Half of all Americans say they eat fast food for dinner at least some of the time, even though these pit stop meals are often packed with calories, sodium and saturated fat.
Citing convenience as the primary reason for drive-thru dinners, 87% of respondents to a survey by Tastewise said they would like to see healthier options at fast food chains.
Fortunately, there are ways to make your value meal a bit better for you — and the answer doesn’t have to mean skipping burgers in favor the salad you don’t really want. According to a new survey, half of Americans have fast food for dinner. gargantiopa – stock.adobe.com Expert nutritionist and biologist Anastasiya Kaliga is on hand with tips for improving your order, and she has some specific suggestions for your favorite chains.
“Choosing a healthy option at a fast-food restaurant doesn’t have to mean settling for a plain salad. Here are some practical, non-trivial ways to make a smarter choice while satisfying your taste buds and meeting health goals,” Kaliga told The Post. 1. Pick meals with protein and fiber
Kaliga notes that protein helps maintain muscle mass and keeps folks feeling fuller for longer.
The Recommended Dietary Allowance is 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight — or 0.36 grams per pound. For a 150-pound person, that’s 54 grams of protein daily.
Meanwhile, fiber promotes regular bowel movements, supports gut health, aids in weight management, stabilizes blood sugar levels and can lower cholesterol levels.
Recent research found that adequate protein and fiber intake directly affects total sleep time and quality.
“A high-protein, fiber-rich meal prevents energy crashes and unnecessary snacking later,” she said.Pickup up Chipotle? “A burrito bowl with brown rice, black beans, grilled chicken, and veggies provides a balanced mix of protein and fiber, keeping you satisfied without excess calories,” she noted. Kaliga recommends the lettuce bun hack for any burger you order at McDonald’s. 2. Make customizations Sneaky calories, such as those found in sauces, cheese, added sugar and refined carbohydrates, contribute to the high caloric content of most fast-food meals. Making simple swaps can equate to […]
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