If you must eat fast food

I cannot advocate eating fast food, but I know we all have cravings for cheap, greasy fast food. I found an article on real simple.com that outlined the typical foods we consume at fast food chains. I wanted to go through the top 5 fast food restaurants and give suggestions on what is your best bet.

1. Wendy‘s

Instead of ordering a loaded baked potato (bacon, sour cream, butter), opt for a baked potato topped with broccoli, chili and chives. It is filling, has loads of fiber, and has a mere 370 calories and 3 grams of fat. Add a glass of 1 percent reduced-fat chocolate milk to satisfy a sweet tooth.

2. Taco Bell

Always choose soft tortillas over crunchy.

Try the fresco style which replaces a dish’s normal sauce and cheese with fresh salsa. Loading up on salsa instead of cheese and other sauces can save you hundreds of calories and 10 or more grams of fat. The fresco style tastes fresh and has cilantro, which is delicious.

 

3. Subway

I thought tuna was always a good choice, but I was wrong. It is loaded with mayonnaise, which is very fattening and loaded with cholesterol. Try a veggie or turkey sandwich and order it on a wheat roll.

 

4. McDonald’s

It’s all about the sauce or dressing here. If you purchase chicken nuggets, pick barbecue sauce over ranch. You save 345 calories. A better choice is always a salad, but make sure you order yours with low-fat balsamic vinaigrette.

 

5. Burger King

If you must have a burger, order a hamburger from the kid’s menu and a side salad.

If you can do without the beef, order a grilled chicken sandwich with extra lettuce and vegetables.