Abigail Tobis ’20, Feature Editor
Fast food is a large part of the American lifestyle, but can be an unhealthy choice because of the unnatural and fattening ingredients that are added together to make these addicting foods. Many people choose to get fast foods because it is a faster choice, hence the name ‘fast food’. Places like Wendy’s and Mcdonalds serve very unhealthy foods. “I go to Wendy’s all the time, especially when my mom does not want to cook.,” freshman Emily Romero said. Many students choose to go to these unhealthy places, because it is the easier option.These foods can affect your health; however, there are some fast food restaurants that are healthier than others.
Taco Bell: This is one of the healthiest, if not the healthiest fast food restaurant you can choose. Missy Nelson, Taco Bell’s dietitian and product developer, has taken out all artificial ingredients, now having cage free eggs and offering lighter options. There has also been a 15 percent reduction in sodium to all of their menu items. “This is one of my favorite places to eat, and I am glad it is healthy,” freshman Brooke Werner said. There are some unhealthy options here though as well. They have loads of cheese on everything, which in itself is not unhealthy, but the liquid cheese has a lot of fat in them. Also, the Dorito Tacos are also not healthy, because they are chips, and have a lot of fat.
Chipotle: Another Mexican restaurant, that is healthy is Chipotle since most of their ingredients have vegetables in them. You can also order salads, grilled meat and brown rice, which in comparison to other fast food restaurants are way better for your body. In Chipotle you are able to choose your serving size, so the amount that you may get, may be unhealthy. Watching how much you put on your food item, can give you a healthy option.
Chick-fil-A: This was the first fast food restaurant in the U.S. to offer a completely trans fat free menu. They have a multigrain oatmeal option for their breakfast, and they for those who are in the mood for a salad, they have a chicken salad option. Their kids menu also offers fruit cups and milk to drink, giving children a healthier option as well. Chick-fil-A does have some unhealthy options, because of their fried foods, but if you stay away from these breaded items, then this can be a healthy option.
Subway: Giving the healthy option of whole grain bread and many options of vegetables, the person ordering can choose what is on their sandwich and whether or not it is healthy. This fast food restaurant is another nutritional option to take in choosing where to eat. This is also a place, where you choose what you get, and you can possibly get something that is unhealthy. In the end, it up to you whether or not what you choose to eat here is healthy or not. They also have some cookie options, but if you stay away from these options then this is one of the healthiest.
Many fast foods are unhealthy, like McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Little Caesars, and more and these are the places to stay away from. However, you can find the healthier options, and they are better for you in the long run. So next time you are running late or do not feel like cooking go to these select places, and order these better options so you can still be healthy while getting a delicious meal.
Lyon Life 