We are a fast food nation – the home cooked meals of the past are sadly becoming history. Over scheduling and modern day stress has led to many people needing a quick meal when they are on the go. That is why on any given day, more than 25 percent of Americans will eat fast food. Even more alarming is that more money is spent yearly on fast food than higher education – over $110 billion to be exact. With these statistics being so lofty, the question comes to mind, how do you continue to travel down the natural path to health and still live in our fast food nation?
In an ideal world, eating at a fast food restaurant would never happen but it is almost inevitable that you will be faced with a situation where fast food may be your only option. This is where we come in and assist you in making the best possible choice when dining out. Following is a list of fast food chains that are a step above the rest as far as food quality goes:
Pizza
Choose: Papa John’s (no trans-fat, MSG or meat fillers) stick to thin crust with lots of veggies and a hint of cheese.
Skip: Pizza Hut, Dominos, Toppers and Rocky’s (all have trans-fat, MSG and lots of preservatives)
Mexican
Choose: Chipotle – Their slogan is “food with integrity.” Meats are naturally raised without antibiotics or hormones. There are no trans-fats, sugar, artificial flavors or colors, eggs or peanuts in any of their products. Remember portion control is the key here.
Skip: Taco Bell (loaded with trans-fat and artificial everything)
Asian and Thai
Choose: Chins (no trans-fat or MSG)
Skip: Noodles (does not disclose online if they use trans-fats, artificial flavors and/or preservatives)
Subs and Clubs
Choose: Jimmy John’s (fresh ingredients and fewer additives) try an “unwich”.
Skip: Subway (but a better choice than McDonalds), Blimpie’s and Quiznos (all have trans-fat, high fructose corn syrup and a lot of preservatives)
American Food
Skip: All of them! (McDonald’s, Burger King, Hardees, Culvers…etc.) If you are in a pinch and decide to eat at any of the above, please choose a salad with dressing on the side.
Being prepared by packing a lunch and extra snacks is an ideal way to travel down the natural path to health. However when choices are limited, consider the information above to ensure good health.
Sources:
Schlosser, Eric. Fast Food Nation. New York: Houghton Mifflin Company, 2001.
