Fast foods

Recommendations:

Make better choices when eating at fast food restaurants. Consider these general tips:

• Pizza:

Ask for less cheese, and choose low-fat toppings such as Canadian bacon, onions, mushrooms, green peppers, tomatoes, and other vegetables

• Sandwiches:

Healthier choices include regular or junior size lean roast beef, turkey, or chicken breast, or lean ham. Extras, such as, bacon, cheese or mayo will increase the fat and calories of the item. Select whole grain breads over croissants or biscuits; these contain lots of added fat.

• Hamburgers:

A single plain meat patty without the cheese and sauces is the best choice. Ask for extra lettuce, tomatoes and onions.

• Chicken and Fish:

Look for items that are roasted, grilled, baked or broiled. Avoid meats that are breaded or fried.

• Salads:

High fat food items such as dressing, bacon bits and shredded cheese, add fat & calories Choose lettuce and assorted vegetables to make up the majority of your salad. Select low fat or fat free salad dressings, vinegar or lemon juice when available.

• Desserts:

Choose low-fat frozen yogurt, fruit ices, sorbets and sherbets. Occasional desserts add fun to a carefully selected, well balanced diet.

Try to choose smaller sized servings. Consider splitting some fast food items to reduce the amount of calories and fat.

To help supplement and balance .your child's fast food meal, make fresh fruits, vegetables and juices available as snacks.

When chosen carefully and not used in excess, fast foods can offer reasonably good quality nutrition to your child's diet. As always, variety and moderation are the key principles in providing a healthy diet for children as well as adults.