Healthier Fast Food For The Family

With today's families always in the go, it is nearly impossible to not visit a fast food restaurant at least one time during the week. But, there are ways of eating at fast food restaurants without eating poorly. Here are a few tips to help busy families make wiser choices.

GOOD CHOICES:

Wheat Bread

1. Grilled chicken or fish
2. Whole Wheat Bread
3. Fruit or Fruit & Yogurt
4. Baked Potato w/veggies instead of butter, cheese or sour cream
5. Salad with fat-free dressing on the side
6. Low-fat deli sandwich on wheat bread or pita
8. Whole Wheat tortilla wraps minus the dressing
9. Water, milk or unsweetened teas

AVOID:

1. Chicken nuggets
2. Croissants or pastries of any type
3. Fried Fish or Fried Chicken sandwiches
4. French Fries or Onion Rings
5. Sauces such as mayo, special sauces, cheese, sour cream and guacamole
6. Soft drinks, sweetened teas or other high-calorie drinks

Try this sample meal plan for eating out during the week:

MONDAY- SUBWAY: turkey sub on whole wheat with all the veggies, no mayo or cheese, sliced apples and yogurt. 280 calories and 3.5 grams of fat for sandwich, 35 calories for apples, 80 calories for yogurt

TUESDAY- BURGER KING: Grilled Chicken Sandwich (no mayo or cheese) with apple slices or side salad (oil-based dressing). 360 calories and 7 grams of fat for sandwich, 100 calories for apple slices or 70 calories for side salad (plus dressing)

WEDNESDAY- CHIPOTLE: Many healthy options here. Just avoid high calorie and fat items like sour cream, cheese and surprisingly the chips. (They have nearly 600 calories per serving!)

THURSDAY- PIZZA NIGHT: 1 slice of veggie thin crust pizza is only about 250 calories and around 8 grams of fat. Add a side salad with an oil-based dressing to balance the meal and remember not to eat the entire pizza yourself!

FRIDAY- WENDY'S: Several options here including the grilled chicken wraps for around 250 calories, garden side salad for around 200 calories (plus dressing) or a small chili for around 220 calories.

SATURDAY/SUNDAY- If you plan on eating out at a "finer" restaurant, look for fish or chicken that is baked or broiled instead of fried, avoid sauces or creams, opt for steamed veggies over other sides such as mashed potatoes or mac and cheese and SKIP THE BREAD!

One of the best tools to use when looking for healthier choices in fast food is online! Visit the website of your favorite restaurant and look up your normal food purchases. The calories and fat may surprise you!

Healthier Fast Food For The Family

Cindy Hamilton has been writing about health and nutrition since 2007 and is the creator of http://www.family-health-and-nutrition.com. In 2009, Family Health and Nutrition was named one of the 100 best blogs for healthy parents by onlinenursingprogram.com and in 2010 was named #32 of the 100 best health websites by AboutUs.com.

Hamilton holds a Bachelor Of Science degree from Capital University in Columbus, Ohio.

Friends Link : le creuset enameled cast iron 9 skillet