According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, men were more likely than women to be overweight, with 67% of men compared with 52% of women (aged 25 years and over) being overweight. Poor food choices can lead to obesity and while takeaway is convenient for a time poor working parent, you need to be careful to choose healthy food options. Here are some healthy recommendations from leading fast food franchises.
Subway
If you need to grab a meal on the run, Subway is one of your best fast food options. According to the Subway website, the new SUBWAY FRESH FIT® Meals and SUBWAY FRESH FIT FOR KIDS™ Meals were developed to help adults and kids meet the Dietitians Association of Australia recommendations. Low fat meal options include a choice of delicious salads or the Veggie Delight, Turkey and Roasted Chicken sub on wheat or honey oat bread. Check out the Subway website for more details.
McDonalds
Healthy options on the McDonalds menu which have the Heart Foundation Tick of Approval include the Tandoori Chicken Wrap and Seared Sweet Chilli Chicken Wrap as well as options such as the Fillet of Fish, McChicken and Lean Beef Burger when consumed with a fresh garden salad and bottle of 600 ml water or medium or small orange juice. Visit the McDonalds website for more details.
Red Rooster
Healthier options on the Red Rooster menu include the roasted chicken, Skinfree Wrap and Skinfree Baguette teamed with a salad and bottle of water or juice. Stay away from the battered fish, chips, soft drinks and rich desserts. Check out the nutritional information on Red Rooster’s website.
Sumo Salad
Sumo Salad have come under fire from Choice in recent years with their Grilled chicken Caesar salad with a small dressing being deceptively healthy and containing more calories than a Big Mac. Healthier choices on the menu include salads such as their Tandoori Chicken Salad, Thai Beef Salad, Beetroot and Balsamic Salad, Spiced Lentil Couscous with Citrus Dressing and their paper rolls such as their chicken, beef, avocado, prawn and salmon rice paper rolls and Tandoori Chicken Wraps. The nutritional information for Sumo Salad is available on the Sumo Salad website.
Sushi Train
When you’re eating a meal on the run, sushi is one of the healthier options for you. The nigiri and ship options when combined with tuna, salmon, prawn and chicken avocado are the best options. Check the nutritional value on the Sushi Train website. Sushi however, does not give you enough protein, calcium, fibre, good fat, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants found predominantly in fresh fruit and vegetables so it may not make the best meal substitute on a regular basis.
The Dietiticians Association of Australia has five fast food facts for takeaway foods and most takeaway chains have the nutritional value of all their meals on their website. Choice is campaigning to have the nutritional values of meals available in takeaway restaurants at the point of purchase so in future you may be able to count the calories of food before you consume it and make a healthier takeaway and fast food choice.