Fast food is definitely not something you think of when you think about fitness. Fast food and a good physique go together like oil and water…right? I mean if you eat at McDonald’s 3 times a week you are doomed to die a slow death like the guy on Super Size Me…Aren’t you?
I hate to burst everyone’s bubble(actually I don’t think you will mind so much), but fast food has its place in the fitness lifestyle. If you choose wisely at any of the major restaurant chains you can get a good, tasty, healthy meal that won’t destroy your diet.
Now before you all run out to grab a Big Mac and super size fries let me explain a few things. First of all most of the choices on the menu at fast food restaurants is the nutritional equivalent of eating a piece of drywall with a nice Crisco spread on the top. Notice I said most, not all…
There are some basic rules to follow that will enable you to grab some food on the go and still stay lean and
I'd rather be abducted by aliens...
fit. So without further adieu here are some basic rules to keep in mind the next time you are forced to say hi to “The Burger King”(Does that guy scare you as much as he does me??? Just wonderin’).
1. Watch the portions - Portion size is the biggest thing I want you guys to get from this article. Small portions are what its all about. Let’s say someone buys you a big mac or other hamburger. Should you skip lunch because it is an “unhealthy” choice to eat the burger? NO WAY! Cut the burger in half, have half now and the other half in a few hours. A big mac has 500 calories, so doing this will give you 250 calories per meal – perfect for most people. Is it nutritious? No. But eating small portions of anything every three hours is better than skipping a meal. Skipped meals mean a shut down metabolism – and that means NO FAT BURNING!
2. French Fries are a no no - I love the way they taste…but french fries are a terrible waste of calories. They have little in the way of nutritional value and are loaded with fat and sodium. Fries rank high on my list of useless foods…Does that mean you can never have fries again? Of course not, just save them for your cheat day once a week or so.
3. It’s not a bad thing to be a chicken - Chicken is a great choice at fast food restaurants. When it’s not breaded and fried in oil chicken is a very healthy and delicious source of nutrition. High in protein and low in fat chicken is your best choice at most fast food restaurants. Just make sure it is grilled.
4. Rabbit food? Then I’m a rabbit – Salad is a very good choice at fast food restaurants. McDonald’s has several salads that incorporate grilled chicken and fairly healthy dressings. My advice is to buy these salads and take some of the cheese, bacon, and other high fat items off.
This guy may be cute - but he's one bad dude.
5. Let the Hamburglar have your share – Hamburgers are not the healthiest choice for a meal. Even if you remove the bun and just eat the lettuce and patty you are still ingesting a LOT of saturated fat and sodium for very little nutritional value. Opt for the chicken instead of the beef and you’ll be a lot leaner and happier. REMEMBER if you HAVE to get a hamburger(or just really want one that day), it won’t sabotage your diet if you eat about half at a time – what I’m saying here is that if you have a choice grilled chicken is better.
Look for grilled meats instead of fried and avoid fries and non-diet soft drinks. Make sure to eat reasonable portions and avoid the deserts which are always laden with sugars and empty calories. If you have to have something sweet try a small piece of fruit. Yogurt is usually not as healthy as you think, even if there is fruit in it. NOTE: If you occasionally want to have a small ice cream cone(or some other small tasty treat) for a meal – do it people! Life is meant to be enjoyed, and as long as you keep portions small you will still lose fat – and keep your sanity!
So the next time your hectic life demands you to stop at a fast food restaurant keep these tips in mind. You will get your quick meal…minus the love handles and wide hips!
