Eat Fast but Eat Healthy

It is common knowledge that fast foods, or ready to eat foods that are served by fats food chains across the length and breadth of the US, are not the healthiest of options to stick to. The fast foods culture has now become an industry to contend with, in almost all the countries across the world, irrespective of their developmental and economic status. In fact, in some South East Asian countries, fast food is often traditional foods served in streets, and can be called street food. These are almost always not a new concept, but have been an integral part of the food culture for centuries. Essentially foods like noodles, stir fries and even sushi belongs to this cuisine trend. In many Eastern cities of historical importance people can actually trace the development of these food trends. But all this weight age does not take away from the fact that fast foods are not a replacement for healthy, balanced meals. In fact, more often than not, it is an extremely unhealthy option, drawing largely on a very high intake of salt, fat, sugar and sodium.

Most of the fast food available in the US really has very limited vegetable option, if you discount the wilted greens stuck into burgers or the mayo-smothered cole slaw served. In fact French fries were the only true vegetable on the plate and no-one would consider fries a healthy vegetable option!!!

But a person who wants to stick to healthy eating can find gems in the midst of such culinary poverty too. Here are some guidelines to stick to, in order that your fast food meal does not become a gastric burden on your system.

First of all, never, EVER go in for super size meals…even if it means coming away with an unsatisfied appetite. This dissatisfaction is usually only for of visual appetite, and rarely leads to starving. A slight space left empty in the stomach is a good idea when you are unconsciously binging on unhealthy choices. The second thing is to consciously avoid salad dressings with cheese and mayonnaise and avid drinking sodas or high sugar cold drinks. Go for low fat milk of fresh juices instead.

Many reputed fast food brands have added healthy options to their menus. It will be a great idea to study what’s new on offer because some places are constantly tying to evolve into more healthy eating places. Also because most restaurants or chains try out a new dish for some time before including them in the proper menu. Only when they sell is there a chance of their coming on as a regular item for sale. We, as consumers, can ensure that healthier options can be a permanent part of the Menu, by trying out these additions. Sometimes there are already better options that the restaurant can offer you, you only have to know what to ask. For instance, something as simple as asking for a grilled chicken sandwich with no mayonnaise can be easily served. Most places now offer salads and dressing on the side so you can ask for your choice of dressing (maybe yoghurt), or ask for something healthy like fruit yoghurt or fat free yoghurt to go with the meal.

Some good choices in fast foods include whole wheat bread or rolls, baked potato without sour cream (maybe a little yoghurt on the side), wraps or whole wheat tortillas and sandwiches ALWAYS on pita or whole wheat bread.

In this menagerie of choices, the worst you can do is to order for croissants or pastries, fried chicken, large fries and onion rings, with a LARGE cola. These may be heaven for taste buds but are deadly on your system.

This apart, many condiments also offer a whole lot of empty calories and unhealthy additives, so watch out for dressings that can be avoided and you can go for a Balsamic vinaigrette dressing for your salad instead. It might surprise a layman but a tablespoon of grated cheese adds 28 calories and 2 grams of fat to your otherwise healthy veggie salad. If bacon is added, a tablespoon of bits could add on another 30 calories ad a tablespoon of dressing translates into about 75 calories and 7 grams of fat. So be careful with salads too.

Generally, while eating out, try the following, to maintain your healthy food lifestyle.

• Avoid buffets- they spell temptation.

• ASK- how the food is prepared, ASK, what oil is used, ASK, how much fat is going into eat ... any good restaurant will be happy to tell you, and then you have a choice to replace fried chicken with grilled or creamy seafood with stir fried.

• Always ask to see the portion size first usually a half size suffices for one person, so don’t over-order. If there are no half sizes, only take in about half the food served on your late, carry the rest back home, to enjoy another meal, another time, instead of stuffing yourself to get money’s worth.

Remember, MODERATION is the key, NEVER order more than you can finish or heap more on your plate than you can eat. The restaurant will be there tomorrow, so you can eat there again, today is not the LAST day for gorging.