There’s a lot to digest in the emerging fast food market. Here’s a game plan.
The US fast food market remains in supersize mode in 2023, with more than 201,000 fast food restaurants in 2023, 2.55% more than in 2021. Overall, Americans spend approximately $200 billion on fast food each year, and approximately $70,000 individually over a lifetime.
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However, change is afoot in the fast food game, as plant-based menu options expand and dozens of new entrants to the industry prefer the moniker “fast casual” while cooking up menu options. healthier.
Even so, diners should keep their guard up when drinking at a fast food restaurant.
“Just because it says McDonald’s and the store next door says Chipotle, it doesn’t matter, it doesn’t mean you’re going to eat healthier.” said Rutgers University Cooperative Extension professor and nutrition educator Luanne Hughes. in comments to USA Today. “If you go into Chipotle, it still means you have to make smart decisions.”
What is the game plan? Hughes offers these tips for the fast food dining experience.
If you really want to nail down a restaurant, Hughes said the healthiest fast food places are those that offer “more of a hybrid between a traditional drive-through fast food and a restaurant where you’d walk in and sit down.”
Larger menus are a good sign.. Fast food outlets that offer expanded menu options are good choices for consumers. “Look for menu items that have vegetables in them,” Hughes advised. “Those sandwiches that come with tomatoes or lettuce or spinach, any kind of vegetables on there, or allow you to add those options.”
grilled over fried. Diners can easily indulge in the healthier aspects of chicken dishes at establishments like Chick-fil-A or McDonald’s. (dcm) – Get a free report. But be warned: fried chicken dishes aren’t the healthiest option you’re looking for.
“Just because it’s chicken doesn’t mean it’s healthier than a burger, you have to have a real idea of how it’s made,” Hughes said.
Be careful with the sauce. Many fast food restaurants offer specialty sauces like honey mustard, barbecue, buffalo, or garlic ranch. If you opt for the sauce, do it lightly or better yet, nothing.
“A lot of times you find a sandwich that’s grilled chicken, but you’re trying to figure out why it has so many calories and where all the fat and sodium is coming from.” Hughes said. “And a lot of times it’s in those special sauces that they add to the sandwich.”
wash it off with water. Sugar and calories can also add up at the beverage counter, so opt for ice water, soda, or sugary sports drinks.
That also applies to coffee. “The more items you put in your drink, the more calories and sugar you’re adding to your diet,” Hughes said, “Some of those fancy coffees you can order have hundreds and hundreds of extra calories.”
