Senior Helpers In Home Elder Care of Richmond, VA, Encourages Healthier 'Fast Food' Choices for Seniors

Does "Fast Food" Have To Equal "Fat Food"?

Did you stop at your favorite drive-through on the way to work today-or are you planning a quick jaunt to a local fast-food restaurant on your lunch hour?

Ongoing research increasingly confirms that maintaining the right body weight is one of the key factors in healthy aging. Carrying extra pounds increases the risk and severity of many health conditions, such as heart disease, arthritis, stroke, diabetes and some cancers. Staying active is an important part of keeping at a healthy weight...but no matter how active you are, if you take in more calories than you use up, you will gain weight.

As you know, the term "fast food" might as well be "fat food" in most cases! But here are some tips for making that a less lethal trip:

Order your hamburger plain instead of with cheese, bacon or fatty sauces. There are still plenty of toppings that won't push you over your fat limit, such as ketchup, mustard, onions, pickles, and lettuce.

Avoid giant burgers with large patties or several layers of meat. And if you can't resist french fries, choose the smallest size.

Choose your beverage wisely. Did you know that a 32-ounce sugared soft drink has almost 500 calories? That's almost one-fourth of the daily 2,000-calorie allowance for an active woman over 50! Stick with water, ice tea, low-fat milk or diet soda. And remember: a milkshake doesn't count as a beverage, weighing in at 1000 calories for a large chocolate malted.

Chicken is healthier than red meat, right? Wrong, if the chicken is breaded and deep fried! Remove some or most of the breading before eating-or better yet, select a skinless grilled chicken sandwich instead. And the same thing goes for fish.

If you've opted for the salad bar instead of a burger, remember that salad dressings, cheese and creamy salads can add more fat than you might get in a burger. And put the dressing on the side-you'll eat less of it that way.

If you aren't sure about the fat, calorie or sodium content of menu items, ask to see a nutritional value list, which can help you make your decision.

Bottom line: the Food Pyramid doesn't change shape just because you went through a drive-through or are sitting under a pair of golden arches rather than in your own kitchen. Even if you love fast food or at least its convenience, start making wise menu choices now. Your heart will thank you!

To Help You Choose... Calorie Count.com has an extensive collection of nutritional information for many fast food chains. Bookmark the site, and check it out before ordering that next triple cheeseburger combo!

NutritionData.com offers similar information for a number of chains, and a graphic representation of the nutrients.

About Senior Helpers:

Senior Helpers provides many in-home, caregiving services for the elderly in Richmond, Ashland, Petersburg, Goochland, Midlothian, Mechanicsville and surrounding areas. We offer extensive in-home health care services for seniors who embrace their independence and the personal dignity that goes with it. Our in-home health care services are provided by bonded and insured caregivers all of whom pass a national background check.If a senior family member needs in-home care services in Richmond, Henrico County, Hanover County, Chesterfield County, Goochland County or the surrounding area, we are an excellent choice with exemplary references. In-home care is the compassionate choice for your elderly loved ones' continued independent living. We promise we will do our best to make it a positive experience for them and you. For more information, please visit: http://seniorhelpers.com/location/5103 .