Another Reason to STOP Eating Fast Food

By Mary Moss, published Feb 15, 2008
Published Content: 128  Total Views: 74,751  Favorited By: 31 CPs
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Families on budget and/or those who are living a frugal lifestyle don't eat at fast food restaurants very often. It can really add up if a family of four eats out even once a week it can run over $20-$25 dollars with even a minimum order.

As I sat in the doctor's office the other day I picked up a guide to nutrition and dietary exchanges for fast food booklet. Oh my gosh! No wonder America is experiencing an obesity epidemic!!!

I'm going to list just a few of the items available at some fast food restaurants in my area. I think you'll be shocked AND you may decide the fat and calories are another good reason NOT to eat fast food!

Arbys:

Regular Roast Beef Sandwich - 320 cal., 950 gm. sodium, 34 gms carbohydrates.

Think the Market Fresh Sandwiches are "healthier" than ordering from the regular menu?

Roast Turkey and Swiss Market Fresh Sandwich
- 720 cal., 1790 gms. sodium, 74 grams. carbohydrates.

Think a salad would be a better option?

Santa Fe Salad - 490 cal., 1230 gm. sodium, 40 gms. carbohydrates (this is without tortilla chips or dressing! Dressing - 300 cal., Tortilla chips - 61 cal. - That brings total calories for this menu option to 851 calories!

Burger King:

Whopper Jr. w/Cheese - 430 cal., 770 gms. sodium, 32 gms. carbohydrates.

Whopper w/Cheese - 800 cal., 1450 gms. sodium, 53 gms. carbohydrates.

Chick-Fil-A

Chicken Sandwich - 410 cal., 1300 gms. sodium, 38 gms. carbohydrates.

Chargrilled Cool Wrap - 390 cal., 1020 sodium, 54 gms. carbohydrates.

McDonald's

Like to run through McDonald's drive-thru for a quick breakfast? You may want to grab a cereal or protein bar and piece of fruit instead!

Sausage Biscuit w/Egg - 500 cal., 1080 gms. sodium, 36 gms. carbohydrates.

The lunch menu is similar to others in terms of calories, sodium and carbs.

Quarter Pounder - 420 cal., 730 gms. sodium, 40 gms. carbohydrates.

Think switching to one of their salads is a wiser choice?

Caesar Salad w/Grilled Chicken w/o Dressing - 200 gal., 830 gms. sodium, 10 gms. carbohydrates; Caesar Dressing - 190 cal. 500 gm. sodium, 4 gms. carbohydrates.

Grand total: 390 cal., 1380 gms. sodium, 14 gms. carbohydrates.

Comments
Showing Comments 1 - 6 of 6
 
 
Not the least bit surprising. Doc put me on a strict diet for my health, and fast food was off limits mostly because of the sodium, but wow, the other stuff too. Good article to write about!

Posted on 03/15/2008 at 1:03:42 AM

 
Fast food does not tempt me! I just wasn't raised that way in the UK, so I am thankful that my mum cooked us healthy, homemade food. It does seem that a lot of Americans love their fast food though. I can understand the convenience factor. Sophie

Posted on 02/24/2008 at 12:02:46 PM

 
Nooooooooooooo!!!! LOL I just couldn't give up my weekly McDonald's fix. I know I should, but I've changed how I eat at home so I don't think once a week is going to hurt too much.

Posted on 02/23/2008 at 6:02:45 PM

 
How about just the Chick-Fil-A strips without the bread? I do eat those and they don't seem to hurt my diet but I'm not sure how much fat, etc. they have.

Posted on 02/21/2008 at 4:02:00 PM

 
I love a big mac every now and then. I know it is not good for me but to be honest anything that tastes good is bad for us. Great article though. Thanks for the information

Posted on 02/16/2008 at 3:02:03 PM

 
Excellent article! I admit we used to eat too much fast food until we watched "Supersize Me." That movie truly opened our eyes to how unhealthy fast food is.

Posted on 02/15/2008 at 7:02:27 PM

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