How to Make Healthy Choices at Fast Food Restaurants

Two hamburgers and fries on a table.

Making the best healthy food choices at fast-food restaurants depends on a lot more than taste. You should also take into consideration health conditions and dietary restrictions. Your doctor should be your first source of information about the best foods for you to eat. They will know what you should definitely avoid, what you can eat in moderation, and what you can partake of freely. Of course, most doctors will tell you to avoid fast food altogether. On the occasions when you do go out for fast food, the following should help.

  1. People with cholesterol problems would want to avoid higher fat meats, cheeses, and desserts. Salads are a good choice, except most are pre-made with cheese. Check the nutrition facts and pick the best option.
  2. Diabetics want to avoid high carbohydrate choices. You can get sandwiches without the bun at almost any fast food restaurant these days. The overall best bet for diabetics is salads. Be sure to check the nutrition fact, because some places put starchy substances in salads that will make your blood sugar spike.
  3. If you are following a low-fat diet, and you have no other health problems, you have more choices. A lot of fast-food chains have numerous low-fat items on the menu, even desserts.
  4. No one should drink regular soda! It is just empty calories and sugar. If you want a soft drink, choose a diet variety. Another good choice for many is low-fat milk. Just remember if you have cholesterol problems or diabetes, milk might not be the best option. Water is the overall best bet.

As you can see there are a few things that are standard across the board. Salads are a good choice for almost anyone, and you should always check the nutrition facts. If you watch just these few things you can eat at fast-food restaurants and not blow your diet or damage your health.

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