Healthy eating is a priority for people with diabetes, but sometimes, fast food is the only option.
Fast food restaurants are best known as the home of salt, fat and sugar, but with a little planning and a few smart strategies, it’s possible to get a meal that won’t send your blood sugar skyrocketing, according to the American Diabetes Association.
How to make healthier choices in the drive-thru:
- Look for nutrition information
A fast food meal can weigh in at 1,000 calories if you’re not careful. Most fast food chains have the nutrition information for every item on the menu posted somewhere in the restaurant or on its website. If you can, do a little research in advance so you can know what to order when you get to the counter. - Upgrade your combo meal
Combo meals save money, but they can add a lot in fat, carbs and calories. If possible, substitute a side salad, apple slices or baked potato (without the sour cream, bacon and cheese) for French fries. Resist the temptation to supersize your meal, or you may end up supersized yourself, the ADA advises. - Limit fast food to one meal a day
Make sure your other meals are high in fruits and vegetables, with plenty of healthy fats and fiber. - Go topless
Cheese, ketchup, mayonnaise, special sauces and pickles add calories and sugar. Stick to raw vegetables for crunch and mustard for a little spice. - Watch the bread
Buns are usually a smarter choice than croissants or biscuits for sandwiches. They’re lower in calories and total carbohydrates. - Keep it simple
Go for the whole-grain, low-fat muffin, plain grilled chicken and sides without lots of sauces. - Go for grilled
Chicken and fish are usually better choices than beef ““ unless they’re breaded and deep-fried. Stick to plain, grilled meats or ““ if available ““ try a veggie burger. - Choose soft instead of crunchy
If it’s a good day for Mexican food, choose soft tacos over crunchy, pile on the veggies and avoid the guacamole, sour cream and refried beans, which are all high in fat and sugar. - Indulge in a little pizza
Pizza isn’t necessarily a bad choice, if you stick to thin crust and veggie toppings. Cheese, meats and sausage add fat and calories.
