Learn 7 fast food menu pitfalls that hide hidden calories and fat.
Avoiding fast food is difficult. Not only are there chains everywhere you go, but let’s be real: Most of us are too busy, don’t always have enough time to cook a family dinner, and don’t want to spend the money or time at a sit-down restaurant. Then there is the fact that fast food is simply delicious. And, although the term conjures up unhealthy thoughts, there are plenty of things that are actually not bad for you; you just need to know what to order and what to avoid. We consulted with it recently Life is wild Personal training leader and nutrition coach Kelsey Holgate and asked him about the slang terms that can be found on fast food menus. Here are 7 fast food menu pitfalls that quickly add hidden calories.
Products marked “Eat”, “Fried”, “Slice” or “Bread”
The first thing you should pay attention to? Things that say ‘battered’, ‘roasted’, ‘salad’ or ‘baked’. “They’re often fried in oil, which is often vegetable oil or seed oil,” says Holgate. “These are ‘unhealthy’ fats and tend to raise cholesterol but also cause inflammation.”
Products marked as “Premium” or “Deluxe”.
No, it’s not your imagination. Fast food brands like to use the terms “Supreme” and “Deluxe” to describe menu options. “They often have double, not triple, the calories. Calories are an issue, but they also have more sodium,” he says.
Sauces and condiments
Special sauces and condiments at fast food restaurants can be a drag. “These are often made with seed oils or corn syrups. These add extra calories and hidden sugars,” says Holgate.
Beverages, especially sugary coffees or “soft drinks”
Beverages, especially sugary iced coffees and drinks labeled as “refreshers,” are high in calories. “These are loaded with sugar and unnecessary carbohydrates. Often, these spike your blood sugar and leave you with an afternoon energy crash,” says Holgate.
All Value Meal Options
Value foods may save you money, but they’re likely to add unnecessary calories and fat. “Again, more calories and double the portion size,” she says.
All-you-can-eat or all-you-can-eat
Anything “unlimited,” “unlimited,” or “all you can eat” can be tempting, but if you don’t use portion control, it can quickly become dangerous. “This goes for bread, drinks, popcorn, etc. Calories are added before eating,” says Holgate.
“cups”
Burrito bowls, salad bowls, and bowls of any kind may sound healthier than other menu options. But this is not always the case. “Some of these have more carbs than rice, beans and chips. You can add a lot of calories and spike your blood sugar,” says Holgate.
Leah Groth
Leah Groth is an accomplished shopping editor and columnist for Best Life and Eat This, Not That! Bringing readers the best finds, trends and new deals every week. Read more about Leah
