Question

Watch the video I posted on Nutrition content of fast food chains.
Select a fast food chain you might order food from.
Create your meal (what you really would order, not what you think you should order)
What is the breakdown of calories, fat, carbohydrates, etc..?
Were you surprised and will you try to make other choices in the futre?
I have created a thread in case you want to comment on other student's selection, but not necessary for grading purposes.

Answer 1

Answer :- HEALTHY FAST FOOD

Finding a healthy, well-balanced meal in a fast food restaurant can be a challenge. But here’s how to find healthier options hidden among the diet disasters.

Is there such a thing as healthy fast food?

The truth is that it’s extremely difficult to follow a healthy diet when you’re eating regularly at fast food restaurants. Fast food is typically loaded with calories, sodium, and unhealthy fat—often enough in one meal for an entire day. it also tends to be low in nutrients and almost totally lacking in fruits, vegetables, and fiber.

Aim to keep your entire meal to 500 calories or less. The average adult eats 836 calories per fast food meal-and underestimates what they ate by 175 calories. So don’t guess! Most chains post nutritional info both on their websites and at the franchise location. Take advantage of this information.

Opt for foods that are lower in fat and in higher protein and fiber. Look for items with more good stuff, like fiber, whole grains, and high-quality protein. Also aim for options that are relatively low in saturated fats. And steer clear of all items that contain trans fats.

Is fast food bad?

There is no such thing as a “bad” food, but there are some foods you should try not to have on a regular basis. Because fast food is high in sodium, saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol, it isn’t something you should eat often. Eating too much over a long period of time can lead to issues such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and unwanted weight gain. Since eating a lot of trans fats can cause certain heart health problems, the FDA (Federal Food and Drug Administration) has required that artificial trans fats from partially hydrogenated oils be removed from foods sold at restaurants by 2020.

People also often drink soda when they eat fast food which adds “empty” calories (calories that don’t make you feel full or provide any nutrients besides sugar) to the meal. It’s helpful to remember that with fast food, moderation is important.

Is some fast food healthier than others?

Many fast food chains have updated their menus to include healthier options. For example, many have menu items that contain fruits and vegetables. Some menus even have special items labeled as “light” or “less than 500 calories” to help consumers easily identify lighter menu items. While lower calorie menu options are not necessarily “healthier,” the calorie counts can be helpful to reference when deciding between a few meal options. If you’re having fast food more than once a week, try to choose from some of the healthier choices on the menu. You can also often look at the nutrition facts on the restaurant’s website if you’re curious.

Here are some tips:

Go light on the toppings: Added toppings usually means more sodium or unhealthy fats.

To lighten up your meal without taking away flavor:

Don’t overdo the salad dressing. Choose oil-based dressings such as Italian or balsamic vinaigrette instead of creamy salad dressings such as blue cheese and ranch which are high in saturated fat. Ask for dressing on the side so you can control the amount that goes on.
Use (or ask for) mustard or ketchup instead of mayonnaise or “special sauce”.
When ordering pizza, add veggies instead of meat, and get thin crust instead of deep dish.
Top your sandwiches with veggies such as onions, lettuce, and tomatoes instead of bacon or extra cheese.
Don’t add more salt from the shaker to your meal. Salt is a major contributor to high blood pressure and heart disease and fast food tends to be loaded with it already.
Know how your food is made: The way a meal is made says a lot about how healthy it will be.

In general , follow these rules:

Choose foods that are broiled, steamed, or grilled instead of fried. For example, pick a grilled chicken sandwich instead of fried chicken or chicken nuggets and choose steamed vegetables or fresh fruit instead of French fries.
Choose soups that are not cream based. For example, if the name of the soup includes the word cream or chowder, such as “Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup”, choose something else such as a broth-based soup like minestrone or chicken noodle.
Dishes labeled deep-fried, pan-fried, basted, breaded, creamy, crispy, scalloped, alfredo, or in cream sauce are usually high in calories, unhealthy fats, and sodium.
When ordering a sub or sandwich, select lean meats such as turkey or grilled chicken instead of items such as burgers, steak, or cheese sandwiches. Ask if they have a whole wheat bread or wrap option.
Ask for sauces or dressings that come with meals to be served on the side and use just a small amount.

Pick This , Not That

Here are a few specific tips to make healthier choices when ordering fast food:

Humburger restaurant: choose a grilled chicken sandwich (ask for no mayonnaise) with a side salad and lite dressing or apple slices.
Sub sandwich restaurant:choose a small (ie. six inch) whole wheat sub or pita with lean protein (grilled chicken, turkey), plenty of vegetables, and a lite or oil-based dressing or hummus.
Mexican restaurant: choose a burrito without rice (or a bowl with brown rice and no tortilla), with plenty of vegetables, and with lean protein (beans or chicken) or choose tacos with lean protein (fish, chicken, or beans) and plenty of vegetables. For a topping choose guacamole instead of sour cream..
Enjoy your meal: Sit down while you eat. Fast food is known as a meal on the go. Many people eat in their cars or while doing another activity. If you are distracted, you may not pay attention to how much food you are eating, and you may eat much more than you need. Sit down at the restaurant you visit and pay attention to your meal. If you can’t sit, eat just a little and save the rest for later. That way you won’t be starving once you have the chance to sit and finish your meal, and you’ll be less likely to overeat.

Where can I find nutrition facts about fast food ?

The FDA (Federal Food and Drug Administration) has labeling requirements for all fast food restaurants. Restaurants with twenty or more locations are required to post the calorie content of foods on the menu. You can use these calorie amounts as a guide to see how much you’re eating at a meal. Remember that just because something might be lower in calories than another item, that doesn’t necessarily mean that it is “healthier.” For example French fries might be lower in calories than a grilled chicken sandwich, but you’d be better off picking the sandwich because it is lower in fat and has more protein.

Most fast food and restaurant chains also offer nutrition information online. Use a search engine to find the company’s web page. There is usually a link to the nutrition section on the home page where you will find nutrition facts, including fat, cholesterol, sodium, protein, calories, and more for each product. Many of these menus are now interactive as well, so you can preview your plate and modify it to be more nutritious. Take a look at this information to help you make healthier choices when eating out.

If you don’t have time or access to a computer, many restaurants offer nutrition pamphlets in the restaurant or have a way of pointing out healthier options on their menus.