Choosing Healthier 

         Fast food 

Fast food can be a healthy choice if you know what to look for.  When ordering at your favorite eating place remember the guidelines listed below.  And if you have the will power to follow through, with a little bit of effort; you can ensure that the fast-food meals you choose will fall within a healthy dietary plan.

Follow these fat-sensible tips when selecting your fast-food alternatives

•    Avoid “value-size” servings that allow you to choose greater portions of food for a somewhat higher price.  Order smaller portions such as ala’ carte rather than a meal; or if allowed, order from the children’s menu.  Super-sizing a food item as you might expect increases the quantity of fat, trans fat, added sugars, sodium, and calories you consume.
•     Exclude the sides that are typically deep-fried.  For a healthier side dish, order a side salad, yogurt, or a fruit cup. Use a napkin to absorb the oil if you can only order fried items.
•     Find out the nutritional content of fast-food items by visiting the chain’s web site to discover the healthiest choices.  Most restaurants have this information near the counter or offer it in pamphlet form.
•     Select a baked potato over french fries, perhaps topped with vegetables.  And try using fat-free or low-fat sour cream or margarine instead of ordinary butter, sour cream, or cheese.
•     Choose sliced turkey or a veggie sandwich.  Consider sandwiches made of chicken or fish that are grilled, baked, or broiled.  Over and over again they are a much healthier choice than breaded or fried, and usually significantly leaner than the meats used in most burgers.
•      A usual white bun which has little nutritional value, try ordering your sandwich with a wheat or whole grain bun in its place; as some restaurants do have them available.  In addition many restaurants offer wraps and pita bread; and these are healthy choices as well.
•   Hold the mayonnaise and other calorie clogged sandwich sauces (for example secret sauce or special sauces).  Order pickles, onions, lettuce, tomatoes, mustard, and ketchup instead to add flavor without fat.  In addition you may consider asking for condiments on the side.
•   If the restaurant has a salad bar, fill your plate with fresh fruits and vegetables.  Look for low-fat or fat-free dressings.  Hold off on the bacon bits, cheese, and croutons.
•   Resist ordering sandwiches with double meat and cheese.  Stop adding bacon to sandwiches, because it’s high in fat and calories, and has very few nutrients.
•   Drink water, non sweetened tea, diet soda, skim or low-fat milk with your meal instead of regular sodas or milkshakes; which are loaded with sugars and empty calories.
• Refrain from eating meals or drinking beverages late at night or right before going to sleep.

   You can eat healthy, no matter where you are!