top of page

Eating Out! Fast Food & Friends

Content by: NCES, Inc.

Are you out and about for most of the day? Maybe grabbing lunch or dinner at your favorite fast food joint? Here are some tips to help you choose the most nutritious options.

Eating Out!  Fast Food & Friends

Calculator

Share Item

PDF

Presentation

Author

The Better Your Burger! If a hamburger is what you crave, a hamburger is what you should eat. To cut the calories, order the smallest hamburger available. Look for words such as regular, junior, small, and single. Pair it with a side salad and a glass of water or milk for a complete, nutritious meal.

Craving fries? If you're craving fries, order the smallest size or split them with a friend.
When having fries, avoid adding more salt. If you need a little extra zest, reach for the pepper shaker.

Try mustard and ketchup instead of mayo on your burger. Mustard is also an awesome
low calorie dipping sauce option! Add lettuce, tomato, and onions for some extra veggies.

Choose Chicken. Chicken is a healthy lean protein choice, just choose baked or broiled skinless chicken breasts over fried. Add on the veggie toppings such as lettuce, tomato, and onion.

Great Tips!

Watch out for special sauces and mayo, these are sneaky sources of saturated fat. Ask for them on the side to avoid overdoing it.

Say no to toppings such as cheese, bacon, onion strings, etc. Each contributes to calories and saturated fat.

Consider alternatives...

* Go for the green! Choose dark green leafy lettuce (when available).

* Make it colorful. Add carrots, green or red peppers, broccoli, tomatoes, mandarin oranges, and more.

* Keep it lean. Choose lean meats such as grilled chicken or turkey.

* Go lightly! Choose lite or oil based salad dressings. Ask for the dressing on the side, or when offered a packet, use less than 1/2 of the packet.

bottom of page