<p>Speaking of the devil…</p>
<p>[McDonalds</a> Happy Meal resists decomposition for six months | The Upshot Yahoo! News - Yahoo! News](<a href=“http://news.yahoo.com/s/yblog_upshot/20101012/bs_yblog_upshot/mcdonalds-happy-meal-resists-decomposition-for-six-months]McDonalds”>http://news.yahoo.com/s/yblog_upshot/20101012/bs_yblog_upshot/mcdonalds-happy-meal-resists-decomposition-for-six-months)</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>Ewww…</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>Dang, that’s a lot of sodium. I’m supposed to be watching that.</p>
<p>I love me a hamburger Happy Meal.</p>
<p>McDonald’s food is gross. Even when it is fresh, it is rubbery and “plastic” feeling in texture, especially the fries. I don’t know exactly what has changed since I was a kid, but McDonald’s french fries used to be absolutely heavenly. No longer.</p>
<p>
[Why</a> McDonald’s Fries Taste So Good](<a href=“http://www.rense.com/general7/whyy.htm]Why”>http://www.rense.com/general7/whyy.htm)</p>
<p>I have to be honest. After giving it some serious thought, if I <em>had</em> to eat fast food, I think I’d probably just go along with whatever other people wanted to do, because it all seems pretty horrible to me at this point. However, every single fast food place offers milk (lowfat, even), tea and coffee, and many offer some sort of broiled something, which wouldn’t be too bad ;-)</p>
<p>Not arguing “healthy” here; I’m not sure that’s compatible with fast food—too much salt, fat, carbs, and calories in almost everything. But for taste, I’ll go for Panera (usually a half sandwich and soup), Jimmie John’s (I like their “County Club” with sliced turkey, ham, provolone, lettuce, tomato), Chipotle (have them hold the rice on the burrito to cut down on needless carbs), Qdoba, or Noodles & Co. (Japanese pan noodles, though I’ll admit I sometimes indulge in the mac & cheese). But I much prefer to avoid the chains and get a corned beef on rye at our local Jewish deli, a falafel sandwich or gyros at the local Turkish carry-out, or fish & chips at a local hole-in-the-wall that does it up fresh and quick—not quite “fast food” but worth the extra 2-3 minutes to get something made with care from fresh ingredients.</p>
<p>Chipotle
Culvers
Chick filla
Panera
Jack In The Box
Popeyes
In and Out</p>
<p>If you’re looking to limit sodium, it’s darn near impossible to find a reasonable meal at fast food joints. Even Subway, which is moderately healthy (low fat) - these are the numbers…
[Calorie</a> Counters: Subway Menu](<a href=“http://calorie-counters.net/subway.html]Calorie”>http://calorie-counters.net/subway.html)</p>
<p>I like to limit sodium because it makes me gain water weight. My husband needs to avoid it for health reasons. So we pack food for outings…a lot. And we rarely go out. Lots of healthy eating folks rave about Chipotle and Panera but I am NOT impressed after looking at calorie and salt counts. If I HAD to , I would order a half sandwich at Panera and a side salad with an apple. Or a full salad with chicken and dressing on the side (then apply it with a fork). </p>
<p>I actually get physically ill when I think about McDonalds “food.” The best example of “frankenfood” anywhere. I did go in for coffee and to use their bathroom last week though…:)</p>
<p>Only in America could an advertising campaign create the illusion that eating sub sandwiches is somehow even remotely related to “eating healthy”.</p>
<p>It’s like “oh, I had a salad” – never mind that the salad was over 1000 calories!</p>
<p>If I had to eat “fast food”, my choices would be Jimmy John’s, Panera, Starbucks and Blue C Sushi. I agree with dmd - If I’m with a crowd, I usually let them pick the place, and I just pick the least of the evils listed on the menu.</p>
<p>Panera should be pretty darn pleased with this group. We’ll need to watch out for each other next time we are in our local Panera! (Panera is an always acceptable meal out for me - one place that you can’t go wrong…)</p>
<p>Panera was one of the early places with free WiFi and they let you sit there all day if you wished (assuming you bought stuff). Just about everyone has free WiFi these days but being first gets you repeat business.</p>
<p>Another vote for the bowl at Chipotle. I think their meat options are really tasty, and when I found out I could save almost 300 calories for skipping the tortilla, I was sold. I get the corn salsa and the pico de gallo, black beans, cheese, fajita vegies, and lettuce. It’s kind of like ordering a salad, but without the dressing. If I think while eating, it’s easy to stop and save half for the next day’s lunch.</p>
<p>I ate at Rubios today. Grilled Chicken & Roasted Veggies Salad with Balsamic Vinegarette: 310 calories. Winner!</p>
<p>I guess I’m the only one here who doesn’t like Panera. The reason? The food tastes “low-cal”, IMHO. Now I see that it probably was low in something. I wish I did like it. How about those new salads at Wendy’s?!! I’m in love with the apple pecan chicken salad. It has 580 calories. H loves the Baja salad, but it’s 740 calories. Here’s the nutritional info:</p>
<p>[Nutrition</a> Facts & Personalize It - Wendy’s](<a href=“http://www.wendys.com/food/Nutrition.jsp]Nutrition”>http://www.wendys.com/food/Nutrition.jsp)</p>
<p>Here are some choices for meals under 500 calories - you can see though, that while lower in calories, the salt-fat-carbs, etc may not be what you are looking for.</p>
<p>McDONALD’S</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Hamburger, Garden Salad Shaker and small one-percent milk
Total: 470 calories, 17 grams fat, 52 grams carbohydrate and 28 grams protein.
Keep in mind: If you want to add salad dressing, choose fat-free herb vinaigrette for only 35 additional calories.</p></li>
<li><p>Chicken McGrill and Garden Salad Shaker
Total: 440 calories, 13 grams fat, 49 grams carbohydrate and 33 grams protein.
Keep in mind: Remember to order grilled instead of fried chicken; you’ll save 200 calories!</p></li>
</ol>
<p>KENTUCKY FRIED CHICKEN</p>
<ol>
<li><p>3-piece Crispy Strips and Baked Beans
Total: 490 calories, 19 grams fat, 51 grams carbohydrate, 7 grams fiber and 32 grams protein.
Keep in mind: The baked beans are a real winner – high in fiber and low in fat.</p></li>
<li><p>Roast Chicken Breast and Corn on the Cob
Total: 500 calories, 11 grams fat, 37 grams carbohydrate, 2 grams fiber and 42 grams protein.
Keep in mind: Whenever possible, order those veggies!</p></li>
</ol>
<p>TACO BELL</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Chicken Gordita Supreme and Mexican Rice
Total: 490 calories, 22 grams fat, 51 grams carbohydrate, 4 grams fiber, 21 grams protein.
Keep in mind: Hot sauce adds zest, but not fat – use freely!</p></li>
<li><p>Grilled Chicken Soft Taco and Pintos 'N Cheese
Total: 380 calories, 15 grams fat, 38 grams carbohydrate, 12 grams fiber, 23 grams protein.
Keep in mind: The pinto beans add enough fiber for this meal to provide half your daily fiber needs!</p></li>
</ol>
<p> PIZZA HUT</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Two slices of The Edge “The Works” pizza and a tossed salad
Total: 380 calories, 12 grams fat, 47 grams carbohydrate, 4 grams fiber and 14 grams protein.
Keep in mind: Take advantage of the fresh veggies on the salad bar whenever possible, just remember that the dressing adds up – bring your own fat-free dressing with you.</p></li>
<li><p>One slice Supreme, Thin 'N Crispy pizza and a tossed salad
Total: 410 calories, 12 grams fat, 58 grams carbohydrate, 5 grams fiber, 16 grams protein.
Keep in mind: Avoid the stuffed-crust option and you’ll save 150 calories and 10 grams of fat per slice.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>SUBWAY</p>
<ol>
<li><p>6" ham sandwich on a deli roll plus one oatmeal raisin cookie
Total: 423 calories, 11 grams fat, 66 grams carbohydrate, 2 grams fiber, 15 grams protein.
Keep in mind: Dessert is possible if you choose wisely!</p></li>
<li><p>6" Super Turkey Breast sandwich
Total: 333 calories, 4 grams fat, 47 grams carbohydrate, 3 grams fiber and 26 grams protein.
Keep in mind: If you choose a sub with mustard instead of oil, and opt for veggies instead of cheese you will save 72 calories and 7 grams of fat!</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Another listing which shows more restaurants, many which have been mentioned in this thread (including Panera!):</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.sharethecaredental.org/website/resources/healthier_lifestyles/Fast%20Food%20Meals%20For%20Under%20500%20Calories%20English.pdf[/url]”>http://www.sharethecaredental.org/website/resources/healthier_lifestyles/Fast%20Food%20Meals%20For%20Under%20500%20Calories%20English.pdf</a></p>
<p>Toledo…thanks for the link from Wendys. And your salad has 27 grams of fat and 1600 mg of sodium. That’s a lot of sodium for those of us who are watching it. </p>
<p>Personally, when I’m out on the road, and hungry, I wills stop at a grocery store or convenience store and get string cheese, and some fruit. Maybe a hard boiled egg instead of the cheese if they have it. Or some healthy selections from a salad bar. I admit I HATE fast food!!</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>That’s what I do as well. I don’t like any of the fast food choices–mostly because even the stuff that’s low-cal is not particularly fresh or good. A few weeks ago, I was traveling and left early in the morning (only took coffee and an apple). By lunchtime, I was starving–ended up stopping at a rest stop (I was on the NJ Turnpike and didn’t have another option) and got a salad. I don’t remember which restaurant, but the salad was the lamest excuse for a salad. The greens were fresh a long time ago and the tomato was like a hockey puck. It was a most unsatisfying meal.</p>