While I recommend that people brown bag it most days of the week, there are times when lunch appointments, travel or just needing a break from the office necessitate going out to lunch. I find that when people do go out, they choose the same quick serve restaurant nine times out of ten, and ordering the same dish! Does this sound like you?
When I work with a client I ask them what their typical order is and then we try to find healthier options. Most often we can lower the calories, total fat, saturated fat and cholesterol. Sometimes we can improve the amount of vitamins and minerals in the meal, but rarely can we lower the sodium, or increase the fiber. Fast food, like store-bought convenience foods are typically sodium rich, fiber poor. I suggest that clients pack a piece of fresh fruit or raw sliced vegetables to remedy the fiber portion and that their dinner meal incorporates more scratch cooking.
How does your typical order stack up? Check out the nutrition connections for these common fast food restaurants below. Bag a better meal the next time you go out by keeping your total calories below 360, adding some raw fruit and veggies and drinking water, low-fat milk or green tea.
•McDonalds http://nutrition.mcdonalds.com/nutritionexchange/bagMeal.do
•Subway http://www.subway.com/applications/NutritionInfo/index.aspx
•Panera http://www.panerabread.com/pdf/nutr-guide.pdf
•Pizza Hut http://www.pizzahut.com/Nutrition.aspx
•Starbucks http://www.starbucks.com/retail/nutrition_info.asp
•Taco Bell http://www.tacobell.com/nutrition/calculator
Categories: Nutrition & Wellness
The Dietitian's Digest 
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