How to Weather the Food at Burgers and Fries Joints

Nov 17, 2011 by Emilia

Most of us know that burgers and fries are not at the top of healthy foods lists. However, if for whatever reason you need to pay a visit to fast food restaurants that serve these items, keep the following tips in mind. They will help you leave the restaurant not feeling too guilty about your meal.

What to do at burgers and fries restaurants

Order “regular”, “small”, “junior”, or “single”. Any of these sizes will provide small portions. You can always go back and order more (I don’t advise it, however).
When available, order a multigrain bun with your hamburger. It will give you a few grams of fiber.
Ask for a salad with your burger. Remember that low-fat, low-calorie, and fat-free salad dressing are not calorie free.
Get some vegetables as side order
Choose water with your meal. If you order a soda or any sugary drink, it will ruin your digestion as sugar will ferment the rest of the food.
Instead of fat mayonnaise based special sauces order ketchup or mustard; they are lower in calories.
Walk rather than drive through. If you eat and drive you may eat larger portions than you realize.
If available, order some fruit, although not many of these restaurants offer it.
Ask for simple changes: hold the pickles, bacon, or salt in the French fries. Stay away from special sauces and mayonnaise.

What not to do at burgers and fries restaurants

Do not order “large”, ”jumbo”,” double” or “triple”. You will end up with too much food in your stomach.
Do not top your salad with high-fat salad dressings.
Most burger restaurants serve the salad dressing on the side. Do not order extra dressing.
Keep in mind that special sauces and salad dressings can be very high in sodium.
Do not order extra cheese, cheese sauces, bacon, and mayonnaise, as they add fat to the meal.
Be aware of chicken and fish entrees. They are often buried in a crispy, golden fried, high-fat coating, which make them unhealthy choices. If available, order a chicken grilled sandwich instead.
Biscuits are loaded with fat. if you order a biscuit with sausage, bacon, egg, or cheese inside, chances are you will be ingesting all the calories you need for the day.
French fries and onion rings are deep fried. Stick to small portions. Even better, ignore these two items completely.
Be aware of meal deals. They offer you more food for less money. Don’t get caught up in this “I got more food for less money” mentality.

Final word

As you can see, you can have your cake and eat it, sort of speak. You can eat at a burger joint and limit the damage fast food can cause if you keep an eye on portions and items high in sodium, fat, and sugar.

To your good health!

Emilia Klapp, RD, BS
www.TheDiabetesClub.com
www.Discussion.TheDiabetesClub.com