MacDonalds, Burger King and Wendy's. For many Americans, the names bring to mind thick, juicy burgers with all the trimmings, and a huge container of fresh, crispy fries. But Americans are entering a state of health crisis. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, obesity in American adults has increased a staggering 60 percent over the past 20 years, and obesity rates in American children have tripled. With these frightening numbers, more and more Americans have been encouraged to watch their calorie and fat intake. Popular fast food restaurants have responded to this need by adding low calorie items to their menu, ranging from apple slices to salads. But are these salads actually healthier, and which ones are the best choice, health-wise? The following information, provided by www.calorieking.com, offers a quick examination of the salad choices of three popular fast food chains.
McDonalds
- A Big Mac extra value meal with the Big Mac and large fries has 1040 calories and 54 grams of fat, with the Big Mac at 540 calories and 29g and the fries with 500 calories and 25g.
- Caesar salad with grilled chicken and no dressing, 240 calories and six g of fat. WIth crispy chicken, it jumps to 330 calories and 17g. Dressing adds 190 calories and 18g.
- Southwest with grilled chicken and no dressing, 320 calories and nine fat g. Crispy chicken southwest salad has 430 calories and 20g. Dressing adds 100 calories and nine grams.
- Bacon ranch with grilled chicken and no dressing, 260 calories and nine grams. Add crispy chicken, and the calories change to 370 calories and 20g. Ranch dressing adds 170 calories and 15g.
- Croutons add 60 calories and 1.5g
Burger King
- A large Burger King fry, at 478 calories and 23.1g., with an original Whopper, 770 calories and 48g, giving this meal a total of 1248 calories and 71.1 fat grams.
- A garden salad, no dressing, and grilled chicken, has 210 calories and seven grams of fat. Crispy chicken jumps the numbers to 410 calories and 23g.
- Croutons add 60 calories and 1.5g.
- Dressings can range from Light Italian at 120 calories to Honey Mustard with 270 calories and 23g.
Wendy's
- According to calorieking.com, a 1/2 lb. cheeseburger meal with medium fries and medium Coke has 1330 calories and a whooping 60g.
- A plain Chicken Caesar salad has only 180 calories and two fat grams. But add dressing and croutons? The salad jumps to 490 calories and 33g.
- A Mandarin Chicken salad, with no dressing or noodles, has 180 calories and two fat grams. A Mandarin Chicken with all the trimmings? 540 calories and 25 g.
- A Homestyle Chicken BLT salad contains 470 calories and 27g with no dressing or croutons. But a fully dressed Chicken BLT salad contains 780 calories and 53g.
- A Southwest Taco salad without any trimmings contains 400 calories and 22g. Add dressing, sour cream and tortilla strips, and it jumps to 640 calories and 39g.
- Cranberry Pecan Chicken with Berry Balsamic Vinaigrette contains 350 calories and 10g.
While this is only a cursory glance at the menus of these fast food giants, it appears that it is possible to eat healthy at these fast food restaurants if one is mindful of what is being put on their salads. The best possible actions when trying to eat healthy at a fast food restaurant? Have a salad and avoid or limit the fattening dressings and trimmings.
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