When is it healthy to eat fast food?

The short answer is: rarely. Typically, fast food is low in nutrition and high in Trans fat, saturated fat, sodium, and calories.

“MODERATION” becomes the key. It’s OK to indulge a craving for French fries every now and then, but to stay healthy you can’t make it a regular habit. Finding a healthy, well-balanced meal in most fast food restaurants can be a challenge, but there are always choices you can make that are healthier than others. Following are some tips:

· Make careful menu selections: Dishes labeled deep-fried, pan-fried, basted, batter-dipped, breaded, creamy, crispy, scalloped, Alfredo, au gratin or in cream sauce are usually high in calories, unhealthy fats or sodium. Order items with more vegetables and choose leaner meats.

· Drink water with your meal.

· “Undress” your food: Be aware of calorie- and fat-packed salad dressings, spreads, cheese, sour cream, etc. For example, ask for a grilled chicken sandwich without the mayonnaise.

· Eat mindfully: Pay attention to what you eat and savor each bite. Chew your food more thoroughly and avoid eating on the run. Being mindful also means stopping before you are full.

· Avoid supersized portions, salt, bacon, and Buffets in which you’ll likely overeat to get your money’s worth.