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Fast food does offer some nutritional choices
STILLWATER, Okla. – The schedule for the evening includes a Boy Scout meeting for one child, a dance class for another, a PTA meeting for mom and dad is finishing up a project and must work late. Somewhere in that hectic schedule the family needs to eat dinner.
Oftentimes when families are rushed, they’ll simply whiz through the drive-through window at one of the local fast food restaurants, said Janice Hermann, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension Service nutrition education specialist.
“Eating several fast food meals per week isn’t necessarily a good thing, but on occasion it’s fine,” Hermann said. “While many of the menu choices are loaded with fat and calories, many fast food restaurants offer a variety of options that are lower in fat and calories. These options are better choices when you have to eat on the go.”
The first thing consumers need to keep in mind is to order small portions. Many menu choices are available to be “super sized.” This amount of food is nearly double what a regular sized meal should be. Not only are consumers eating more food with this choice, they’re also consuming twice the fat and calories. Small portions also can be found on the children’s menu.
Hermann suggests using mustard as a condiment on sandwiches. Mustard has no fat but mayonnaise contains 9 grams of fat per tablespoon.
In addition, select fast food items that are broiled, baked or grilled instead of breaded and fried. Foods that are breaded and fried contain more fat and calories. When ordering a hamburger, skip the cheese and high fat sauces. Instead, load the burger with lettuce, tomato, onions and pickles.
A variety of salads can be found on many fast food restaurant menus. However, it is best to stick with mixed greens and light dressing. Some salads contain pieces of fried chicken which add extra calories. Use good judgment when selecting a salad. Just because it is a salad does not mean it is a healthy choice.
When it comes to beverages, stick with water or low-fat milk. Soft drinks are loaded with sugar and empty calories, she said.
“There are times that in order to have time to eat, families must opt for the drive-through. Fortunately, restaurants are offering some healthier choices,” Hermann said.
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Oklahoma State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, State and
Local Governments Cooperating: The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service
offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national
origin, religion, gender, age, disability, or status as a veteran, and is an
equal opportunity employer.
Trisha Gedon
Communications
Specialist
Agricultural
Communications Services
136 Agriculture
North
Oklahoma State
University
Stillwater, OK 74078
405-744-3625
(phone)
405-744-5739
(fax)
trisha.gedon@okstate.edu
