clipped from: www.bottomlinesecrets.com   

Printer-friendly version of this article. Email this article to a friend. E ven though most fast food is bad for your health because of its high-fat, high-calorie and high-salt content, there are ways to eat a relatively healthful meal at a fast-food restaurant -- if you know a few tricks.

TRAP 1. Chicken meals.

Chicken is frequently touted as a healthful alternative to beef -- but beware of the preparation method.

TRAP 2. Salad dressing.

The salad dressing used on a fast-food salad can add more calories than most people realize.

TRAP 3. Calories from cheese.

Solution: Order items from Taco Bell “fresco” style

TRAP 4. No vegetables.

OTHER DEFENSE STRATEGIES...


Downsize, don’t supersize.

order a child’s meal

Give up -- or cut back -- on soft drinks.

you can lose at least half a pound a week by simply drinking water, seltzer or unsweetened iced tea

Caution: Avoid diet soda. It can trigger sugar cravings.


OTHER SMART PICKS


Ruby Tuesday’s “Smart Eating” menu

P.F. Chang’s standard vegetarian menu

Applebee’s Teriyaki Steak ’n Shrimp Skewers with Rice Pilaf and Vegetables