Dietitian in the Drive-Thru Lane

Occasionally, I’ll order French fries or something “unhealthy” just to shock them. The truth of the matter is, I’m reasonable and realistic. I like French fries. I just choose to limit them to once in a while, and when I do order, I pick the smallest size.

I also have a pretty impressive memory for the calories in most fast food items, so I am fully aware of what I am eating. This helps me balance my eating over the course of the day. If I have a high calorie lunch, I know I need to watch it at dinner. This takes some self-discipline, but it comes with my job!

Another question I get on a regular basis is, “What do you eat?”  Today I’ll share some typical fast food meals I would order that are on the healthier side:

McDonald’s
-Hamburger with apple dippers and low-fat milk chug ~ 450 calories
-Cheeseburger with side salad, low-fat vinaigrette and unsweetened iced tea ~360 calories

Wendy’s
-Baked potato topped with small chili ~ 460 calories
-Jr. hamburger, side salad with ½ packet light ranch, mandarin orange cup ~380 calories

Taco Bell
-1 Fresco crunchy taco with Pintos ‘n Cheese ~ 310 calories
-2 Fresco Ranchero chicken soft tacos ~ 340 calories

Chick-Fil-A
-Chargrilled & Fruit Chicken Salad (no granola) and 1/2 packet of berry dressing ~290 calories
-Chargrilled Chicken Sandwich and medium fruit cup ~ 350 calories
(http://www.chick-fil-a.com/#nutrition)

In regards to calories, these meals are reasonable choices, but beware of the sodium content. Fast food and restaurant meals can fit in a healthy diet, but it may mean watching calories and sodium in your other meals and snacks to stay within a healthy range. Also, check out Healthy Dining Finder to find other healthier restaurant and fast food options by entering your city/state or zip code.