8 TIPS TO EAT HEALTHIER AT FAST FOOD RESTAURANTS

Here are eight tips on how you can enjoy many of your favorite fast foods, while cutting back on fat and sodium:

1) Avoid sauce. Have your hamburger, fish, or chicken sandwich without mayonnaise, tartar or other “special” sauces.

2) Eliminate cheese. The varieties of cheese commonly used by fast-food restaurants on burgers and chicken sandwiches, and breakfast muffins and biscuits are high in fat, cholesterol and calories.

3) Smaller is better. If a sandwich is your preference, avoid entrees called “big”, “double”, “jumbo”, or “whopper” because they usually contain a “super load” of fat. By ordering the plain, small hamburgers you can cut the fat by as much as 70%.

4) Look for chicken, fish, or lean-meat entrees that are grilled, broiled or roasted.

5) Have your toast, English muffin, or pancakes be prepared and served without butter or margarine. Use jelly or jam instead.

6) To reduce the amount of sodium in a regular-size hamburger, eliminate condiments such as pickles and ketchup.

7) If you order breakfast, avoid the ham, bacon, or sausage, and trim the sodium content by more than 30%.

If you eat your fries plain, without adding salt and ketchup, the sodium content can be reduced by more than 60%.