Ugh…I get asked all the time if people should eliminate fast good all together…is there one fast food joint people should be consuming over another? The answer is simple…STAY AWAY! Finding “healthy” choices are difficult and not worth the health risk in my opinion. But…If you MUST indulge, here are some tips to help keep you on the right path.
Fast-food places can be confusing health-wise. You’d think chicken would be a better choice than beef…but at McDonald’s, the chicken sandwich has more fat and calories than a regular hamburger! Say what???
Luckily, most fast-food places post nutrition facts on their websites so you can see what’s in their food before you go. Look for foods that are low in fat, calories, sugar, and sodium…and high in fiber, vitamins, calcium, and iron.
If you don’t have the nutrition facts, here’s what to do: Choose smaller grilled items over fried foods. Order a side salad instead of fries (go easy on the dressing). Watch out for extras like bacon, cheese, and mayo. And choose water to drink.
In a perfect world, fast food would be less terrible for you and more healthful. It would provide us with the convenience and comfort many of us need and want with fewer calories, less saturated fat and less sodium. If you choose to give your children fast food, you shouldn’t feel guilt. But proceed with caution, and make sure you include it as a once-in-a-while treat rather than a dietary staple.
It’s not necessarily that we are trying to fatten our kids up with junk food and fast food, rather it has to do with convenience and lack of meal planning. We have such a widespread availability of fast-food options, that it is just a flat-out convenience for very busy families.
There is also a general lack of importance placed on meal planning in American culture. A common problem is that it gets to be 6 p.m., Mom looks at Dad, Dad’s looking at the kids, and everyone is wondering what to eat that night. If the solution is to drop by the fast-food restaurant around the corner, it becomes a habit and routine. You’ll do it until you make an active decision that you won’t do it as often. Instead, families should plan out their meals at the beginning of the week so that they can cook and eat together, if possible. And if you just say no to fast food, bravo! Kids just don’t need fast food calories to crowd out other options that support their overall nutrient intake and contribute to their overall health and sense of well being.
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