‘Healthy’ fast food an oxymoron

(U-WIRE) LAWRENCE, Kan.- College students eat fast food for breakfast, lunch, dinner and even between meals. Fast food is only a part of America’s obesity issue, but college students must become aware of the problem. The Centers for Disease Control reported in 2003 that the prevalence of obesity among adults ages 20 through 74 nearly doubled from 15 percent in 1976 through 1980 to 28 percent in 1999 to 2000.

Despite our best intentions to eat a healthy diet, cravings and the demands of school, work and time send us in search of the quick fast food fix. No one can stop you from eating fast food, so here are some tips for when you have your next burger-and-fries craving.

A regular-size burger provides two servings of grain, 3 ounces of protein and 260 calories, which is just right for a single meal. But if you switch from a regular burger to a Big Mac value meal with large fries and a large Coca-Cola, your calorie total soars to 1,400 calories—almost a day’s worth of calories for the average college student. Either take home leftovers for another meal or buy smaller portions. Even though the larger sizes don’t cost much more you may end up super-sizing your waist and your value meal.

So watch how much fried food you eat. Even fish sandwiches are rarely healthy, because they are usually fried. Items that are baked, broiled, roasted or grilled are better choices. But ask for the sauces on the side so you control how many extra calories, fat and carbohydrates you eat.

Even if you choose healthy main dishes you can destroy your hard work by ordering a big drink. Skip the sodas and you’ll save tons of calories.

A super-sized 42-ounce pop or fruit drink will set you back 410 calories. It would be more, but you get a lot of ice.

Take the time to make good decisions about what you eat and where. Don’t let the closeness to home, school or work dictate where you eat.

Look at your options and for places where your food is made to order so you can control the amounts. Consider ordering large salads, but don’t spoil them with high-fat dressings. Roast beef, turkey and chicken sandwiches are often better than a burger.

Ask for nutrition information or visit fast-food Web sites to know what you are eating. To make the comparison simple, check out three popular options at five different restaurants below by grams of fat, grams of protein, grams of carbohydrates and calories.