The American diet is typically criticized for being high in meat and potatoes, fat, sugar, and sodium and low in fruits and vegetables. The most commonly consumed grain product in white bread. America's favorite meat is beef. The most frequently eaten vegetable is the potato (french fries). Most Americans never take the time to become well-informed nutritional consumers. Most Americans know that nutrition is important, but the minority don't make recommended changes in purchasing and eating patterns.
You can still eat healthy even when fast food is one of your only options as long as you can restrain your tastebuds! Choose restaurants that have low-far, low-cholesterol menu items. Based on a 2000 Kcal/day diet the recommended consumption of fat is 65 grams with 20 grams or less coming from saturated fats and 300 milligrams of cholesterol. A double quarter pounder with cheese contains 20 grams of saturated fat. When combined with large french fries (5 grams of saturated fat) this meal would exceed the daily requirement. Frying foods in fat at very high temperatures also produces small amounts of acrolein, a chemical that decreases the flow of digestive secretions. Don't be afraid to ask for foods that follow your eating pattern. Select poultry, fish, or meat that is broiled, grilled, baked, steamed, or poached rather than fried. If it's not included in the name chances are its breaded and fried and contains 50% more calories, nearly half of those from fat, but just ask! There are plenty of healthy subs. Choose lean deli meats like fresh turkey or lean roast beef instead of higher-fat cuts like salami or bologna. Because fluffy bread may add too much carbs that you really want go with a 6 inch sub instead. Look for vegetables seasoned with herbs or spices rather than butter, sour cream, or cheese. Ask for sauces on the side. Request without mayo to save about 150 calories and 17 grams of fat on a large sandwich, or 80 calories and 9 grams of fat on a small.