In this modern, fast-paced world, with crazy work schedules, lack of downtime, kids’ activities, traffic jams,and more, it’s no wonder we find it so difficult to shop for healthy food and to cook at home all the time. You’ve got to wonder just how, exactly, you’re supposed to go through your day as a superhero, get all your work done, get in a workout, shop, and then,on top of it all, throw together a healthy meal at the end of the day (not to mention clean up!). While tips like simple meal prep can help (a lot!), let’s face it, at times, we may find ourselves in a pickle, on the road, with nothing healthy to eat.
That’s why many of us find ourselves in line at the drive-thru, desperately hoping to bring home something halfway decent to give ourselves and our families. Or simply deciding to throw in the towel and eat “whatever’s on the menu” (just for one night).
Does quick service or fast food mean you’re doomed to eating junk and have no healthy options? The answer is a resounding, “no”! You can find healthier eating out options at most of your common fast food and quick service restaurants. More and more restaurants are jumping on the healthy bandwagon and providing both nutritional information as well as healthier meal choices. So, it’s not as hard as you think to make good fast food choices when you’re out and about.
Here are examples of what a healthy order would look like:
1. Chipotle
When creating your order with chipotle,you want to avoid these items in your order:
- White rice
- Cheese
- Sour Cream
- Tortilla
- Chips
*Chipotle uses quality grass fed meat!
This is a quick healthy meal on the go.
2. Panera Bread
The great thing about this place is, all of Panera’s food is organic non-GMO. So, the only thing you should really avoid here is the bread. Which you can replace for an apple, YAY!
3. Snap Kitchen
Is by far one of the best places if you’re wanting a healthy prepped meal. At Snap Kitchen you can go in and ask them which meal preps are Whole 30 or Paleo diet approved. Pick out your favorites from the many options they have and you will be good to go for the week!
As you can see, there are many lower calorie and higher protein options to choose from at most fast food and quick service restaurants. While the choices may not always be exactly what you’d eat if you were at home, sometimes you have to choose the best you can from the choices at hand.
Finally, to make things even easier on you when you’re away from home and can’t access the quick service restaurant nutrition guides, you can use an app. Dr. Gill recommends the My Fitness Pal app, which you can easily find in the App Store or Google Play (depending on your phone). And, many of these restaurants even have their own apps to help you make the best food choices you can
Michaelle De La Torre
At Zenith, we have spent decades assisting people just like you in enhancing their cognitive fitness.
Call us right now at (972) 210-0033 or arrange a visit.