The Lean Teen

Seven Ways To Make Healthier Choices at the Drive-Thru

Being a teen is tough. Most days your schedule is jam-packed with activities from the time you crawl out of bed to the time you face-plant onto your mattress at night. You’re balancing school, social life, homework, chores and a host of extracurricular stuff that might range from sports to band practice to an after-school job. You really don’t have time to plan out your meals and count calories but you still want to be healthy and, let’s face it, look great in those trendy new jeans).

Is there any way to reconcile these health-conscious desires with a lifestyle that often necessitates greasy paper bags from the drive-thru window?

Absolutely. You just have to know—and act on—some basic nutritional facts when you’re ordering.

Fast food is part of the American lifestyle, and it’s not realistic to suggest that teens—or adults, for that matter—will never eat another burger or large fry again. The key is to simply know what your best choices are the next time you need a fast meal on the go.

We know what they’re talking about—we’re both registered dieticians who practice and teach at the University of Connecticut. We’re also parents, and we’re all too aware that teens’ concerns about their bodies don’t always mesh well with their day-to-day diets.

In the midst of the daily whirlwind that is the typical teenager’s life, a fast-food snack after the game or a quick combo eaten with friends is sometimes the only realistic option. Plus—let’s be honest—lots of fast-food fare is tasty! And the good news is it can be incorporated into a healthy lifestyle.

Read on for seven of our fast-food-savvy nutrition tips…some of which may really surprise you:

(Super)-Size Does Matter

We live in a society where bigger is better. Even in fancier sit-down restaurants, servings are often larger than what a healthy teenage stomach can comfortably consume. And while it’s tempting to go for the biggest package deal, the same thing is often true of “mega-sized” fast-food meals. Before you order the jumbo burger and the humongo gulp drink, think twice about whether you really need all that food.

Fast-food restaurants hook you in by promising a lot more food for just a little more money. They don’t care if your eyes end up being bigger than your stomach. So be discriminating. Are you really that hungry? Why not share your mega meal with a friend? Or just get smaller versions of the items you want. You’ll be consuming fewer unhealthy bites, but your tastebuds will be just as satisfied.
Skip the Chicken and Fish (If It’s Fried)

You know what they say about assuming: don’t. This is especially true when it comes to choosing your “main course” at the fast-food counter. It’s a common (if not universal) assumption that white meat is healthier than red meat—but that’s not always the case. Since many fast-food restaurants bread and fry their chicken and fish, these choices often end up having as much or more fat and calories than a hamburger. 

If you’re craving white meat, choose chicken or fish that is broiled, baked or grilled. If you’re not sure how a certain menu item is prepared, ask. Actually, most national fast-food restaurants have the nutrient content of their menu items either right in the restaurant or certainly on their websites.

Download the (Nutritional) Lowdown

Yes, it’s important to know what’s in the foods you eat—how many fat grams and calories, how much sugar, and, yes, how much good stuff like calcium and vitamin C. As mentioned, most fast-food joints provide nutritional info on their menu items. And you should stay on top of what’s what the high-tech, twenty-first century way. That’s right—there’s an app for this, too!

You can download apps that tell you the nutrition information on all of your favorite fast-food menu items. This can really help you make an educated decision the next time you visit the restaurant.

Go Green

Yeah, sometimes you’re just craving some salty fries more than anything else. But if you’re not being driven by the relentless need for some deep-fried potatoes, give some thought to ordering a side salad instead. It’s a great way to fit in a serving of nutritious veggies!

Know what kind of salad you’re ordering, though. Salads can actually be full of calories, especially if they have heavy dressings or added items such as chicken strips, croutons, nuts, etc. In fact, just two ounces of ranch dressing—about one typical packet—contains 20 grams of fat. That’s as much as is in a quarter-pounder. Go for the “lite” or reduced-fat dressings or use less of the heavier ones. And choose a salad that’s heavier on the veggies than on the extras.

Pass Up the Mocha-Frappe-Espresso-Ccino-With-Whipped-Cream Coffee Drink

Yes, coffee shops are fun hangout spots, and all those specialty coffees and baked goods look scrumptious. (And, some fast-food restaurants have these sweet, caffeinated treats, too.) But did you know that one beverage and a muffin are often a whole meal in terms of calories…though not necessarily in terms of nutrition? Ordering these treats on a regular basis might not be so desirable after all.

To increase your intake of other food groups at coffee houses, try ordering some 100 percent fruit juice or fat-free milk, or having a protein-rich egg on your bagel instead of cream cheese. And if you’re craving coffee, order your beverage with skim milk, sans flavor shots and piles of sugar. This way, your drink can actually provide a fair amount of protein and calcium.

Think Outside Your Go-To Wrapper

Most of us gravitate toward one or two meals when we go to our favorite fast-food spots. Although it might mean reading the menu more carefully than you have in years, going beyond “the usual” might pay off for your tastebuds…and your body.

In recent years, many fast-food chains have become more health-conscious and have expanded their menus. Look for and try more nutritious choices such as soup, baked potatoes, salads, yogurt, milk or bagels. Who knows? You might even find a new and improved “usual.”

Step Away From the Soda

Did you know that those caffeinated, refreshing beverages account for as much as 10 percent of the typical teen’s daily calories? Yikes! Many of us overlook drinks when assessing the nutritional value of any given meal, which can be a mistake. You don’t have to cut sodas entirely—but remember that moderation is key.

Consider going back to your childhood mainstays like water, 100 percent fruit juice and milk when placing your order. Chances are, they’ll be just as tasty as you remember—plus, they’re excellent sources of vitamins, calcium and even protein. Also consider smoothies made with real fruit, especially if they’re not loaded with sugar.

Mix and match these tactics when the drive-thru beckons and you’ll be doing your body and health a favor. Remember that many of the choices on the menu can fit into your meal plan—it’s just a matter of how often you choose certain foods and what you eat along with them that make the difference. By simply changing your side item or beverage and being aware of what each choice really contains, you’ll save lots of calories and gain a good deal of nutritional value.

-Ellen Shanley and Colleen Thompson are the authors of Fueling the Teen Machine: What It Takes to Make Good Choices for Yourself  Every Day, 2nd Edition.