How to Find Healthy Choices on Fast Food Menus

There are plenty of ways to eat healthy when you have to go to a fast food restaurant. The trick is to stick to smaller portions and order grilled over fried. To order healthy, stay away from items loaded with cheese, mayonnaise and bacon. Order healthy sides, such as salads and fruit.

Pizza

• Choose thin crust pizza over regular crust.


• Order it with light cheese and extra sauce.


• Choose vegetable toppings over meat toppings.

Sub Shops

• Choose whole grain bread over white.


• Choose lean meat, such as roast beef, turkey or sliced chicken.


• Choose a low fat cheese such as mozzarella.


• Pile on the vegetable toppings.


• Skip the mayonnaise and stick to low calorie mustard and vinegar.


• Avoid meats with a lot of fat, such as meatballs, steak, bacon and tuna salad.

Mexican

• Choose grilled chicken or steak soft tacos.


• Choose a black bean burrito rather than refried beans, which are usually made with lard.


• Go light on the cheese and sour cream.


• Avoid crunchy shells, refried beans and nachos.

Burger Restaurants

• Avoid oversized portions.


• Avoid extras such as bacon, cheese and mayonnaise.


• Try having a kid's meal, which comes in smaller portions.


• Order healthy sides, such as yogurt parfaits and side salads.


• Order salads with lowfat dressing.


• Choose grilled chicken sandwiches over fried chicken, and hold the mayonnaise.


• Stick to a small size if you have to order fries.

Chicken Restaurants

• Order grilled chicken or a grilled chicken sandwich.


• Try to avoid a lot of gravy or heavy sauces.


• Order healthy sides, such as a side salad, green beans, corn on the cob and mashed potatoes.