Salt isn't necessarily bad as long as you don't have high blood pressure. Your body just rejects the extra salt it doesn't need.

You can get OK at McD's and the like. Don't get cheese; avoid creamy sauces, and get grilled instead of fried (for chicken). If eating a salad, pick your dressing carefully and use it sparingly.

The calorie counts are posted on all McD's items, so just use that as a guide.

At Five Guys, I get a little (single) hamburger, and for condiments I avoid ketchup (high sugar) and don't get fries. My burger comes to under 500 calories and it fills me up.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not true. They are all "processed," as they are massive corporate entities that have to provide identical food to thousands of outlets around the world.

But "processed" is not a bad word in the food world. Just about everything you eat is "processed" in some way.

For healthier options, go on their web sites and look at the menus. Look for less calorie options and less saturated fat. Grilled chicken sandwiches or salads are usually the best bet.

This.

I mean, yogurt? processed. Bread? Processed. Milk? Unless you're drinking it directly from the cow, it's processed. Like wine and beer? PROCESSED.

I hate it when people complain about "processed" food. Nearly everything you buy in the store is processed. By definition.

To answer your question, OP, at least places like BK and McDonald's have relatively smaller portions. But, no, burgers, chicken, even their salads are not healthy (most of the salads have more fat and calories after you put on dressing, for example).

Subway isn't bad. You can make good choices at Chipotle, but your average burrito there has more fat and calories than a Big Mac. Places like Panera and Cosi are OK -- IF you get the right foods. Which means smaller portions, skip the fries, and avoid fried things.

But don't fret about "processed."

You seemed to have forgotten about the whole fruits and veggies section. People that "complain" about processed foods are generally espousing that people eat a higher proportion of fruits and veggies, as opposed to things that come in a box.

Anonymous wrote:You have to look at sodium content, too, Most places pump grilled chicken breasts (and fired ones) full of salt water to keep them juicy.

+1 Not only the meat is full of sodium. The corn, salsas and other condiments are loaded with salt.

Not sure if it counts as fast food (but it is fast), but I tell myself Peruvian chicken is a healthy option. Of course, I also tell myself the chickpeas they sell there are healthy and its pretty obvious they are full of fat.

You have to look at sodium content, too, Most places pump grilled chicken breasts (and fired ones) full of salt water to keep them juicy.

Good Stuff Eatery?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Chipotle.

Generally, no. You have to work hard to get a healthy meal there.

Your definition of "work" is different than mine, I guess. It's tremendously easy to get a nutrient-packed, lowish calorie meal at Chipotle --- if you skip the meat and dairy.

I usually get a salad bowl with 2 kinds of beans (a LOT of them), pico de gallo, multiple salsas, a spoonful of that corn thingy, either no rice or a small spoonful of it, and some guacamole.

This is not heart surgery.

Many people, like me, have an intolerance to legumes.

We like Burger Fi and Elevation Burger. Helps that they have decent veggie burgers for the two non-meat eaters.

I would think chik fil a has some better options (grilled chicken, fruit cups, salads).

Subway is very good if you're careful about what you order. I love the veggie delite sandwich on flat bread. Their breakfast is very good too.

My personal favorite isn't a burger or chicken fast food place: cava. The salad is so, so, so good.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Chipotle.

Generally, no. You have to work hard to get a healthy meal there.

Your definition of "work" is different than mine, I guess. It's tremendously easy to get a nutrient-packed, lowish calorie meal at Chipotle --- if you skip the meat and dairy.

I usually get a salad bowl with 2 kinds of beans (a LOT of them), pico de gallo, multiple salsas, a spoonful of that corn thingy, either no rice or a small spoonful of it, and some guacamole.

This is not heart surgery.

Anonymous wrote:Chipotle.

Generally, no. You have to work hard to get a healthy meal there.

Chipotle.

Anonymous wrote:Not true. They are all "processed," as they are massive corporate entities that have to provide identical food to thousands of outlets around the world.

But "processed" is not a bad word in the food world. Just about everything you eat is "processed" in some way.

For healthier options, go on their web sites and look at the menus. Look for less calorie options and less saturated fat. Grilled chicken sandwiches or salads are usually the best bet.

This.

I mean, yogurt? processed. Bread? Processed. Milk? Unless you're drinking it directly from the cow, it's processed. Like wine and beer? PROCESSED.

I hate it when people complain about "processed" food. Nearly everything you buy in the store is processed. By definition.

To answer your question, OP, at least places like BK and McDonald's have relatively smaller portions. But, no, burgers, chicken, even their salads are not healthy (most of the salads have more fat and calories after you put on dressing, for example).

Subway isn't bad. You can make good choices at Chipotle, but your average burrito there has more fat and calories than a Big Mac. Places like Panera and Cosi are OK -- IF you get the right foods. Which means smaller portions, skip the fries, and avoid fried things.

But don't fret about "processed."

Not true. They are all "processed," as they are massive corporate entities that have to provide identical food to thousands of outlets around the world.

But "processed" is not a bad word in the food world. Just about everything you eat is "processed" in some way.

For healthier options, go on their web sites and look at the menus. Look for less calorie options and less saturated fat. Grilled chicken sandwiches or salads are usually the best bet.

A friend says Burger King is less processed...