What are some reasons why fast food should be made healthier?

It happens to the best of us; you’re tight on time and money and need to stop at the local fast food joint for a meal. Fast food restaurants are not known for nutritional value, but it is possible to dine out without derailing your diet. Some quick research at the counter and a keen eye for hidden diet pitfalls can make your fast food meal a nutritional winner.

When you dine out, the best way to ensure that you are eating healthily is to arm yourself with the restaurant’s nutritional information. Nearly all fast food restaurants post full nutrition facts on their websites and offer pamphlets with the information in their stores. In some states such as New York, the calories in the meals are printed right on the display menus.

If you haven’t printed out the nutritional facts beforehand, always ask to see a copy when you enter the store. Look up your favorite meal and see if the calories, fat and other nutritional components fit in your diet plan. If they don’t, look for meals that are similar but less nutritionally dense. For example, if you walk into McDonald’s craving an Angus Bacon and Cheese burger, you will see that the burger packs a whopping 790 calories and 39 grams of fat. Substitute a Big Mac and you can scale down to 540 calories and 29 grams of fat, or better yet choose a plain hamburger with 250 calories and 9 grams of fat. It’s all about making choices that fit within your diet but don’t leave you feeling deprived.

If nutritional facts aren’t available, or if you don’t have time to peruse the information looking for a meal, look out for common pitfalls. In general, choose foods that are baked, not fried and that don’t contain large amounts of calorie-dense condiments such as cheese, mayonnaise or dressing. If all else fails, ask the cashier what he or she recommends for healthy meal options.

Eating fast food and maintaining a healthy diet isn’t easy, but by reading the nutritional information and avoiding common ingredient pitfalls you can be on your way to a healthier fast food meal.