Have you ever wondered how many calories and fat grams are in the number five value meal you order three times a week? Would knowing exactly what you are eating help you make better choices? With over 100 billion dollars spent annually on fast food, and links between fast food consumption and obesity, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration encourages consumers to learn about fast food nutrition content. As long as you plan ahead, finding nutrition information on fast food products is easy. Along with self-control, fast food nutrition knowledge can help you make healthier choices without giving up on eating out altogether.
Step 1
Visit the fast food restaurant's website. Recent legislation requires restaurants' cooperation in posting all nutrition information online.
Step 2
Look at the option bar at the top or side of the home page. Generally, nutrition information will be listed under a specific nutrition section or under the food section.
Step 3
Locate the product of interest. Some websites have drop-down menus to choose from that are divided into salads, fries, sandwiches and so forth, while others list all foods and corresponding information.
Step 4
Identify the nutrient(s) of interest. You may be attempting to lower cholesterol levels, and thus will check saturated fat and cholesterol content. Or you may be focused on weight loss, and evaluating protein, calorie and/or fiber content.
Step 5
Browse through other choices and find a healthier alternative. Try choosing a lower-calorie, higher-fiber, lower-fat or higher-protein option. Opt to order a smaller meal and choose a healthier side. Some websites allow you to create a meal in which you choose multiple items and the nutrient information is automatically calculated for the entire meal.
Step 6
Order the healthier choice. It is easy to find the better choice online and mentally commit to choosing it the next time you're in the restaurant; however, actually ordering it may be more difficult. Stick to your commitment to better health and do not deviate from the healthier choice.
Tips and Warnings
- If you do not have Internet access or are unable to plan ahead, most fast food restaurants have the nutrition facts on site. The information may be posted on the wall or hiding under the tray covers. Before ordering, ask the closest associate where the nutrition facts are located. Fast food nutrition information books are available at bookstores and online. Due to constant fast food menu additions, these books may not always be completely up-to-date. However, they do contain basic menu items and associated nutrition information. Most are small and can fit into a purse or glove box for easy access. Some food journal websites also contain fast food nutrition information.
- Smaller, family-owned fast food restaurants may not have nutrition information available.
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