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    Did you know...you can make your fast food meal healthier?

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    Editor | Jun 13 2024 - 3:09pm
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    Fast food chains are known for their cheap eats, great taste and unhealthy menus. Here are some tips to make your next visit to your favorite fast food chain a healthier one.

    1. Reconsider fried. Any food with the word "fried" or "crispy" in it puts you at a greater risk for heart disease and high blood cholesterol. This includes chicken nuggets, French fries, popcorn shrimp, etc. (You know.. the good stuff!)These are probably the foods we love the most, and rather than saying ‘no’ all the time, try eating foods that are baked, broiled, grilled, roasted, steamed or poached instead for a healthier alternative whenever you can. Even saying “no” half the time can help your heart health!

    2. Choose a healthier side dish. Many of your favorite fast food chains are now offering healthier side dish options. Instead of French fries, try a baked potato (with only a little bit of sour cream/butter), or a side salad with low-fat dressing, or even fruit, yogurt, or baked potato chips.

    3. Go light on dressings and sauces. This includes mayonnaise, honey mustard, salad dressings, and any other “special sauces.” Try using a low fat or fat free dressing. If you use regular salad dressing, try to use only half of the packet, and be sure to ask for dressings on the side so you have more control over how much you use.

    4. Drink water. Sodas, shakes and even juices have a lot of sugar and calories! Most places will give you tap water for free! Just ask for "a cup of water," which is different than a bottle of water which you'll have to pay for.

    5. Smaller portions are best. At fast food chains you are usually given a choice on what size meal you want. Picking the smallest size is the best way to control your portions. A small order of french fries instead of a large cuts down on 300 calories and 15 grams of fat! If you are not able to order smaller portions, share with a friend or save part of the portion for later.

    Remember, just because fast food restaurants have ready-made meals, doesn't mean you can't change things around! Don't be afraid to order something different: reduced fat mayonnaise, water instead of soda, dressing on the side, or whole grain bread instead of white. Restaurants are beginning to offer a lot more options to their customers, so just ask! You'll feel better you did!

    Did you know? is a series of health articles written by HHPC and approved by our Health Advisory Board.
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    5 Comments

    mikese June 23, 2024 - 8:00pm

    Big mac with some mc chicken sandwiches was my usual meal each week, i've cut back on it and eating healthier now. I thought I would need some eating disorder treatment since i could eat all that and still not be full.

    Riverside June 24, 2024 - 2:52pm

    Mikese, that's great! Even cutting it out mc chicken sandwiches couple of times a week will make a big difference and as time goes on you can cut out more and more! I heard somewhere that it takes 20 minutes for your body to digest food fully which will make you feel full... so maybe it was just that you were eating it so fast you didn't realize you were full! I know that happens to me all the time. But either way, it seems like you're making a change for the better and HEALTHIER- so for that I salute you!

    KaraG July 6, 2024 - 6:42am

    Thanks for sharing the tips on how we can attain a balance and healthy way of taking of ourselves. A good and healthy lifestyle will most likely give a long life away from any kind of sickness.Remember it cost you a lot to get sick.

    Ten217 March 9, 2024 - 4:38pm

    I went out to eat with a friend today, which usually can be stresful when trying to stay healthy. What really help me was going to a place that a salad bar option. I was able to get some of things I like but sure most of my plate was loaded with fresh vegetables. My body definitely thanked me for it.

    Laura March 11, 2024 - 12:32pm

    Ten, that's really good thinking. Salad bars are great because you can put whatever you like into the salad and leave out whatever you don't like. For me, I like putting chickpeas, kidney beans, cucumbers and LOTS of tomatoes (light on the lettuce which is generally way too leafy for my taste). It's also nice because you can usually put the dressing on the side, so your salad isnt drenched in the bad-for-you stuff. And it helps you fill up before you eat any less healthy things like chicken tenders (which is one of my favorites), so you eat less of the unhealthy stuff. I agree, though, going out with friends can put a lot of pressure to eat unhealthy. Whether it's the pressure to share an appetizer or dessert or it's just that you're eating at a place with few healthy options. I'm glad you were able to find some "happy medium."

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