FitSugar

Food Court Survival: Healthy Fast Food Options

FitSugar — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 03:30:00 PST

If you're braving the mall this Black Friday, chances are you're going to need to refuel at the food court as well. Although there are choices galore on the food front, many of them are high in calories and fat, so here are some healthier options to munch on. They may not be the healthiest choices on the planet, but they're better than succumbing to a Big Mac attack.

From Subway:
6" Veggie Delite: 230 calories, 1 g saturated fat
6" Turkey Breast: 280 calories, 1.5 g saturated fat
6" Oven Roasted Chicken Breast: 310 calories, 1.5 g saturated fat

Not into those choices? Then

From McDonald's:
Premium Southwest Salad with Grilled Chicken: 320 calories, 3 g saturated fat
Premium Asian Salad with Grilled Chicken: 300 calories, 1 g saturated fat
Premium Caesar Salad with Grilled Chicken: 220 calories, 3 g saturated fat
Snack Size Fruit & Walnut Salad: 210 calories, 1.5 g of saturated fat

Opt for no dressing or choose from these two:

Newman's Own Low Fat Balsamic Vinaigrette: 40 calories, 0 g saturated fat
Newman's Own Low Fat Family Recipe Italian Dressing: 60 calories, 0 g saturated fat

From Wendy's:
Chicken Caesar Salad with Grilled Chicken Fillet: 490 calories, 7 g saturated fat
Broccoli and Cheese Potato: 320 calories, 1.5 g saturated fat
Grilled Chicken Go Wrap: 260 calories, 3.5 g saturated fat
Ultimate Chicken Grill: 320 calories, 1.5 g saturated fat
Premium Fish Fillet Sandwich: 450 calories, 3.5 g saturated fat
Side of Mandarin Oranges: 80 calories, 0 g saturated fat

From Taco Bell:
Fresco Bean Burrito: 330 calories, 2.5 g saturated fat
Regular Style Ranchero Chicken Soft Taco: 270 calories, 4 g saturated fat
Regular Style Spicy Chicken Soft Taco: 170 calories, 2 g saturated fat
Fresco Style Spicy Chicken Burrito: 340 calories, 3 g saturated fat
Fresco Style Fiesta Burrito - Beef: 350 calories, 4 g saturated fat
Fresco Style Chalupa Supreme - Chicken: 300 calories, 2 g saturated fat

From Dunkin' Donuts:
Multigrain bagel w/ reduced fat vegetable cream cheese: 520 calories, 8 g saturated fat
Turkey and Cheese Sandwich: 510 calories, 6 g saturated fat
Garden Salad: 240 calories, 5 g saturated fat
Chicken Noodle Soup: 140 calories, 1 g saturated fat
Reduced Fat Blueberry Muffin: 400 calories, 2 g saturated fat

From Sbarro:

Slice of thin-crust cheese pizza: 460 calories, 3.5 g saturated fat

Fit's Tip: Another great option is to pack your own healthy snacks or sandwiches. You'll know it's low in calories and fat, will save you money, and you won't have to wait in those long lines.

Food Court Survival: Part III

FitSugar — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 12:30:00 PST

The mall is almost unavoidable during the holidays and something about all that running around and waiting in lines that makes me hungry. What's worse? Not only am I hungry but I also know there is a place where food is so easily accessible. A place that reminds me of the fast-food holy land: The Food Court. Don't worry, we can get through this.

One idea is to skip dessert shops, like Mrs. Fields, Cinnabon, and Nestles, altogether. They are just too tempting, especially when you are craving something sweet. If you absolutely need something sweet then head to a candy store and get some dark chocolate with a high cocoa content. Even better? Bring some from home in your purse. If I still can't convince you to stay away from Dairy Queen, then go with the vanilla soft serve (small). It has about 140 calories and 4.5 grams of fat - not too bad.

Food Court Survival: Part II

FitSugar — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 03:30:00 PST

The mall is almost unavoidable during the holidays, and something about all that running around and waiting in lines makes me hungry. What's worse: Not only am I hungry, but I also know there is a place where food is easily accessible. That place, like the fast food holy land, is the Food Court.

Don't worry, we can get through this.

I already shared a few survival strategies, and another idea is to bring your own snacks. Healthy snacking options are limited at the food court: Think french fries, bagels, candy, and cookies. Last year user redsugar suggested carrying a zip top bag full of nuts so you can satisfy your hunger without heading to Cinnabon.

If you forget your baggie of healthy munchies, then pretzel shops are not always a bad option. The Jalapeño Pretzel without butter from Auntie Anne's has 270 calories and no trans fat (this was the best I could find at Auntie Anne's in terms of nutrition) - not horrible. If you're cutting out white flour, then try the Whole Wheat Pretzel (no butter) with 350 calories and 1.5 grams of fat.

Source

Food Court Survival: Part I

FitSugar — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 03:00:00 PST

Don't worry, we can get through this.

My first idea is to stick to places where you can actually eat healthy. Deli-type places (Au Bon Pain, Subway, etc.) that don't even have a deep fryer are good options - in other words, places where you can't get french fries and onion rings. Places such as Cinnabon, where it's gooey cinnamon roles or nothing, are out.

Au Bon Pain is a favorite of mine but watch out for cheeses, mayonnaise, and any other special sauces they throw on a sandwich and opt for mustard instead. A great option is the Tuna Nicoise Salad, with 270 calories and 12 grams of fat; get the dressing on the side to lower those numbers even more. People tend to think Chinese food is healthy, but that is not always the case - go steamed or not at all. A good option at Panda Express is the Mushroom Chicken with a side of mixed veggies, all for about 220 calories and 15 grams of fat.

Source

How to Stay Healthy and Energized on Black Friday

FitSugar — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 11:17:14 PST

In Sex and the City, Carrie Bradshaw once said: "Shopping is my cardio." She obviously wasn't talking about Black Friday, which is more like a contact sport. As retail stores kick off the holiday season with crazy sales (some that start as early as 4 a.m.!), we have tips on keeping your body happy and healthy while you're in the depths of shopping madness.

Be kind to your feet. You may not be the type to wear your running shoes when not exercising, but trick yourself into thinking that Black Friday is a workout. Just like on the treadmill, you want your feet to be as comfy and supported as possible - you may be on them for hours, after all!
Don't lock your knees. When standing in line, keep your knees slightly bent. Also, avoid shifting your weight from one leg to the other and jutting your hip out; this can throw your back out of alignment and cause pain.
Drop off heavy loads. As you start to load up on bags, your arms and shoulders will start to take a beating, which is bad for your back, too. Make a point to regularly drop your bags off at the car.
Fuel up. Make sure to stay hydrated with water and pack yourself some healthy snacks. If you have to eat at the mall, go for these healthy food court options. Staying hydrated and eating properly will give you the energy to make it though the day.
Rest and stretch. If your back or feet start to hurt, take a moment to rest. Also find a spot to squat down and stretch. It feels great in your lower back.
Set a time limit. While a good sale is hard to pass up, set a time limit on shopping. Schedule a late afternoon yoga class to stretch out and relax after surviving the busiest shopping day of the year.