Healthier Fast Food Options That Promote Faster Fat Loss

Dining out has become a national pasttime and now accounts for about 43% of the food we eat in this country. A large majority of that food comes from fast food restaurants and chain sit down restaurants ( Applebees, TGI Friday etc )  This is one of the reasons we’re all getting heavier and having problems keeping the fat off our bodies. Fast food is notorious for having way too many calories, fat and starch, not to mention a lack of nutrients and fiber.

Although most of you who are reading this are not likely to frequent Burger King , there are times when we’re faced with no other choice . I would like to give you some advice on how to navigate the menus of our most popular eateries.  Keep in mind these are more calories and fat than I would normally recommend , but in comparison to the other menu items they are lighter in carbs, fat and sodium.

SUBWAY

Subway has led the way in promoting healthier eating choices with their Jared campaign. He was the guy who lost over a hundred pounds on eating mostly subway sandwiches. I admire this company for taking the initiative to promote sensible calories when their competitors were still super-sizing.
Just order from the under 300 calorie menu and you are good to go. Be careful though- if the sandwich maker asks if you want cheese, mayonnaise or any of the creamy sauces , say no!  They are not part of the 300 calorie  total- in fact your could easily add an additional 300 calories if you give them the nod.  One of my favorites is the Grilled chicken sub- I load it up with lots of tomato and veggies- delicious!

TACO BELL

This southwest chain offers items that can be healthier if you skip the condiments like guacamole, cheese and sour cream. Try two Rancehro soft tacos for only 340 calories and 8 grams of fat.

WENDY’S

One of the best choices here is a cup of chili and a baked potato. Just leave out the sour cream. Also considering the junior or kids sized burgers and meal deals. They are more sensibly portioned and in line with what a regular meal should be.

MC DONALDS

They are currently revamping their healthy happy meals for children , but adults are still limited to a few options. Try the salad with lowfat dressing ( the regular dressing is a high calorie bomb), or the premium grilled sandwich ( hold the mayo) for 350 calories and 10 grams of fat.

BURGER KING

The best option here is the Tendergrill  chicken sandwich at 380 calories and 7 grams of fat ( again ask for no mayo).

CHAIN RESTAURANTS

APPLEBEES

Look for the Weight Watchers menu for the healthiest meal options that offer calorie and fat breakdowns as well as conversions to the points system. You can enjoy garlic herb chicken for 370 calories and 6 grams of fat.

TGI FRIDAY

Their newest ‘RIGHT PORTION RIGHT PRICE menu paved the way for smaller portions at lower prices. They also have a “BETTER FOR YOU” menu section with meals that contain no more than 500 calories and 10 grams of fat.

UNO PIZZA

This is my personal favorite although the healthy choices are not as plentiful as the other chains, there are a few worth mentioning. I love the blackened Mahi mahi and the grilled tilapia. You can choose low carb sides like roasted vegetable and steamed broccoli. They also have several salads that are good provided you only use about 1/4 of the dressing provided. Stay away from the deep dish pizza and cheese quesadillas.

OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE

This chain has a reputation for some of  the biggest calorie bombs  the the restaurant world. Their “Blooming Onion appetizer tops out at around 2600 calories and 135 grams of fat!- It has been rated as the worst in America by Men’s Health magazine. However new to their menu is the  “Heart healthy  selections”. A visit to the restaurants website will give you suggestions on how to make the chains regular menu items healthier and how to order by asking for garnishes , sauces and dressings be removed before cooking.

THE CHEESECAKE FACTORY

Large portions and oversized desserts are the trademark of this popular chain. Their carrot cake is 1500 calories and 80 grams of fat! But they are coming around to a new menu called the WEIGHT MANAGEMENT SELECTIONS. It features grilled items and entrees with lighter fat and carb contents.

So there are  a few ideas you can use next time you are staring down one of those over sized menus at a chain or fast food restaurant. Take your time to peruse and ask the server if you can eliminate sauces, butter and dressings. Go with grilled items and simpler preparations. Don’t be afraid to ask for what you need and by all means enjoy everybite- you should be proud of yourself for ordering smart and keeping your healthy eating goals intact.

Hang in there!