How To Make Mindful Fast Food Choices
Life is busy, so there are sure to be times when you’ll need to find convenient on-the-go meals and snacks. The tips below will help you make healthy fast food choices in restaurants, vending machines, and other grab-and-go locations.
What to Eat in Fast Food Restaurants?
Even if you’re in a rush, take a quick moment to perform a website search for the healthiest menu items at the restaurant chain you’ll be driving through or dining in. Do this before you arrive, so that you’ll know what to order beforehand. This will minimize the temptation of changing your mind when reading the full menu.
Also:
Order water or unsweetened coffee or tea to avoid the excess sugar in soda.
If you’re ordering a salad, be mindful of the sugar and fat in the salad dressing.
Ask for high-fat and high-sugar condiments on the side, such as mayonnaise and sauces.
When ordering meat, choose grilled chicken, fish, or lean protein over fried or breaded proteins.
In locally owned restaurants that don’t provide nutritional information online, ask what’s healthiest.
What to Eat in Vending Machines?
Make no mistake, most of what you find in vending machines isn’t aligned with low- sugar, low-fat, and whole-food dietary patterns. That said, the demand for healthy prepackaged snacks is growing faster than all other snack categories. So, you’re likely to find at least a few options that won’t disrupt your dietary pattern. As with all snacks, read the portion and serving size guidelines on the label.
Resist classic chips and candy bars, by choosing:
Veggie chips
Whole grain chips
Sugar-free popcorn
Fruit-based snacks
Nut-based bars
Other health options
Don’t have healthy options in your vending machine at work? Just ask! Companies want their machines to be profitable, so request healthier options.
On The Go Healthy Food Choices
In addition to making healthy fast food choices, you may find yourself in need of a quick meal or snack when in a convenience store or grocery store.
In grocery stores, head to the deli and ask which options meet your dietary needs. While many options are more indulgent, at least a few will fit the bill.
If you just want a snack in a grocery store, opt for low-fat string cheese, low-fat and sugar-free yogurt, unsweetened nuts and seeds, hummus, and fresh fruits and vegetables.
Convenience stores are a bit trickier, but you’re likely to find a protein bar, protein shake, salad, and maybe even vegan meat.
Make a List of Go-To Healthy Fast Food Choices
Another way to minimize temptation and make dining out on the go easier is to make a list. This list should include nutritious meals and snacks from restaurants near work, home, and other places you frequent in your week.
Periodically double-check this list to see if there are new menu items you can add to the mix.
Need Help Making Healthy Fast Food Choices
Nutrition must be personalized, so even the “healthy” menu items may not fit your dietary needs. Reach out to Nina’s Nutritional Values today to create a go-to list of well- balanced fast foods.