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Fast Food Is Still Getting Fatter

Posted October 29, 2007 at 11:00 AM by Katie Drummond

Section: Her Health, Her Nutrition, Diet Myths, Healthy Eating, Weight Control

With all the talk of fast food restaurants introducing salads and deli-style sandwiches, you’d be inclined to think many had taken a new and healthy approach to quick and easy eating. But don’t get too excited - the latest studies have found that fast food portion sizes are actually getting larger and many menu items have become even less healthy than in years past.

Though McDonald’s has ditched their Super Size menu, this doesn’t mean you can’t get an oversized meal at this fast food joint - and most others. Recently, Burger King and Wendy’s both introduced new sandwiches with 12 ounces of beef (the size of four decks of cards!) and boasting 1,000 calories (around 1/2 of the daily needs of a middle aged woman). To give you an even better idea of how gut wrenching these new sandwiches are, a McDonald’s “Big Mac” contains around 3 ounces of meat!

Unfortunately, consumers haven’t caught on to the tricky advertising (and accompanying health hazards) of mega portions. While 42-ounce drinks at Wendy’s are no longer called “Biggie” they still pack the same caloric and sugary punch - bad news for your blood sugar, waistline - and your wallet. We spend 1/2 of our dining budgets on fast food each year, and that number is only rising. While it might seem like getting “the most bang” for your buck is the best route to take (making supersizing seem like the logical thing to do), consider other options the next time lunch rolls around:

Ideally, avoid fast food altogether and pack your own meals - make big batches of stews and casseroles to pack in single-serving containers, tote trail mix and energy bars in the car and your purse, and learn to love a good old classic - the pb&j - but make it with natural nut butter on a whole grain bread for extra nutrition and filling fiber.

If you do find yourself in a dine-and-dash situation, avoid the lure of “discounts” that might tempt you into ordering more. Even better, get your so-called bargain and split it with a friend (or two) so that you all save money - and health.

If you can spare an hour, rather than 10 minutes, consider a dine-in restaurant over a food court. You can have more control over what you order and how it’s prepared, and can often find healthier options, like Japanese or vegetarian spots.

Look beyond the superficial and find out what’s really in your food. Does that salad come with creamy dressing and croutons? If so, you might be better off ordering a sandwich after all.

Most food courts do have some safer bets - sushi joints, fresh sandwich outlets (with the right toppings!) or pita places (no, not for a gyro!) can all offer healthy options. Do your research online by visiting chain websites and getting nutritional information so that the next time you’re forced to the food court, you can make an informed decision.

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Tags: fast food, fast food alternatives, fast food health, healthy eating, healthy restaurants, mcdonald's, portion sizes, women's health

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