Here are some tips that you can use when your kids order. These small changes will help cut down on calories, fat, salt and sugar:
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Go light on the sauce: There are lots of hidden calories in mayo, sour cream, salad dressing and other sauces. Go easy or nix them all together. |
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Choose the chicken: When in doubt, order a grilled, baked or broiled chicken--not fried or breaded. |
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Veg out on the sandwich: Ask for tomato, lettuce, onion, or other veggies on your sandwich. |
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Swap out the fries and onion rings: Order a side salad or baked potato. Large fries can be at least 500 calories a serving! |
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Pass on the soda: Opt for water, juice, or fat-free and low-fat milk instead of high-fat shakes and sugary soda. |
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Opt for regular sizes: It may seem like a good "value" but there are lots of extra calories and fats in those extra-large. Go for the regular size. |
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Go for whole-wheat: Whole wheat buns should have more fiber than regular white bread. Some restaurants offer wheat buns as an alternative--all you have to do is ask. |
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Thin crust it: Go for a thin-crust pizza with veggies instead of a thick-crust with meats and extra cheese. |
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Treat yourself: Go for low-fat frozen yogurt, fruit popsicles, sorbets, and sherbets rather than ice cream or cookies. Sprinkles are also better than caramel or chocolate sauces. |
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Skip the sides: Eating a burger or sandwich by itself is often filling enough. If you do want a side, consider ordering a fruit cup or side salad. Most fast food restaurants now offer them. |
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Avoid double meat and bacon: A serving size of meat is 2-3 ounces--about the size of a deck of cards. You're probably getting well over that with a single meat patty. Bacon is also high in calories and fat. |
Making Better Food Choices at Fast Food Restaurants
