Americans are no strangers to fast food. We gobble burgers, deep-fried foods, and sugary drinks at an alarming pace. Especially on a busy workday.
Can you eat healthy when you grab fast food and head back to the office?
You can if you plan ahead and make the right choices.
Hi, I'm Page Love, a registered dietician.
Today, we're talking about the fast food that many people often eat for lunch. Let's take a closer look, and review some alternative healthy choices.
This is America's favorite past-time, a meal from a burger joint.
The most common choice is a large, loaded, double-patty burger cooked on a flat grill and topped with both cheese and mayo, with a side of fries, and a milkshake. A total meal equaling 1500 calories and 70 gms of fat.
That's the average adult's daily amount of calories and fat grams - for one person, for one entire dayl!
Now let me show you how to satisfy your hunger for about a quarter of the calories and fat.
I chose to order a flame-broiled burger with lots of veggie toppings, including lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles. Ketchup and mustard add no fat and are better condiment choices than mayo.
I also ordered the rack-grilled style burger, which allows the fat to drip down away from the burger--not stay with my meat.
I also got 100% natural fruit juice and a side salad with light dressing. This way I can eat more fruits and vegetables, of which the average American doesn't even consume one of the five portions their bodies need every day.
I have also lowered the nutrition value of this meal to a reasonable 350 calories and 15 gms of fat.
Here are some other helpful tips.
Eat your meal outside the office, if you can, or sit down in a dining area and take time to enjoy your food.
Eating rapidly interferes with digestion. You can scarf down a 2000-calorie fast food meal while working at your desk, and 1 hour later feel like you haven't eaten anything!
So, slow it down. Put your sandwich down and sip a nutritious beverage between bites.
Talk to a coworker.
Read a newspaper. Try to get your meal to last at least 30 minutes.
You can still order your favorite fast foods, but be a little wiser.
Remember to plan ahead, think about ordering low-fat options, and enjoy your food in a relaxed setting.
All of these choices can improve your health!
Bon appetit!
Did you know your organization's health and wellness portal offers some helpful tools?
For more information, check out the links below for:
| 
