Improve Your Families Health: Take a Fast Food Vacation

Improve Your Families Health: Take a Fast Food Vacation

You and your family may be spending more time together since summer has arrived. If you are not careful, the extra-curricular activities away from home may be setting you up for unhealthy food choices. Be prepared by packing healthy food and beverages or make sure you know what the healthier options are when dining out.

Try to resist the temptation of picking up fast food for you and your family, no matter how good the dollar or value menu may sound. It may be easy on the wallet, but not so much for the waistline. A typical “value” or “dollar” meal can contain as much as 850 calories! A regular combo meal can contain as much as 1500 calories. If you are not careful, you can consume a whole days worth of calories in one meal. You could have definitely packed a healthier, more nutritious meal that would have been less in calories and just as filling.

Some healthy options to pack for you and your family:

• Hummus, whole grain deli flats, piled high with an assortment of vegetables such as peppers, onions, sprouts, spinach and a sprinkle of feta cheese.
• Peanut butter and banana spiral wraps
• Fruity tuna salad pita sandwiches
• Grilled chicken, romaine lettuce, your favorite vegetables, small handful of almonds or walnuts, chopped apples, sliced grapes and a light vinaigrette dressing. Remember to dip your fork into the dressing first!
• Mozzarella cheese sticks, whole grain crackers, light yogurt and fresh fruit.

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