Fast food is super-convenient, and if you’re looking for value and a quick bite, it’s pretty much unavoidable. In fact, 1 in 3 Americans eats fast food daily. But if you’re trying to eat healthier, you don’t have to completely rule fast food out as there are ways to make better choices at fast-food restaurants. Here are five things to consider when trying to eat healthily at fast-food restaurants.
Say No to Temptations
When you’re hungry, you don’t always make the best food choices. It’s important to not get distracted by the huge ads and to look at the entire menu. Try and avoid items describe as crispy, deluxe, and double and stick with options that are grilled.
Skip Salads
Salads are healthy, right? Wrong. At fast-food restaurants they’re often loaded with cheese, croutons, salad dressings, croutons, fried noodles, and bacon. You’re better off order something you actually want.
Be Careful With Toppings
Burgers and chicken aren’t unhealthy, but once you start loading on the mayo, barbecue sauce, honey mustard, and ranch they become packed with calories, sugar, fat, and sodium. Instead, ask for the condiments on the side and add garnishes like onions, salsa, tomatoes, mustard, mushrooms, lettuce, and peppers.
Avoid Sodas
Instead of soda—even diet—opt for seltzer, water, unsweetened ice tea, milk, or orange juice.
Pace Yourself
It’s easy to stuff yourself at restaurants and not realize when you’re full. It takes the brain 20 minutes to register feelings of fullness, so really savor each and every bite of your food.
