Some folks say that fast food has no place in a healthy diet. And if you're looking for the ultimate in healthy eating, then prepping your meals in advance with lean proteins and veggies is the way to go. But there are just times when life throws you a curve ball, and picking up a quick meal of drive-thru or take-out is the best option. Believe it or not, there are ways to do that and get a meal that's not terrible for your fat loss goals.
Grilled Chicken Is Your Friend
Most drive-thru places have some kind of grilled chicken sandwich that's a much healthier option than a hamburger with a beef patty. For bonus points, get your sandwich without mayo, sauce, or cheese. I do shed a tear when I ask them to leave off the mayo, but I honestly don't taste the cheese when it's there, so that's not a problem for me. Oh, and make sure you get grilled chicken, not "crispy", which is fried.
An Alternative for Fries and Chips
As I said in a previous post, fries and chips aren't actually a requirement to eat with your meal. They come with lots of calories, but not a lot of nutrition. But what if you're really hungry? You don't have to finish your meal still famished. Remember that grilled chicken sandwich you're getting? Ask for an extra portion of chicken on it. Almost all the drive-thru places I've been to will do that, though it's usually about a dollar more expensive than getting the fries. But you're worth the extra expense, right?
Does a sandwich with two chicken breasts on it seem overwhelming? Just try it once. If it turns out to be too much food in one meal, maybe just skipping the fries and eating a regular grilled chicken sandwich is the way to go.
Don't Drink Your Calories
Sugar soda is delicious, but evil. Hopefully you've already come to terms with other beverage options, but if not, it's time. Even fruit juice is packed with sugar, so I'm afraid that's out, too. Unsweetened iced tea, diet soda, coffee, hot tea, or just bottled water. Low fat and fat-free milk can also make good alternatives, though they do have calories.
What's that? Did I hear you gasping and swooning when you read "diet soda"? Are you shocked to hear me recommending a sure-fire carcinogen? Relax. There's zero actual evidence that artificial sweeteners cause cancer. Seriously, none. Here's what the American Cancer Society and Cancer Research UK have to say on the subject.
So diet soda is fine, in reasonable amounts. It's also fine to use artificial sweeteners in your tea or coffee. Just be aware that if you add milk or creamer, they do have calories. Not a ton, but make sure you log those calories.
My Favorite Quick Meal
I love Subway. If you have a Subway restaurant in your area, you can find a variety of great options there. You just have to order carefully. Here is a fantastic nutrition calculator for Subway sandwiches. I have found that if you ask for them to put veggies like tomatoes, onions, and bell pepper on the sandwich before they toast it, you get a moist, flavorful meal that is delicious without high-calorie sauces.
So when life gets hectic or you just can't take any more of your own cooking, don't starve. Just order carefully!
Best wishes,
The Friendly Lifter
