Here are ten simple tips that might help lower those calories:
2. Do not eat while watching the television.
Remember, the last time you did, you ended up eating half a kilogramme of potato chips?
3. If you must snack (snacking is actually good for your health), choose vegetables like baby carrots dipped in yoghurt or celery dipped in salsa, instead of chips dipped in cheese.
4. Order fast food to go (take away).
You might eat lesser than you would have at the stall where you are free to order more. "Ek plate sev puri, ek plate dahi puri, ek plate samosa," will not burn a hole in your pocket. But it is sure to burn a hole in your diet plan.
5. Avoid fast food buffets or any kind of buffets.
All-you-can-eat buffets promote overeating.
6. Food that has been baked, broiled, roasted, poached or steamed is healthier than anything fried.
7. Salads with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables and lighter dressings are better than salads with croutons, cheeses, meats and heavy dressings.
8. Share. Sharing appetisers with dining partners is a great idea.
It allows you to sample something while helping you avoid the temptation to over-indulge.
9. Stick to water as your drink.
Avoid sodas with your sandwich just because you get a great deal.
10. Avoid the large fries instead of the regular ones because of the insignificant difference in price. You shouldn't be eating fries in the first place.
The most important thing to remember when eating fast food is, think of it as part of your overall healthy eating plan. Make good choices when you eat. This will help you maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Knowing what types of fast food are better than others can help limit temptation and will help encourage you and your children to make healthy choices.
The next time you get a craving for fast food, make sure your craving is for the right kind of fast food.
Part I: Fast food can be healthy too!
Photograph: Getty Images
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Dr Roopa Nishi Viswanathan has an MBBS from KEM Hospital, Mumbai, with a Masters in Nutrition from the University of Texas at Austin. She also writes for chillibreeze.com and outsource2india.com