Quiznos offer an assortment of healthy low-calorie sandwiches and you can easily ask for unhealthy items to be left off of the sandwich. Taco Bell has a fresco menu that offers healthier options than their traditional menu. According to the Real Simple website, the salsa that is substituted for cheese on Taco Bell's fresco foods can decrease your fat intake by at least 10 g when compared to other menu options. Burger King offers a vegan-friendly veggie burger, labeled the BK Veggie.
According to "Health Magazine," Panera Bread, Jason's Deli, Au Bon Pain, Noodles and Company, Corner Bakery Cafe, Chipotle, Atlanta Bread, McDonalds, Einstein Bros. Bagels and Taco Del Mar are some of the healthiest fast food places.
Cautions
Fast food is one of the common sources of trans fat. Trans fat, even when consumed in small amounts, can contribute to an increased risk of heart disease even greater than saturated fat can. Trans fats cause your LDL, or bad cholesterol, to increase, while causing your HDL, or good cholesterol, to decrease. Therefore, when eating fast food it is important to find trans fat-free options.
Also, some fast food items will add a considerable amount of saturated fat to your diet. Limiting these items can be beneficial to your overall health. Foods that often contain high amounts of saturated fat include beef, fried meats and french fries.
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