Diet & Fitness Blog

Ask Pam: Drive-Thru Dieting

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

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Can I really lose weight through the drive-thru?

If only it was that easy! Sure, if you don’t order anything then you just might, but that isn’t where we're going with this question.

If you're like many of us out there, an occasional run through the drive-thru happens. In this day and age with work, family and little spare time, it can be convenient to grab a quick bite. Plus, it's hard to pass up a $1 menu item even if it isn't exactly what you want or should be eating.

Losing weight doesn’t happen by going through a drive-thru (although the media may think so). If you occasionally incorporate some fast-food selections along with overall healthy food choices and exercise, it can work as part (not the whole thing) of your daily menu. It all depends on the choices.

Fast-food dieting can make eating easier, but does it teach the principles of healthy eating? Does it teach you how to lower your sodium intake? Or how to make a meal higher in fiber to promote heart health? Most importantly, does it encourage you to move (activity) more? These are all things that help make losing weight successful for a lifetime.

Drive-thru eating and dieting does cater to our need for convenience, but it doesn’t provide the whole picture.

Fast-food items here and there are okay, but focus on including more whole, nutrient-rich meals and recipes to be sure you are getting all the vitamins and minerals that your body needs. A taco is fine for lunch, but maybe the next day you can pack a salad with some grilled chicken, low-fat cheese and a piece of fruit for a balanced approach.

Here are some quick fast-food tips next time you head through that drive-thru:

- Limit the additions. Skip the cheese, sour cream, sauce or toppings.
- Avoid the doubling up on burgers, sides and drinks.
- Chose your sides wisely. Opt for the side of fruit (applesauce, fruit cup, apple slices) vs. the fries or higher calorie/fat side item.
- Pay attention to healthy items like vegetables and salads and avoid adding extra calories or fat to them (e.g., salad dressings or sauces).
- Chose grilled or broiled items vs. fried.
- Opt for a children’s size portion. They're usually half the size, half the calories and have healthier options to pick from.

Have a diet question for Pam? Email askpam@ediets.com and check back to see if your question is picked! And if you missed a previous column, click here to see the archive.

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Labels: ask pam, diet, dieting, drive-thru, fast food, nutrition, pam