When you dine on "Fast Food"

I am one of the lucky few who get to work from a home office most days of the year. Due to the nature of my work, my physical location is not important to the task at hand. As such, I also have the ability to better control my food choices and eating habits during the workday. If you are in this category, be thankful that you are because - for most people - it is much more difficult to eat during the workday.

Sometimes, however, my job requires my physical presence in the office - often for several days at a time. This week was such a week. Yesterday, as lunchtime came and went, the pangs of hunger began to gnaw at me and I finally decided to run to the local McDonalds for lunch. Since I was very hungry, I called to order thoughtfully.

When those of us Battle of the Bulge visit a fast food restaurant, there are some really obvious that we must do to avoid overeating and / or choose the wrong types of foods. These things "obvious" in order not to include anything that is "fried fat" and not "super-size" any order. It struck me, though, as I sat there low "inhale" my cheeseburger, there are many other things that we can do that will also prevent overconsumption of wrong types of foods.

The first thing to consider is what you drink. Most fast food companies will provide chilled water "free when you make a purchase food. Not only can you save money, but you can drink more water, which is something you already know do. Many wise fast foods are also selling your favorite brands of bottled water, which can usually be recharged drinks kiosk, if you're still thirsty when you have finished your meal.

Soda Not only is it important when comparing beverage choices (eg in relation to the water), but when you consider the fact that fast food contains more salt than we usually would used on our own food at home. If you've been reading these articles for some time now, you have probably read some of the compelling reasons why we need to limit our sodium intake. Sodium leads to water retention (which weighs about seven pounds per gallon) and the only way to resolve this safely sodium (and water retention) is to drink more water and more.

The next thing to consider is the condiments. Many fast food restaurants offer salads as an option in low calorie their traditional offerings. They are a great way to avoid the most fat, lower fiber alternatives, but with the salad dressing should be considered, otherwise you end up saving calories may not at all. Dieticians suggest you carefully choose the type of dressing, so they recommend that you use the smallest amount possible.

If you order items other than salads, the same is true. Mayonnaise if high fatty foods should be avoided. Most restaurants will allow you to "special order" a small amount of your condiments ("light on the mayo, please ...") or just those that are low in fat and calories. Mustard is a low fat, low calorie condiment, although it may not suit the taste of each individual.

The last thing I recommend you keep in mind when you visit a food "fast" restaurant is not wrapped in speed "of the environment. One of the worst eating habits is to eat your meals rapidly. Nature of the fast food shop, it is difficult to slow down and enjoy your meal. Make a conscious effort to sit, relax and savor every bite. Do not confine the stirring the medium. When you sit down at the table with your food, you say that you eat slowly, savoring your meal, or you are likely to eat too fast and too much.

You may not always be able to avoid eating at a fast food restaurant, so when you do, prepare yourself before you get in line to order. Do not let your hunger will cause you to over order, make wise choices of food and drink, and when you eat, take time to savor your food. Following this advice will keep you on the path to a lighter, health!