Eating at a fast food restaurant does not mean that you have to sacrifice your daily caloric goals. Calories vary widely among foods and establishments. Don't assume that a burger at McDonald's has the same number of calories as one at Burger King. For example, a burger at McDonald's contains 250 calories while a Burger King's Whopper Jr. contains 370 calories. Finding out nutritional information and making minor menu changes at fast food establishments makes it possible to eat a healthy amount of calories at each meal.
Caloric Information
Most fast food restaurants offer their nutritional information at the restaurant or on the restaurant's website. Some cities, such as New York, and states require fast food restaurants to post nutritional information in plain sight of customers. Checking nutritional information beforehand allows customers to make food choices that fit into their daily caloric budget. Some restaurants, such as McDonald's, post their nutritional information on the food's wrappers or boxes.
Modifications and Resources
Most restaurants have healthful options that include fruit, salads, nuts and protein shakes. McDonald's offers apples instead of fries in its Happy Meals; Subway offers raisins and apples. Drinking water with a meal can help cut back calories; a small Coke at McDonald's contains 150 calories--not an insignificant number. Several online programs and articles help consumers learn about calories in fast food. At Healthy Dining Finder, for example, you type in a location and the site suggests meals at nearby restaurants that are low in calories and are healthful.
Benefits
Fast food is inexpensive and quick; it provides meals for people with busy schedules. People can meet their daily caloric needs when they make healthy food choices at fast food restaurants. Many fast food places, like Boston Market, offer side items that include vegetables, which are lower in calories.
Concerns
Many fast food items are high in saturated fat, calories, cholesterol and sugar, which contribute to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and obesity. Knowing and choosing lower-calorie options lessens the risk. Some fast food items contain partially hydrogenated fat. Hydrogenated fat contains trans fat, which contributes to heart problems. Fast food meals tends to be high in sodium, which can lead to bloating and hypertension.
Informed Choices
Eating fast food wisely and sparingly will not destroy your healthy lifestyle or cause serious health concerns or weight gain. Make an informed decision to eat at a fast food restaurant, rather than an impulse or frantic stop. If you find yourself stopping for fast food more than you want to, travel with snacks so you will be prepared when you become hungry.
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