Fast Food Question

Allowing myself treats while keeping within my day's calories is what makes me able to eat at a deficit for months at a time. If I had to forbid myself things I like, there's no way I could do it for long. Just try to continue to keep your fast food within your calorie allotment, and try to eat more nutritiously most of the time.

I also make sure I go to the restaurant's webpage and check the nutrition page before I go. It really helps if I decide what I'm going to have before I get there, so I'm not tempted into having something more calorific when I see it on the menu.

I try not to let myself eat out more than once, maybe twice a week at most anymore... It's just so much cheaper, and so much easier to count actual calories with making sure that I'm getting the proper vitamins and minerals through food if I don't.

but as long as it's your weekly treat and not an everyday thing then I think it's fine... I try to eat whole foods about 80% of the time personally... because greasy fatty, sugary foods taste too good to give up completely Moderation is key.

For weight loss, it won't matter if your calories come from fast food or not. That said, fast food is usually very high in sodium, simple carbs and sat fats. There are a also a number of vitamins and minerals that are better found in other sources. If fast food is a big part of your diet you are probably missing some nutrients and consuming too much of others you might not needed.

I think moderation is the key. If it is an occasional thing, I think fast food can be part of a healthy diet. Also, in my opinion, no matter how “good” a diet is; it will do you no good if it isn’t enjoyable. If you like fast food, I say exercise portion control and try to go for the more sensible options, but there is no need to deprive yourself of it.

I'm a fan of the 'everything in moderation' mind set. Denial, for me, means failure. So having occasional fast food shouldn't be a problem... if you're not the sort that it would end up having it every single day.

Calories isn't the only thing to look at. Protein and Fats if you are going over, but staying under your calorie limit, are bad news.

Make sure you watch how processed your foods are too. But I agree - everything in moderation! Since this is a lifestyle change, don't tell yourself "no" to anything.

Watch Fat Head. And enjoy that burger or whatever it is you said you like (never heard of it!).

PS Cut down not out.

I am not a fan of the "moderation" mindset (but it does work for others). I am pretty good at going "cold turkey" and I think sometime "moderation" mindset is too relative and can lead to worse decisions later on. I AM however TOTALLY for listening to your cravings and either "giving into them" once in a while or finding a substitute. For example, I have and will always be a CANDY fiend. If you leave me in a room with 2 lbs of gummy bears... well nevermind don't do that haha I cut candy out, but there are just times I want something sweet (and its totally natural) so I would opt for dark chocolate and that kills the craving and a healthier option ORRR I am also a fiend for ice cream. To kill that craving, I learned to make protein frozen yogurt. Once again a little healthier.

I think its just about being smart, like someone else said, planning ahead (because what I wrote above won't always happen like if you have to go out for a dinner with a client or family or friends you can't say, do you have protein powder in the back haha) and listening to your body.

Hope that helped! Good Luck!

I wouldn't make it a frequent habit but once in awhile wont hurt you. just order the healthiest option available and make sure it works in your calories

Crap. I want a Taco Bell now. I last had one in Florida over 10 years ago and loved it. Nearest place is 50 miles away. Hrmph.

I find it difficult to kick the habit of having fast food every once in awhile so I was wondering....would it be ok to eat fast food during the week if it remains within your calorie limit?

yes

For ex. last night I went to taco bell and got a double decker supreme and a chicken fresco taco but they were within the calorie limit I had left for dinner.

Is this a bad idea?

no

^^^Just read this and skip all the other crap.