.jpg)
Fast food can be a convenient option when factoring in our busy lifestyles, however, being mindful of what we are putting into our bodies is also important. Many of the options offered provide almost half of your daily 2,000 calorie allowance or more. The table above provides an overview of the different seafood options fast food restaurants offer displaying the number of calories, fat, carbohydrates, protein, and sodium content of the menu items listed. When reading the nutrition facts for menu items above be aware that the totals for the sandwiches do not contain a side of fries unlike the dinners from Culvers, which include the sides in the totals. For example, the Filet-O-Fish sandwich from McDonalds provides 390 calories and the Culvers 2-piece North Walleye Dinner, which includes fries, coleslaw, and a dinner roll provides 1,630 calories. Therefore, choosing to go with the single sandwich and packing a fruit or vegetable to snack on would prevent you from eating most your calorie allowance in one meal.
Condiments are used to improve and heighten flavor but they can add extra calories to the foods we are eating quicker than we expect. For example, the Burger King’s Big Fish provides a total of 510 calories, however, that does not include a side of fries or a drink. Ordering the Big Fish without tartar sauce or removing some of the extra sauce helps eliminate some of the extra calories and fat. For example, the Big Fish without tartar sauce provides a total of 340 calories, which is a difference of 170 calories. Condiments have been called danger foods due to the ‘hidden’ calories many individuals forget to account for when consuming a meal, therefore, being mindful of the amount placed on the foods we are eating is important.
When deciding which fast food restaurant to visit you may attempt to choose the ‘most healthy option’ however, that is not always an easy decision. Subway has always been portrayed as a healthier fast food option especially when compared to McDonalds. However, when comparing a McDonald’s fish sandwich, which contains 390 calories, to the Subway tuna sandwich, which contains 450 calories, McDonald’s fish sandwich has less calories and fat than the sandwich provided at Subway. Therefore, being aware of all the options out there can help you make a better and more informed decision when choosing a place to feed yourself and your family.
Overall, there is no great fast food option to choose all the time. However, making mindful decisions to not include the condiments, adding a side of fruit or salad instead of fries, or just eating the main entree can help eliminate empty calories. Other options for those that participate in the lent season may be to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, grilled cheese, cheese quesadilla, waffles, pancakes, eggs, cold cereal, canned tuna, or home cooked fish or shrimp.
Megan Tschakert, SDSU Dietetic Intern
