Healthy fast food is very rare to find. You can find a few options of food that are less unhealthy than typical foods at fast food restaurants, but if you are concerned with your health, you should avoid fast food restaurants as much as possible. The main issue of most fast food restaurants is that they serve food that is low in quality and nutrition and high in artificial ingredients and saturated fats.
Salad
Salads are available at many fast food restaurants. Raw vegetables offer many vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to strengthen your immune system. This is especially important for seniors, who have weaker immune systems because of their age. Seniors can especially benefit from the nutrient-rich vegetables like carrots and broccoli. Avoid partially hydrogenated oils, artificial flavors or colors and egg-based creamy dressings, which the EPA advises seniors not to eat. Ask for an oil and vinegar dressing or use fresh squeezed lemons, which are usually near the iced tea dispensers.
Wraps and Sandwiches
Wraps are found at some fast food restaurants, especially those that sell submarine sandwiches. Choose a whole-grain option whether it is a wrap or sandwich. According to Tufts University, seniors have a modified food pyramid that recommends whole-grains as the largest part of a senior diet. The fiber in whole-grains can especially help senior to activate their intestines to prevent constipation and keep their bowel movements regular. Choose sandwiches primarily stuffed with vegetables. If you must eat fast food meat, eat grilled chicken, but avoid processed meat like deli slices, hot dogs or sausage, because they may cause a bacterial infection in seniors.
Yogurt Parfait
Yogurt is a probiotic, so it promotes good or friendly intestinal bacteria, which keep your digestion healthy. Probiotics balance the unhealthy bacteria in your intestines, which is especially important if you take antiobiotics. According to the National Center of Complementary and Alternative Medicine, antibiotics can kill both bad and good bacteria. I you have an overgrowth of unhealthy bacteria, you may develop yeast overgrowth issues like candida albicans. Yogurt parfait with fresh berries and granola is sold at some fast food establishments and is a good alternative to fast food ice cream shakes, unhealthy desserts or greasy breakfasts.
Smaller Meals
A major issue in fast food dining is that the food is so cheap that people tend to buy and consume much more than their body needs. Overeating, even when eating healthy food, can lead to digestive issues and weight gain.
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