Healthy Food

By T Hunt

Healthy eating in fast food restaurants used to be a complete myth, but not anymore. Many restaurant chains and establishments have become aware of the fact that they don't have to sacrifice nutritional value just for taste and quick service. Especially nowadays when consumers, such as yourself, are starting to feel the need to trim down that bulging belly and eat responsibly to lead longer, healthier lives.

Fast food has played a big part in our society - from actual branding and popularity to the burger and fries staples you indulge on to satisfy your cravings. Undoubtedly, it has served its purpose well. However, healthy eating has suffered greatly as a result, and all that has to change.

Avoiding burgers and pizza is hard, particularly if you've made it a part of your daily routine. So, as a compromise, or at least to get you started off on the right foot, there are certain things you can do to make sure you decrease your dependence on fast food.

1. Do your research. If you find yourself ordering food from a particular restaurant more than others, it would be best if you really got familiar with all the food options they offer. This includes all of their best-selling food items to sides, condiments, and, yes, even add-ons. That way, if you really feel the urge to drive-thru or are running late for a meeting and need to grab a quick bite on the way, you can still experience healthy eating by opting for the least sinful items on the menu.

2. Avoid fried foods. Fast food restaurants typically use hydrogenated oils made from animal or vegetable fat. This type of oil is simply more economical, practical, and easier to store. Even so, studies have shown that they pose several adverse effects on consumers. Cardiovascular disease, increase in blood pressure and clotting, and inflammatory conditions, just to name a few.

Some establishments have announced that they've switched to using non-hydrogenated soy or corn oil blends. So if you can, avoid fried fast foods altogether, limit your intake, or do your research and go for fast food joints that make use of non-hydrogenated cooking oil to ensure healthy eating.

3. Sauce it down. Sometimes, even when you order the leanest, least fried piece of meat, you get just the same amount of fat and sodium, if not more, from the sauce your burger or salad comes with. Creamy, thick sauces like gravy and salad dressings are the worst because they hide around 100 calories and at least 10 to 15 grams of fat per serving. Condiments, too, are no exemption. A packet of ketchup would have around 125mg of sodium, and that's a lot coming from such a small package.

Next time you feel like indulging in these flavorful add-ons, try to use it sparingly; just enough to give your food a nice kick. For healthy eating, opt for the vinaigrette on your salads.

4. Go for a cold glass of H20. You know you're already treating yourself to yummy fast food, so for your beverage, skip on the soda and the sweetened iced tea.

5. Pile on the veggies. Instead of adding extra cheese, egg, pickles, bacon, or mayo, why not go for other healthier yet equally tasty and filling options like lettuce, tomatoes, mushrooms, avocados, and onions. One bite and you'll surely enjoy your burger or pizza just as much.

There are many other ways for you to enjoy healthy eating at your favorite restaurant. But these 5 easy tips will definitely help you get started.