It’s January. If you’re a woman and you’ve a) had a child, b) passed the age of 35, or c) really like chocolate, you’ve probably got a New Year’s resolution that has something to do with getting healthier.
Unfortunately for you and your very healthy resolution, it’s also very likely that you own a car. If your car is like my car, it knows the fastest route to every McDonalds, Taco Bell, Wendy’s, and Arctic Circle in a thirty mile radius. This can be a serious problem.
And yes, I’ve seen that documentary on fast food. I know it’s horrible for us and our children, and I should probably be shot for supporting such an evil eating establishment. So don’t go there.
But if you do, here are a few healthier tricks.
In the past year or two, I’ve developed some cheap fast food tricks that keep me happy and satisfied, but don’t require many calories (at least not bad ones) and won’t break the bank. If you’re interested, here’s how to survive on a fast food diet.
McDonald’s – Instead of getting their grilled chicken wrap (which is a good idea), I like to order one plain grilled chicken breast and dip it in their buffalo sauce. A nice big piece of seasoned grilled chicken is just over a dollar (at most McDonald’s), and the sauce is free. When I’m hungry, I get two.
Wendy’s – This is a no brainer, just get their chili and have them hold the cheese and sour cream. It’s filling, it’s fiber, and you feel like you just did something really smart for under two bucks. It’s all about quantity, those big salads are fun but who needs all those calories?
Arctic Circle – This is my favorite one, and you can order this anywhere that sells a mini salad. I get their side salad with some chicken on the side. Either three of their chicken rings (I give the rest to the little disposals in the back seat), or grilled chicken on the side (rings are cheaper).
Basically, just because it’s fast food doesn’t mean you can’t order whatever you want a la cart. When in doubt, drop the buns, fries, greasy coatings and get some grilled chicken with dipping sauce. You’ll feel like a fast food rock star. Plus, your kids will start following your example.
PS – Awesome charity ideas on my last post, I’m closing it on Friday and posting the winner (who will be treated to links all next week).
But the cheese and sour cream is the best part!
Oh, I love these ideas. I am always on a diet these days and have lost 40 lbs, with still more to go. I love the idea of the grilled chicken with the sauce for a treat. Thanks for sharing!
Great tips! I really like the fruit & yogurt parfait from McD’s (only $1) and Chick-fil-a has a fabulous grilled southwest chicken salad with way low calories and it’s super filling. Just use about 1/3 of the dressing. There are always tricks, which is a good thing because I love supporting the fast food industry! 😉
Excellent tips. I salute you.
They have never put sour cream or cheese on my chili. I feel jipped. Course I adore their chili how it is so no worries!
Awesome tips. We’re too far out in the boondocks right now for those to be an issue for me. Wish that were the problem now. I did just loose 8lbs on the super high fever diet though. Does that count?