Madelyn Fernstrom

The Truth About Fast Food

Fast food gets a bad rap from us nutritionists—and with good reason. Many (but not all!) choices are loaded with fat, calories, and salt, usually in giant portions. But, "fast food" doesn't have to mean "fat food". With some healthier add ins, smart deletions, and portion control, you can enjoy the convenience and fun of fast foods without expanding your waistline, raising your blood pressure, or clogging your arteries.

That's the topic of a fun Today Show segment with Hoda and Kathie Lee. You'll find some eye-popping information about fast foods of all kinds. From burgers to chicken, salads to tacos, sandwiches to pizza, we'll be comparing the most popular foods from fast food eateries. You'll get some good tips on how to eat when in a fast food restaurant, and not derail healthy eating.

Watch the segment from TODAY

Here's the truth about fast food quiz:

Which is worse? French fries or onion rings?
  • French fries: 360 cals, 20g fat
  • Onion rings: 300 cals, 15g fat
What is the best drink to get at a fast food restaurant?
  • Small milkshake: 420 cals
  • Large regular soda: 310 cals
When it comes to fat grams, here’s the ranking from the healthier option to the most fattening:
  1. Large chili and crackers: 9g fat
  2. Kids meal hamburger/fries: 22g fat
  3. Small meatball sub: 24g fat
  4. Extra crispy chicken breast: 28g fat
Here’s the ranking of 4 items with calories in mind, from the best to the worst:
  1. Grilled steak taco: 260 cals
  2. Asian chicken salad: 380 cals
  3. Turkey sub: 560 cals
  4. Mini cheese pizza: 620 cals
So what is the best option out there when it comes to fast food? Here are some tips:
  • When in doubt, avoid anything fried
  • Go for thin crust pizza light on cheese and toppings
  • Grilled chicken is a better choice, skip sauces
  • Skip desserts
  • Drinks: go for diet soda or water

What's your view of fast food? I'd love to hear your opinions - pro and con!

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3 Comments

Arnella Stewart said:

In this day and time it is time to read every list of information about health because it's most important for you to know your body. You as a person it's should be something we do as long as we can breath on earth. To know all systems of all signs of commen diease and rare one. As a naturl a mother, a woman, these things of health must be read and know.And to never stop reseaching for what you need to find to learn. So your health has been and still is first. I have learn that less stress is the best toward me. No at this time in my life I need peace around me. And increasing the help me with my 8 grandchildren. Which one is living with me and his sister including there Uncle my youngest son.My randson name is Tyron Spence he's Mrdd bipoler, and can't speak at all. He does know his family and his surrounding. He's like a baby that walks. So never stop researching on a cure for what ever will work to tell the dr. what i read and if it can be done.

Tolulope said:

Madelyn, you are doing such a good job by creating awareness in healthy living. The attraction in fasts food is the conveniency. Many of us are very lazy in putting recipes together. Experience has taught me otherwise. I agreed with you absolutely that it is time we cut off the attraction for fast food because they are fast ways of gathering unnecessary fats. It is such a nice thing that we can actually correct our mistakes. With all the knowlegde around us, it will be a disaster to die of ignorance.Actually the temptation in a fast food joint is killing, but picking your choice with adequate information makes you a wise person.So know what you eat, this is the only safe way.If you want to be a great loser check out www.infoindependent.com/weightloss

Kathy said:

As a full-time dieter I have to avoid fast food, but my problem has always been chocolate stuff, and not fast food. I'm not that attracted to it, me and my boyfriend used to go to MCD or BK once or twice a month. Especially when we decided to go to cinema.. we bought a C-C light and some 1 euro hamburgers, and went to see the movie. Now I changed this habit to a better option, there's an Australian chain of Juice Bars, and they have some really nice low-fat / low-carb choices, lot of delicious smoothies.. :-) But as I say, I've never been addicted... only to chocolates and sweets, but now I'm free for more than 3 months! :-)

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About Me

This Blog is designed for educational purposes only.
You should not rely on this information as a substitute for personal medical attention, diagnosis or hands-on treatment.
If you are concerned about your health, please consult your family’s health provider or go to the emergency room.

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