Guilt-free fast food treats

MANILA, Philippines - Fast food favorites can still be enjoyed by calorie-conscious people despite the number of calories a set of meal has. As long as one knows healthier alternatives and how to control his own caloric intake, then there¡¯s no need to worry about shredding those extra pounds while eating fast food.

As more people are becoming more watchful of their health, they have resorted to a healthier dining preference. For some, cheeseburger matched with upsized French fries and soda may not sound healthy although there have been some fast food stores that have now diversified their menus aside from the typical burger-and-fries set meals. Popular international fast food chains in the country, for example, have vegetable salads, vegetable sandwich and fish fillet sandwiches available in their local branches. Other local food chains also offer healthier alternatives in their menus, from all-vegetable flavored pizza to kamote fries, which would not hurt one’s weight control habit.

Calorie Count

Fast food fans would normally indulge themselves in value meals such as whopping burgers, large fries and desserts such as sundae or fruit pies. However, health conscious may shun away from these meals if they find out that these may add a thousand more calories to their body. According to dietfacts.com, a cheeseburger from some fast food stores already contains about 310 total calories, while bacon and mushroom burger has 560 calories in all. A slice of pepperoni pizza also means increasing your calorie intake as it has at least 370 calories per slice.

Moreover, a 176-gram order of French fries adds about 540 calories to one’s body; while a large order or 130 grams of onion rings have 440 calories. Also, other frozen desserts in some fast food stores are to be closely watched as others have chocolate shakes that contain 410 calories for a small order of 329 grams, while a 6.3-oz. sundae may have 340 calories.

Grilled vs crispy deep-fried

Calories may appear to spoil one’s craving for fast food but it should not stop someone from having a bite of his favorite burger or pizza. These fast food treats may still be enjoyed in healthier ways.

Although Filipinos would always prefer deep-fried and toasted-to-crisp food, grilled is a smarter choice for burgers or chicken in fast food restaurants. Grilled food has lesser calories, cholesterol, fats and other nutritional hazards. Other fast food places have grilled burgers available instead of the fried burger patties. Grilled chicken sandwich, for example, has 410 calories, compared to crispy chicken sandwich that has 510 calories. Also, fried chicken has almost 200 more calories than grilled chicken in some fast food stores.

Go for green

Also, it would help someone control his dietary intake by adding more vegetables instead of meat in sandwiches and even in pizzas. A slice of meaty pizza in common pizza restaurants has about 460 calories per slice, while a vegetable-topped pizza only has 340 calories per slice.

Sandwiches are also healthier when filled with veggies, instead of more meat and bacon. Remember, vegetables are a good source of fiber for one’s body. More sandwich dressing also increases caloric intake. Instead of creamy dressings and cheese, try using mustard to keep it healthier. There are also other fast food stores that offer wheat bread, which is much healthier than ordinary breads.

Other fast food stores also have Caesar salad, garden fresh salad and other vegetable salads, which are a lot healthier than others in the menu. Locally owned fast food brands also offer healthy snacks such as tofu and crispy kangkong.

Guiltless pleasure

On the other hand, there are also some who can’t simply replace the traditional fast food treats to these healthy alternatives. It would not be bad sinking one’s teeth in these cheesy burgers and thick-crust pizzas for as long as one knows how to limit the portions and size of the servings. It would also be better if two or more people share in large portions of these meals.

Sipping the right drinks is also something to keep in mind. Sodas, as many are aware, contain lots of calories and sugar. Order non-sugar or diet sodas, or natural fruit juice instead. Also, other juices and iced tea may have too much sugar and chemicals which may also put your health at risk.

Like what many people say, too much of something may be bad enough. So, it is always important to limit what to eat.