We all lead busy lives and finding time to eat properly can often be a challenge.
Could going to a fast-food restaurant in search of a nutritious, filling meal be a healthier option?
Maybe you have to take the kids to school, work eight hours a day, take the kids to after-school activities, go to the gym, and often that means finding food to eat.
Unless you’ve taken the time to prepare packed lunches (plus the kids!), chances are high that at some point or another you’ll find yourself heading to a fast-food restaurant.
Most people know that fast-food does not necessarily mean healthy food and that the normal fare served by these establishments are real diet and health busters. Huge burgers with cheese, bacon and dressing, fried chicken and steaks, pizzas loaded with cheese, burritos and tacos all washed down with large or extra large sodas and milkshakes.
Some foods can contain so much fat and sugar that a single serving will exceed your recommended daily intake for an entire day!
Now if you’re a healthy eater and frequent fast-food restaurants, the odd burger or slice of pizza isn’t going to hurt you. However, if like 40% of Americans, you consider the local fast-food outlet your second kitchen, it’s time to watch what you’re eating and get your health in check.
If you find yourself at a fast-food restaurant, careful choices and common sense can still mean getting a tasty, healthy meal. The best rule of thumb is to try to avoid any food in which calories from fat make up more than 30% of the entire product. To figure out this percentage, multiply the fat grams by nine (the total fat calories) and divide the result by the total calories.
Now, so you don’t have to bring a calculator with you every time you eat out, you can quickly get used to recognizing the types of foods and preparation methods that should be avoided. If a food has been breaded, fried or grilled several times, it is likely to be high in fat. Be aware that it is not only burgers, but also chicken and fish.
Many modern fast-food restaurants also have salad bars, so choose a fresh green salad with your main meal. But again be careful adding fattening extras like cheese, dressing and mayonnaise. A low-calorie dressing is the best option, if available.
Restaurants now provide nutritional information for their meals and foods, so health-conscious eaters or dieters can find out what’s in their food, as well as how many calories and fat they contain. If nutrition information is not clearly visible or is not available, do not hesitate to ask a member of staff as they will be able to provide it for you.
Eating on the run is something we can’t avoid at some point in our lives, but luckily we can make healthier choices instead of confining ourselves to fast-food restaurants.
Source by Jack Prime
