Is fast food bad for me?

by Jen (March 20, 2008)

How do you define a health food? Low fat? Low carb? Balanced? Low cal? Lots of fiber?

There is no food that is strictly healthy or unhealthy. Different bodies need different things in different quantities. The trick is knowing what you’re really eating.

Fast Food is bad for you

This is a massive oversimplification. People who try to eat healthy often get frustrated because they can’t just pick up McDonald’s once in a while when they’re too busy to cook. (Then sometimes they break down, go to McD’s and order half the menu, and end up feeling horribly.) You can have fast food, you just need to know which items to choose. McDonald’s, Burger King, Taco Bell, Carl’s Jr. and every other chain I’m aware of now list complete nutritional information on their sites. A little research allows you to make smart choices when you need the convenience of fast food.

The big trick with fast food is to remember: one item may make a complete meal. Some burgers and sandwiches, for example, are pretty well-balanced in terms of carbs, fat and protein (if you follow the traditional FDA guidelines for a balanced meal). The problem happens when augment them with fries and a cola - suddenly you have a huge majority of carbs and not enough protein. But most of the fast food websites allow you to add items together so you can get a good clear look at your overall meal.

Do this research when you’re not hungry or rushed. Don’t wait until that hectic, crazy evening where it’s all you can do to make it to the drive through. Go look up some fast foods you like now. If they’re all horrible on the calories (many of mine were), start hunting for other menu items that sound appealing. Try chains you haven’t gone to in the past, if necessary. You can find menu items or combinations that fit your dietary requirements.

Subscribe to feed updates or email updates
Save it: Stumble it! | Del.icio.us | Digg
Posted in Health and Beauty
Want your tip featured on Bohemian Revolution? Click here!