Fast Food Evolves: More Nutritious Choices on the Menu

Fast food has always been an integral part of American life, with nearly one-third of the adult population indulging in a quick meal daily, as reported by the National Center for Health Statistics. The allure of fast food has always been its convenience and cost-effectiveness. Nevertheless, more recently, several chains have stepped up their game, reinventing their menus and cooking techniques to offer more nutritionally sound alternatives to the traditional high calorie, fat-laden, and sodium-packed selections. Today, customers can now reap the benefits of these industry advancements and opt for healthier choices at their beloved fast-food joints.

Although not the top recommendation by nutrition specialists, fast food is accessible especially in food deserts where healthy choices are scarce. As a rule of thumb, fast food is best enjoyed in moderation, with a preference for less processed food items and adding more vegetables and/or fruit, as much as possible.

Taking a look at some of the noteworthy improvements that have taken place:

Better Nutritional Transparency: Many chains have taken steps to make their nutritional information more user-friendly and readily available. Following FDA regulations, large retail food chains are required to openly disclose key nutritional facts about their standard menu choices. This includes details regarding calories, total fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium, carbohydrates, fiber, sugar, and protein content. Now, customers can find this valuable information on menu boards at the restaurant itself or on the chain’s online platform. This transparency helps you plan your meal with health consciousness.
Healthier Cooking Methods: Many fast food chains have adapted healthier methods of cooking, like grilling and broiling. Grilled chicken salads or broiled fish sandwiches, for example, have become as prevalent as deep-fried options. These adaptations, happening only recently, are a boon for customers who want to aim for nutritious choices.
Healthier Alternatives: While traditional, indulgent options still hold sway, there are now healthier alternatives you can consider. Choices like fresh salads with grilled protein and sides like baked potatoes, fruits and yogurt, as recommended by the Cleveland Clinic, can take your fast food meals to more nutritious levels. However, be wary of toppings and condiments that might undermine the balanced nutrition.
Well-balanced Choices for Kids: Some fast food places now have healthier kids' menus. Choices like low-fat milk or juice instead of sugary sodas for beverages, apple slices or fresh fruit in place of fatty fries are gaining ground at various chains.
No Trans Fats: Trans fats used to be a major concern in fast foods due to their link to increased LDL levels, thus raising the risk of chronic disease as explained by the Mayo Clinic. However, since the FDA banned partial hydrogenation oils from American food products, the nutrition profile of fast food has improved, particularly for heart health.

To conclude, always be inquisitive about the ingredients and preparation techniques employed for your fast food meals, so you best understand the impacts on your health.