Thoughts on fast food

doeie04 · February 2012

A couple things I was thinking about last night. (While eating nachos from taco bell....

)

Do you think it is okay to eat fast food if you are still within your calories for the day?

Would you rather eat more calories at a sit down restaurant that uses more fresh foods or eat less calroies at a fast food place? (For purposes of the question, no substituting stuff to make it more healthy.)

soontobehutson · February 2012

It depends, but I've tried to stay away from fast food in general. The only place I will eat out in is subway, or sit down resturants where I can ordered something healthy. My fiance and I are dieting together, and we're both trying to motivate each other, so when we eat out together we try to keep it healthy. He's better though he's cut out all bread for the past two weeks and he's lost 10 pounds all ready! I'm not that good. loL. But places like burger king have the number of calories available so I'd look and see what it is, but watch the calories from fat and what kind of fat it has.

acaponi87 · February 2012

I eat a good amount of fast food still and it doesn't bother me. I'm at an ideal weight for my height frame (if anything a little under) and I am in shape.

Sometimes I will get McDonald's for the explicit reason to get enough calories for the day. I like fast food. I generally get things that aren't horrible for you..Burger King I'll get 2 hamburgers. Taco Bell I'll get a chicken soft taco and a potato soft taco. I don't do it everyday and I'm usually within my calories. But you know what, sometimes I get that Big Mac meal and I love it.

I think most people's issues with fast food is that it's "empty calories"...a lot of calories and not a lot of good nutrition. I don't see issues with it as long as you're being reasonable...not too often and nothing like the Triple Whopper Meal (1930 calories OH YEAHHHH).

Honestly I'd rather eat less calories at a fast food place lol. I don't know if that's a good or bad thing.

Just my thoughts.

saacjw · February 2012

I think it's fine just so long as it's not an all the time thing. If you've had a week where you've been eating crap, it might be better to eat more calories that are better quality and more nutritional food.

kekr0202 · February 2012

I personally avoid fast food for many reasons. The biggest reason is that most of the meat that comes from fast food companies contains nasty chemicles and preservatives that are terrible for our body...on top of the fact most fast food joints get meat from huge factory farms where animals are treated inhumanely.

I also strongly believe that the shitty ingredients and high sodium content in fast food is addictive, as is suggested by many studies.

I'd much rather eat at a local restaurant that offers local produce & meat...even if it's higher calorie.

xctennis · February 2012

Almost everything sold at fast food restaurants is processed beyond recognition, fried and contains excessive sodium. I avoid them like the plague, though I don't eat meat or the vast majority of processed foods either. If you're looking for fast food I'd stick with Subway, Qdoba or Chipotle where at least when you look at it you know what you're eating.

LeiselEB · February 2012

Every once in a while I'll get something - but if I start thinking about the ingredients used in that food, I get a little creeped out and suddenly it's less appetizing. Usually my splurge at a fast food place is a milkshake and fries

Which can end up being like 1000 calories, unfortunately, haha.

em01092 · February 2012

I'm on WW and usually I eat out once a week to use my weekly points allowance. FI and I will sometimes go to fast food, like Chick-fil-a or Zaxby's, sometimes Subway. Other times we go to sit down places like Cracker Barell, Olive Garden, etc. So I just eat junk in moderation, and honestly I hardly crave it. I hate McDonalds and Burger King. Can't tell you the last time I ate at either place.

mbody · February 2012

My opinion is it's better to go over calorie allotment with healthy nutritional foods rather than staying within calorie limits by consuming fast foods.

entropicbeauty · February 2012

I like others avoid the fast food - I still crave fries and stuff when I smell a fast food restaurant but the meat in particular is just so unappetizing I can't justify buying a meal from them. I do still go to places like Jimmy Johns and sandwich shops, but I worked in a Jimmy Johns and am confident about the ingredients they use.

I would much rather eat more calories at a restaurant than eat crap from a fast food place.

juma1111 · February 2012

I, for the most part, do not eat fast food very often. I live almost an hour away from the nearest fast food place and we only go to town about once every 2 weeks. So when we do go into town, we usually go to a sit down restaurant. I would much rather go over my calorie allotment for the day and have healthier food and more of it, than have fast food.

When I travel and sometimes am in a situation where fast food is the only option I try to make the best choices possible. I order the kids meals with the apple fries instead of french fries and stuff like that. And then I bring snacks with me on the road. I was not blessed with a good metabolism, so even eating a small amount of crap food and I see the consequences on the scale.

Elle1036 · February 2012

Do you think it is okay to eat fast food if you are still within your calories for the day?

Sure, as long as it's a once-in-a-while type thing. It's not just the high calories that make fast food bad for you, you know.

Would you rather eat more calories at a sit down restaurant that uses more fresh foods or eat less calroies at a fast food place?

Option 1 almost 100% of the time.

nycheryl · February 2012

The only fast food places I go now are Subway, Bruggers, and Chipotle. Any of them are a splurge for me, and I know I have to watch what I eat the rest of the day.

There's an amazing pizza place here that has the best chopped salad. That's my big restaurant splurge when I want to burn through some calories (it has pancetta and blue cheese on it).

I'd rather go for these options than a traditional fast food place now anyday...

trixie549 · February 2012

I try not to eat fast food unless it's the only option available (i.e. while on a road trip). I will eat at fast-casual places like Chipotle and Panera, but really try to save my calories for high quality food that I make at home or go to a decent restaurant for.

There is so much scary, processed stuff in fast food. If you haven't read Fast Food Nation or seen the documentary Food, Inc., I highly encourage you to do so. It's truly eye-opening.

www.foodincmovie.com

http://www.amazon.com/Fast-Food-Nation-Dark-All-American/dp/0060838582/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1328809943&sr=1-2

doeie04 · February 2012

Thanks for all the great responses! I was kind of worried when I saw so many comments, I was expecting "WTF are you thinking?!!" haha.

In theory I would rather eat more tasty food at a sit down restaurant than crappy food at a fast food joint, but sometimes I really crave some nachos from taco bell! (There are much better places to get nachos in town, but when I am craving them, taco bell is my only option.) I agree with a PP, I think they do put some stuff in their food to make it addicting.

nycheryl · February 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_getting-shape_thoughts-on-fast-food?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:238Discussion:31238063-d099-4b38-839d-e15f1371b668Post:2fbb2968-7641-4e2f-9fdb-4008b977a5f6">Re: Thoughts on fast food</a>:
[QUOTE]Thanks for all the great responses! I was kind of worried when I saw so many comments, I was expecting "WTF are you thinking?!!" haha. In theory I would rather eat more tasty food at a sit down restaurant than crappy food at a fast food joint, but sometimes I really crave some nachos from taco bell! <strong>(There are much better places to get nachos in town, but when I am craving them, taco bell is my only option.) I agree with a PP, I think they do put some stuff in their food to make it addicting.</strong>
Posted by doeie04[/QUOTE]

I think they put some sort of craving-inducing drugs in Chipotle's chips.

doeie04 · February 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_getting-shape_thoughts-on-fast-food?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:238Discussion:31238063-d099-4b38-839d-e15f1371b668Post:8ef65510-f217-4afc-ae0e-4df70664ce63">Re: Thoughts on fast food</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Thoughts on fast food : I think they put some sort of craving-inducing drugs in Chipotle's chips.
Posted by nycheryl[/QUOTE]

I have never been to Chipotle's, we don't have them here. :(

Also, when I said that taco bell was my only option when I am craving them, I meant it is the only place open at the time. :) Thought I would clarify that for everyone.

heatherjking · February 2012

I think the most important thing when selecting foods is how nutrient-dense those calories are. If you get your 500 calories from fresh vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein (say a quinoa salad with chopped peppers, tomatoes, etc. and grilled chicken) you are supplying your body with many more nutrients than if you ate a 500 calorie cheese burger (ground, fatty beef, white bread and processed cheese).

You need to consider more than the number of calories you consume in a day. If you are trying to meet a caloric goal, the best way to get there is by consuming nutritious calories, not empty ones.

NurseCassie88 · February 2012

its not about calories in calories out, its more about the kinds of foods your eating and how they will effectively work with your body. try to eat high protein high fat and low carb. what does this mean? try and stay under absolutely no more then 50g carbs a day, i usually hang around 20-35. as for protein try and eat around 1gprotein/lb. in terms of carbs try and eat only effective carbs (low glycemic index). this includes berries, tuna, cheest sticks, leafy greens, green beans, cucumbers, etc. cut out breads, pasta, and shockingly YOGURT. now you can still enjoy these foods but try and keep it to two cheat meals a week, i usually go with dinner on friday and saturday. if you need a better idea of how the food your eating adds up download the free app myfitnesspal. also try and sta active with some light-moderate cardio exercise 3d/wk and strength training 3d/wk.

kekr0202 · February 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_getting-shape_thoughts-on-fast-food?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:238Discussion:31238063-d099-4b38-839d-e15f1371b668Post:0606cead-d72c-4885-a4c0-55d22d12a32d">Re: Thoughts on fast food</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Thoughts on fast food : I have never been to Chipotle's, we don't have them here. :( Also, when I said that taco bell was <strong>my only option when I am craving them, I meant it is the only place open at the time. :)</strong> Thought I would clarify that for everyone.
Posted by doeie04[/QUOTE]

Salty food craving after bar close? :) That's seriously the only time I ever eat fast food is after bar close and my judgement is off - rare, but damn it tastes good...then I feel like poop the next day!

firsttimersluck · February 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_getting-shape_thoughts-on-fast-food?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:238Discussion:31238063-d099-4b38-839d-e15f1371b668Post:a5178efb-9723-4146-bd8a-0ef6be934434">Thoughts on fast food</a>:
[QUOTE]A couple things I was thinking about last night. (While eating nachos from taco bell.... ) Do you think it is okay to eat fast food if you are still within your calories for the day? Would you rather eat more calories at a sit down restaurant that uses more fresh foods or eat less calroies at a fast food place? (For purposes of the question, no substituting stuff to make it more healthy.)
Posted by doeie04[/QUOTE]

<div>1. No, for the most part. Technically Subway is a fast food chain, and I don't mind making that a lunch stop from time to time (and by time to time, I mean once every 3-4 months) . Actual fast food? I feel like once it's kicked out of your diet for a while, you never miss it again. I haven't had a McD or Taco Bell craving in years and that's because I stopped eating the stuff. Many places specifically put pheromones in their food to cause your body cravings.. ick.. </div><div>2. I would rather the sit-down restaurant. </div><div>I want to know what I'm putting in my body.. and extra calories that send me over for the day, but are still from REAL FOOD is something I would MUCh rather take. Crappy calories from stuff I can't pronounce that are more often than not, pure carbs are just not worth it.</div>

bblouin · February 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_getting-shape_thoughts-on-fast-food?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:238Discussion:31238063-d099-4b38-839d-e15f1371b668Post:42feb627-ad94-4d8b-9848-5d7cb84426fd">Re: Thoughts on fast food</a>:
[QUOTE]I personally avoid fast food for many reasons. The biggest reason is that most of the meat that comes from fast food companies contains nasty chemicles and preservatives that are terrible for our body...on top of the fact most fast food joints get meat from huge factory farms where animals are treated inhumanely. I also strongly believe that the shitty ingredients and high sodium content in fast food is addictive, as is suggested by many studies. I'd much rather eat at a local restaurant that offers local produce & meat...even if it's higher calorie.
Posted by kekr0202[/QUOTE]

<div>
</div><div>This is how I feel. We only shop and eat local, we almost never eat at chains or fast food. The last time I had a McDonlads Cheeseburger was 2001</div>

sarilynnep · February 2012

I agree with a lot of the prior posters- once you kick the habit of fast food you won't want it. It feels disgusting. Even if it's not blowing your calorie bank, it's overloading you with sodium, fat, cholestrol... you name it, it's in there. You would probably be surprised at the amount of sugar it has too. Fast food will spike your blood sugar then leave you craving more not long after.

I know people hate to hear it, but if you want to be healthy, fast food is just a no-no. If you have to have some fries or such, then allow yourself to have it, but very very rarely and get a small portion. And really, once you kick it out of your life you won't miss it much. Subway is always a good option if you are on the go, and you can find quick salad's at place (although avoid the dressings altogether to be truly healthy).

Counting calories only does so much, you have to eat nutriously as well. Fill your body with fuel that it needs.

Shelly527IN · February 2012

As long as I stay within my fat and calorie goal, I think fast food is okay on occasion. Friday night, FI and I went out to eat after running errands. He had White Castle and I had Chic-fi-la!

cbvcru67 · February 2012

This is really encouraging. I am working on trying to cut out more fats and carbs from my diet and I am having a really hard time. I had never been a very healthy eater and am trying to incorporate more veggies and ratchet down the bread/pastas. Its been really hard. Im just now realizing that I get a sort of comfort from food. That might be the hardest part.

Anyhow, hearing people say that once you kick the habit, the cravings die down, is really encouraging. I'm almost 2 weeks eating "clean" and still feeling unfulfilled - I actually sometimes feel bummed I can't eat the things I sometimes want to eat - ie out at happy hour, no beers for me. Or others eating chips and salsa or boneless wings. Those weren't "all the time" things for me, but were ok on a "special" night. Clearly Im working through it, but I am not enjoying it yet.

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