Healthier Fast Food--10 Simple Ways to Make Fast Food Healthier
Attention all freshmen volleyball players going into college this year...there's a thing called the Freshmen 15 which I'm sure you've heard of by now.
If not, the "15" are the pounds that are usually gained your freshman year because of the newly acquired freedom to eat what you want now that you are living or studying away from home. The food seems plentiful and there isn't a parent in sight to tell you NOT to go back for thirds, right?
Well since most of us gained it, trust me right now I have my hand up in a raised position cuz I gained at least ten my freshmen year I wanted to share some suggestions from my buddy Barry who gives 10 easy tips on how to make fast food healthier.
First, a little about Barry so you don't think I just went and asked some yoyo off the street...dude seriously what did you have for breakfast?
Barry Lovelace is Co-Owner of FitQuest Fitness in Allentown, Pa. He is also the creator of the Training for Volleyball DVD, Clients Are Everywhere and Exericse 4 Every Body Total Body workout DVD's, fitness expert for LifeScape magazine, co-host of Workout Wednesday's on CNN Headline News, Host of Body Smart Fit tips, speaker, Certified personal trainer, ISSA CPT, AFAAGroup Fitness Instructor and all around fitness enthusiast. Proudly, Barry is a very strict vegan. Okay let me take a breath.
Trust me these tips are not about you becoming a vegan. But they are about giving you some tools to use --information you can put to use as a high school volleyball player but especially your first year of college so you can effectively fight the FRESHMAN 15.
Healthier Fast Food - 10 Simple Ways to Make Fast Food Healthier
By Barry Lovelace
Aah, fast food. It is so convenient, it is so economical, it is so yummy and it is so quick. Unfortunately it is also just about the worst thing you can put into your body. Still, huge numbers of people head to the nearest fast food joint several times per week.
Obviously, fast food is never the optimal choice when it comes to what to eat. Occasionally time restraints may honestly force us to 'grab something quick'. If you must eat on the go, here are some tips to make fast food healthier for you and your family members:
1. Pass on the "value-size." When you make the choice to super size, the size of your fries isn't the only thing that gets bigger.
2. Skip the sides. Eating a burger or sandwich by itself is often filling enough. Often we eat the side out of habit; they just seem to go together. If you do want a side, consider ordering a fruit cup or side salad. Most fast food restaurants now offer them.
3. Avoid double meat and bacon. A serving size of meat is 2-3 ounces - about the size of a deck of cards. You are already getting well over that with a single meat patty. Bacon is high in calories and fat with little nutrient content. Honestly, don't we all know by now that red meat and fatty meats like bacon are terrible for us?
4. Try the grilled chicken sandwich. Poultry without skin is significantly leaner than the meats most fast-food companies use in their burgers so if you must eat fast food this is a better option.
5. Say 'No cheese, please'. Seriously, you may not even miss the cheese but you will save yourself calories, fat and cholesterol by leaving it behind.
6. Eat your sandwich open-faced. By eating only half the bun, you can eliminate unnecessary calories and still be satisfied.
7. Try asking for a wheat bun. Many places now offer a wheat alternative, some don't. It never hurts to ask.
8. Skip the mayo and other cholesterol-laden dressings and sauces. Instead, choose ketchup or mustard. When it comes to salad dressings, stick with the vinaigrette types, they may still be high in fat but it will be a healthier fat and won't have cholesterol.
9. Drink water! Water intake is vital to your health. If necessary, drink diet soda or low-fat milk. Sodas, teas and sports drinks are loaded with sugars, which are empty calories.
10. When it comes to fast food, Subway really does have lots of healthier choices that still please the taste buds. You can build yourself a tasty and low fat sandwich and still totally feel like your splurging.
The bottom line is that we do live in hectic times. I honestly can't say that eating fast food is ever the best choice and I do hope that if you are doing it regularly you will cut back especially if you are raising kids. When you do feel the need to head to the nearest drive thru at least try some of these tips. These are all simple things that you can do to take a positive step towards good health. Health is wealth and you and your family are worth it.
Barry Lovelace is an internationally recognized fitness professional specializing in the functional training of athletes. Barry trains athletes in his area and all over the country. He is a member of Team Mens Fitness, the owner of FitQuest Fitness in Allentown Pa, fitness expert for LifeScape magazine and the creator of several products Get great health and fitness info on his website.
One more tip and this comes from me...April C!!!
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