Many college students are not able to maintain a proper nutritional diet, because we just do not have the time. College students are often forced to pick up a quick bite at the nearest fast food restaurant.
Fast food restaurants are the No. 1 cause for new students putting on the “freshman 15.” But, with the hectic schedule of the modern college student, who has time to prepare meals? Here are some suggestions to make more nutritional fast food choices.
At the Union, there is the fast food favorite, “Mickey D’s.” Steer clear of the “Big Mac” and the “Quarter Pounder,” and substitute a four or six-piece “Chicken McNuggets.” Or, walk upstairs to Chick-Fil-A. Grab a chargrilled chicken sandwich with no butter, in place of the chargrilled chicken Caesar salad. Right next door, at Blimpie’s, get a six-inch turkey or roast beef sandwich over the other cold subs. Try to look past the wraps and feel free to choose from any of the hot subs, but remember the meatball sandwich is the highest in fat.
Off campus, at Arby’s, don’t order that “Bacon Cheddar Deluxe” or the “Chicken Cordon Bleu.” Instead, treat yourself to a regular roast beef sandwich, which is nearly half the amount of calories and fat, and skip the curly fries.
When ordering at Burger King, stay away from the “Whopper” burgers and instead order a regular hamburger or an eight-piece chicken tenders.
If you are craving some Mexican, choose the regular, steak, or light chicken soft tacos. Avoid ordering the “Mexican Pizza,” “Nachos BellGrande” and, especially, the taco salad with salsa or you’ll have to stop and rest the next time you “run for the border.”
Keep your eyes away from the tempting “Big Bacon Classic” and the chili and cheese. Order a quarter pound burger, junior hamburger, or grilled chicken sandwich instead. With pizza, go for the thin crust pizzas with cheese and do not “waist” your money on the breadsticks.
Craving some dessert? If you have to indulge, go over to the nearest Baskin Robbins and choose from one of the yogurts offered, such as café mocha, chocolate, or vanilla. They are actually lower in calories and much lower in sugar than the non-fat yogurts, so choose them instead and don’t be fooled by the tricky advertising.
My healthy fast food pick is Subway. Feel free to eat a couple of turkey, ham, or roast beef sandwiches on wheat. Choose these sandwiches over the seafood sandwiches or the “Classic Italian B.M.T,” but if you must, pick the light tuna. For the toppings, add some onions, lettuce, and tomatoes.
Opt for the mustard and ketchup over the devilishly fattening mayonnaise. When ordering burgers, generally the smaller, the better. Order from the junior menu as it is cheaper and better for you, again because of the smaller sizes. Above all, stay away from the French fries because they are addictive and contain significant amounts of trans-fatty acids which raise your cholesterol and the risk of heart disease.