Fast foods are quick, convenient, inexpensive and are available almost anywhere that sells food and/or snacks. Vending machines and drive-thru restaurants are probable the most popular common places for kids to buy fast food. It is so popular, because for under $5.00 you can purchase food that taste good and is satisfying. But a hidden price comes with this, because it is usually made with cheaper ingredients, such as high fat meat and foods that contain lots of unhealthy fats, which are associated with heart disease, certain cancers, diabetes and other serious problems. What people fail to realize is that for the same price or less, you can indulge in tasty bodybuilding supplements, such as protein shakes,and various protein bars, that are truly delicious and supply you with all the essential vitamins and minerals needed for the day and serve as a perfect well-balanced meal replacement.

General Information on Fast Food Restaurants

When eating at Mcdonalds, the world’s largest restaurant company, be informed of the following facts:

>Hash browns “weight for weight,” contain more fat and calories than a cheeseburger or Big Mac.

>There are more calories in a large portion of French fries than in 9 chicken McNuggets.

>A double sausage & egg McMuffin contains more calories and fat than any other single breakfast item.

>Mcdonald’s regular milkshakes have less than 10 grams of total fat-the calories content is high due to added sugar.

>A large chocolate donut contains more fat and calories than any other desert item.

Chinese food is another popular fast food and when making choices of what to order consider the following:

>Vegetables items are lower in fat than meat dishes, but can still be high in total calories.

>Duck and pork dishes are very often the highest fat foods.

>Meat items fried in batter contain 3 lots of calories, from the protein (meat), carbs (batter) & fat (frying).

>Stir-fry dishes are best choices for lower calories.

>Spare ribs are often loaded with fat.

>Many appetizers re deep fried and some can hold more oil.

Indian restaurants have gained popularity and here are some interesting nutritional facts that you should know:

>Indian foods are often cooked in Ghee – basically pure fat and high in cholesterol!

>Korma and Biryani dishes are some of the most fattening Indian dishes.

>Although the fat content in naan bread is medium they are such a dense food that total calories are high.

>Tikka dishes are usually lower in fat as the meat is cooked in a dry oven.

Italian food has been a favorite for many years and although it can be very nutritious, one should be aware of the following:

>Creamy pasta sauces are often higher in fat.

>Tomato based sauces are the best choice.

>Some Italian bread is served soaked in oil.

>Lasagna is made with layers of cheese which is loaded with fat.

>Pizza vegetable toppings are a better choice than meat toppings..

Restaurants Getting Healthier

Be informed that with increasing media and consumer sensitivity to the problem of kid’s nutrition, certain food, and beverages, Restaurant Companies are aggressively addressing the challenge of providing proper nutrition to children and several fast-food chains have begun to offer healthier alternatives. 

McDonalds will start informing patrons of the amount of calories and fat, among other info on their wrappers, instead of going to the Web site or asking at the counter; and

KFC announced plans to eliminate most artery-clogging fat from its food, by using healthier cooking oil. Also, Wendy’s International Inc., switched to a healthier cooking oil that doesn’t contain any trans fats.

In the meantime, remember without adequate nutrition, we cannot expect to be healthy. Nutrition comes from what we eat and drink. Therefore, it is important to know what is good for your body and what is not, and to be aware of the hidden dangers in fast foods.