Healthy Fast Food

By Amra B. 

Many times I am faced with an option to eat in the fast food restaurants: there is simply not enough time to sit down and have a proper meal, or I am in a location that does not exactly offer gourmet (like when traveling). I have learned how to be a picky eater even when faced with the most fatty fast food imaginable. Yes, it is possible to eat HEALHY even in McDonalds! I am also a living proof that you will not get FAT just because you have stepped into a Burger King. 

Rules for eating in fast food restaurants

Fast food restaurants have started to gear towards the demand for healthy food. They now provide a variety of options for those consumers who wish to obtain a nutritional and well-balanced meal on the go and for very little money. There are menus in almost every fast food restaurant that specialize in low calorie healthy alternatives. 

I am going to give you my “cheat list” and tell you how to look skinny and eat your McDonalds too! As there are many fast food chains out there right now, I will choose to focus only on the most popular ones (i.e. the ones available in most locations). 

McDonalds:

Many will not support me when I say that I absolutely LOVE McDonalds! My meal choices in McDonalds are the following:

Breakfast: I simply adore oatmeal and fruit served in McDonalds. It is delicious and healthy. I also tend to add the Fruit and Walnut Salad to my oatmeal, and I mix the extra fruit with the oats I have left over. Another alternative is the McGriddle with only an egg. If both of these choices are still not suitable for you, I also suggest a Yogurt Parfait with the Fruit and Walnut Salad. I use the extra yogurt in the Yogurt Parfait as a dipping sauce. For a drink, I will get a black tea and a coffee would be fine too (I am currently trying to stay away from caffeine). 

Lunch/Dinner: I love the Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad in McDonalds in Europe a bit more than the one in the USA. However, in USA I usually choose a Grilled Chicken Mixed Salad with a balsamic vinaigrette dressing. If you are not in a mood for a salad, you may choose a grilled chicken sandwich and apple slices. I choose bottled water as a drink during the day. 

Snack: If you are a bit peckish, choose a grilled chicken snack wrap (no cheese added) and apple slices or a yogurt parfait. 

Burger King: 

Burger King has also recently added some healthier choices. It now offers some nice nutritional alternatives for breakfast and lunch/dinner. 

Breakfast: Fruit Topped Maple Flavored Quaker Oatmeal, Original Maple Flavor Oatmeal, or just a plain Oatmeal are all nice choices for a breakfast. I would add apple slices to any of those for a little bit of extra crispiness. Another alternative would be a croissant with an egg (no cheese). For a drink I would choose a coffee (decaf) and an orange juice. 

Lunch/Dinner: Burger King is quite famous for their hamburgers; however, I like to order a veggie burger when in Burger King. Their veggie hamburgers are absolutely delicious and quite low on calories. If you cannot pass on the opportunity to eat a hamburger while in this fast food restaurant, I suggest to order just a plain hamburger (with pickles, mustard, and ketchup) and a side salad. For a drink I would choose a bottle of water or diet lemonade. 

Taco Bell:

Taco Bell might possibly have one of the healthiest menus in comparison to the more popular fast food restaurant chains. Their fresco burritos and tacos are especially delicious and low on calories. 

Lunch/dinner: I would choose a bean burrito (fresco) or a chicken burrito (fresco) and a crunchy shell taco (fresco).  An alternative would be a salad bowl with chicken and avocado. 

Fashionistas, I hope you can now enjoy a healthier meal when in a fast food restaurant! Stay fabulous and FIT!

XOXO