Whether you're busy trying to get dinner to your family, pressed for time at lunch, or want to avoid the freshman 15 on your college campus, fast food is an all-too-easy solution for so many people. Generally speaking, people know it's not the healthiest choice. But people aren't always aware of how to turn a calorie disaster into a meal that won't make a cardiologist cringe... too hard.
Here we introduce a few ordering basics to trim fat, calories and salt from your order.
1. Skip the mayo. And special sauces, too. These are extra fat and calories that you don’t need. Instead, use honey, salsa, mustard, or just go dry.
2. Say no cheese. Or at least don’t ask for extra. It doesn’t add that much to the sandwich and you’re much better off without.
3. Down-size. Rather than order triple-deluxe combo, ask for a smaller fry and drink. You want to fill up on the protein anyway.
4. Order a water. Most fast food restaurants have bottled water now. So swap the sugar-laden soda for a refreshing water. You need to stay hydrated anyway.
5. Sideline the dressing. Order dressing on the side, and order the reduced- or low-fat version. A salad can be a healthy option, until you douse it with a fatty dressing.
6. Bypass the bun. Trash that white, starchy bun and eat the chicken or burger with the vegetables, or ask to wrap it in lettuce.
7. Get it to go. If you’re not sitting in the restaurant, you’re not going to be able to refill your 100 oz. super soda and you can’t be tempted by turnovers, cookies and ice cream treats.
8. Ignore the ultimate. Anything with ultimate, smothered, the works or extreme in the title means one thing - extra stuff you don’t need. Instead, ask them to smother your meal with extra tomatoes!
9. Give in to thin. Order a thin crust pizza instead of deep dish or original. You’ll save tons of calories. And it can only help to order extra veggies, not cheese.
10. Grill, don't bread. When the option presents itself, order grilled. The breaded is only extra fat and calories.
Need more tips on making better fast food choices? Continue reading to learn the healthiest fast food restaurants and menu options.
If you're a college freshman, check out EduInReview.com for even more resources to help with the transition to college.
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