In the past, I have disagreed with some of the food-related lists that MSN has put forth and their latest addition is no exception. They put together a list of 15 tips to stay on a diet at fast food restaurants, most of which suggest things like choosing a smaller portion size or sharing desserts, fries, etc. with a friend. And one of their most important tips is to "limit your visits to fast-food restaurants to no more than twice a week," which is still quite a few visits, to say nothing of the fact that it assumes that you already visit three or more times per week.
It's not that their tips are bad, just overly obvious or repetitive. For example, if you're eating at a fast food restaurant every other day, it's pretty safe to say that your diet has a lot of room for improvement. The tips can be streamlined into a much shorter list:
- Cut back fast food visits to occasional meals, once or twice a month - especially if you like fried fish, chicken or french fries from fast food joints.
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Take MSN's suggestion and never up-size a meal. You can always grab a (healthier) snack later if you get hungry.
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Skip the bacon, cheese and anything else that is obviously unhealthy (including mayo and "secret sauce") and get your burgers relatively plain, or with extra "salad" toppings. And while you're at it, skip the actual salads, especially the dressings or any of the fried toppings, like croutons or crispy noodles.
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If you have to eat fast food more frequently (for any reason), try to pick healthier restaurants that provide you with nutritional info up front (like Subway) and identify healthy options.
Taking all the fun out of fast food? Well, if you only go once a month (or less), you can get that bacon cheeseburger without the guilt because it becomes a once-a-month treat, and not a regular part of your diet.
May is National BBQ Month and National Hamburger Month
Cupcakes, not for dessert (unless beef is your idea of a treat)
Because eating French Fries in the car is so tough
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
7-27-2006 @ 10:29AM
Beth said...
While everyone is over commenting on the McD's story, I'll put my two cents in here. I really like the salads at Wendy's. I do take MSN's advice and only dip in the dressing one forkfull at at time. The salads are always fresh, and quite large for the price. Most of them are a good alternative, with the exception of the taco salad. (no I don't work for wendy's!!)
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7-27-2006 @ 12:22PM
amanda said...
I think portion sizes in the U.S. are completely out of control and many (most?) people are delusional when it comes to having an accurate idea of how much they are actually consuming. BUT at the same time, I think "fast casual" restaurants are often even worse than fast food because people think they're eating healthy - I'm talking about Cosi, Panera, Chipotle, etc. And places like TGI Fridays and Chilis are terrible for you as well. At least McDonalds lets me have smaller options - a happy meal really isn't a bad lunch option compared to the gigantic portion you get almost anywhere else. The Weight Watchers point system provides an easy way to compare foods. Looking on a site like Dotti's Weight Loss Zone http://www.dwlz.com is a great way to easily and quickly compare different restaurants. At a place like McDonalds or Taco Bell, I feel completely in control. I know the number of points for the different items and I do feel like I have choices. And sometimes that's better than the unknown that is my local deli or teriyaki joint.
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7-27-2006 @ 12:45PM
MJ said...
I think if you are on a low calorie diet you should stay out of the fast food places. They trick peoples with those salads. I got a calorie chart for fastfoods and was amazed at the stuff I thought was healthy and lowfat. Instead of the salad just order adn burger and fries! Same calories..............
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7-27-2006 @ 5:55PM
calamari said...
That kind of list is simply a thinly veiled promotion for fast food. It holds out the hope that eating fat-laden treats is compatible with losing weight, thus keeping people fat, thus continuing a market for articles on how to diet while eating fat-laden treats.
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7-28-2006 @ 1:00AM
thefishie said...
To keep an eye out on the fast food places and what I'm eating I downloaded the nutritional info from the majority of the fast food restaurants I visit somewhat regularly. Most large chains have the info on their website, although you might have to look a bit.
From those you can take a quick glance before you go and know before you get there what are your best choice(s).
It is surprising how often the small burger is lower in calories/fat than their highly touted as healthy salads.
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