Chris O'Brien - "The journey of a thousand pounds begins with a single burger.” Don't you love the commercials where the gal orders the Thunder Thighs with a side order of Love Handles? What a great commercial. The fast food choices in small towns are the only thing "slim" about fast food. Or is it? Out of the most recognized restaurants around, most do offer some better choices.
Jack's
The average hamburger bun boasts over 50 total carbs (carbohydrates). Jack's has abandoned the bun in a Grilled Chicken Platter and Burger Patty Platter. Add a serving of 25 calorie green beans and you'll enjoy a tasty low calorie meal.KFC
In April of 2007, KFC introduced a new recipe offering 0 grams of Trans Fat per serving without sacrificing the delicious flavor of KFC's signature 11 herbs and spices. What does this mean for us? Trans fatty acid is made through the chemical process of hydrogenation of oils. Trans fats drives up the LDL (bad) cholesterol, increasing the risks associated with heart disease. Trans fats are favored by restaurants because of their flavor stability, shelf life and the notion that it is the best deep frying oil. But KFC has opted to weigh our shelf life above that of their oil. Thanks, Colonel. Taco Bell
Taco Bell offers everything on their menu made "Fresco Style". Taco Bell replaces cheese and sauce with Fiesta Salsa for 25% less fat. Fiesta Salsa is a mixture of diced tomatoes, white onions and cilantro. 27 menu items are under 10 grams of fat. Taco Bell is now using zero grams of trans fat canola oil for frying.McDonald's
If a salad is your idea of a good lunch, no one offers more salad choices than Mickey D's. McDonald's salad menu is impressive at best, offering over 15 salads and tasty dressings. There's even a fruit and walnut salad for your in between meals snack. They offer grilled chicken selections as snack wraps. Side orders include Fruit "n Yogurt parfaits with or without granola, reduced fat vanilla ice cream cone or Apple Dippers with low fat caramel dip! Subway
Not only does Subway win with the most nutritious menu, it also has the most informative website. The Subway website even provides a link to weight management information. The logo, 6 grams of fat or less, applies to 6 inch sandwiches, deli style sandwiches and salads. As for the side items, you can choose Dannon All Natural Yogurt, apples, raisins or baked chips. The Subway chain is also a national sponsor of the American Heart Association"s Heart Walks.
This list was compiled by information found on the above mentioned business' websites. Fast food doesn't have to be fattening. Our favorite restaurants are doing their part to help us live healthier in the fast lane. Some other things to keep in mind when eating on the run, be mindful of your drink choices, don't super-size and its ok if you don't eat it all. Sometimes it better to have food go to waste rather than to waist.
