4 ways to make fast food healthier

1. Choose grilled chicken, not fried

You’re feeling virtuous because you chose a salad, but if it comes with crispy or fried chicken instead of grilled, you could consume an additional 80 calories and an extra 8 g of fat. For example, the McDonald’s Mediterranean Salad with Warm Crispy Chicken has 290 calories and 15 g of fat, whereas the same salad with Warm Grilled Chicken has 210 calories and only 7 g of fat.

2. Skip the toppings

“If you add pecans, bacon bits or croutons to your salad, it will really top up the fat, sugar, salt and calories,” advises Shaw-Ewald. Skip these toppers and you can retrain your taste buds to enjoy a salad without the extra calories and fat. At Wendy’s, adding gourmet croutons to your salad adds 80 calories and 3 g fat. Adding roasted pecans will add another 110 calories and 9 g fat and seasoned tortilla strips will add 80 calories and 4.5 g fat.

3. Choose a vinaigrette salad dressing, not creamy

“Always choose a vinaigrette salad dressing instead of a creamy dressing,” says Shaw-Ewald. Salad dressings are not equal alternatives when it comes to calorie count or fat content. Further, she advises that you don’t really need to use the whole packet – try using just half. On the McDonald’s menu for example, one packet of Renée’sMighty Caesar Dressing contains 260 calories and a whopping 29 g fat. Your better choice is Renée’s Ravin’ Raspberry Vinaigrette, which has only 60 calories and 3.5 g fat.

4. Avoid milkshakes masquerading as gourmet coffee drinks

DQ’s Caramel MooLatte (24 oz.) has an incredible 900 calories and 24 g of fat. According to Shaw-Ewald, that’s about half the calories required by an average woman in an entire day. Even the lowest calorie 16 oz. Cappucino MooLatte will set you back 510 calories and contribute 18 g fat. If you’re craving a sweet a treat, it’s far better to have a Kids’ Vanilla Cone for only 170 calories and 4.5 g fat.