Just like anything else, eating healthy is all about making wise choices. Offering super-sized portions of already fattening and high-calorie foods is a disgrace to our health. Fortunately there is a big push in today's health-conscious society for the fast food industry to provide consumers with healthier choices. This is great news for those who were once very restricted because there was almost nothing healthy on the menu. This is no longer the case. Those who like to eat out are free to enjoy themselves, thanks to the healthier trends that are beginning to appear. No more super sizing! It is time to change both our choices and our thinking.
Besides healthy food choices, there are other options for us when it comes to choosing our meals. You do not have to give up the burgers, burritos and pizza entirely. You can simply make better choices with a little bit of knowledge. Following are nutritional facts to help lead you on the fast track to a cleaner bill of health. Take a close look at the calories, fat and carbs that make up these food items. It will make you think twice the next time you are ready to order. Notice that Choice "A" is clearly the better choice in all of these example comparisons.
Choice A: Premium Grilled Chicken Classic Sandwich
Calories: 350
Total Fat: 9 grams
Carbohydrates: 42 grams
Choice B: Premium Crispy Chicken Club Sandwich
Calories: 620
Total Fat: 29 grams
Carbohydrates: 57 grams
Note: The difference in this comparison is primarily that Choice "A" is grilled rather than deep fried.
Choice A: Bean Burrito
Calories: 370
Total Fat: 10 grams
Carbohydrates: 56 grams
Choice B: 7-Layer Burrito
Calories: 500
Total Fat: 18 grams
Carbohydrates: 69 grams
Note: The difference in this comparison is that Choice "A" has fewer ingredients. When they say 7-layer, they really mean it. This is where portion control comes into play. The more you add, the more you consume.
Choice A: Cheese Pizza (1 slice)
Calories: 380
Total Fat: 9 grams
Carbohydrates: 54 grams
Choice B: Pepperoni and Sausage Super Slice (1 slice)
Calories: 813
Total Fat: 35
Carbohydrates: 81 grams
Note: The difference in this comparison is that Choice "A" has less ingredients in it and it is a smaller portion.
When it comes to food, we are trained to think that bigger and bulkier is better. While this may be so for our taste buds, it is not so for our health. The next time you are face-to-face with the drive-thru menu board of your favorite fast food restaurant, think twice before you speak. It is the small and hidden details that make the difference. Be determined to make healthy food choices going forward. You will reap the benefits and rewards, and your body will thank you.
Jennifer Romero - Jennifer enjoys running, studying the Bible and freelance writing. She is in the process of writing her first novel. She attends writing ...
