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“Healthy” Fast Food Traps and Tips

Posted Wed, Aug 20, 2008, 1:01 pm PDT
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Lunch! Our midday meal is often rushed, making fast food a frequent choice. But even those seemingly "healthy" options can be major diet-busters. Here's the Hungry Girl 411 for you...

THE GREAT LIGHT HYPE

Arby's Market Fresh Sandwiches


Don't words like "market" and "fresh" evoke a generally wholesome image? SHOCKER ALERT: these sandwiches are SO not wholesome! The Roast Turkey and Swiss sounds innocent, but that thing has 708 calories and 30g fat! You might rightfully point a finger at the cheese or mayo, but another one of the big culprits is actually the bread! How are there 361 calories and 7 grams of fat in two slices? EEEK!

Quiznos Flatbread Chopped Salads


Oh dear. Quiznos, we have a problem. No, wait -- YOU do. Your Flatbread Chopped Salads are INSANE. How is it that one can eat a large Chicken Carbonara with Bacon Sub, smothered in "Creamy Bacon Alfredo" sauce, and still not come close to the amount of fat in the innocent-sounding Roasted Chicken with Honey Mustard Flatbread Salad? 74g fat and 1,110 calories is WAY out of line. You've been exposed, Quiznos! Skip half the flatbread and save 165 calories and 6g fat. Ditch the dressing to save an additional 490 calories and 48g fat!


A LIGHT (LUNCH) IN THE DARKNESS
Okay, don't hyperventilate. There ARE reasonable food options out there! That's why you're reading this. See, you're halfway there! Here are some better options.

Subway Fresh Fit Sandwiches

When we think of Subway, most of us picture Jared standing around holding up his "before" pants. It's a pretty comforting image when looking for a safe sandwich. Sure, we love that the 6" Veggie Delite is only 230 calories and 3g fat, but omnivores can take solace in the 6" Turkey Breast Sub and its 280 calories and 4.5g fat.

Quiznos Honey Bourbon Chicken Sandwich


Now that we know what NOT to order at Quiznos, here's a much smarter choice. The small size has only 4.5g fat and 320 calories, is pretty filling, and is also delicious.


Tips for Brown-Baggin' It!

* If you like to have salad for lunch, just toss some greens and lean protein in a plastic container. Put some low-cal dressing in a smaller container (or if space is no object, just bring the whole bottle!). You can also find portion-controlled dressing packets by Kraft on supermarket shelves (cool!).

* If your workplace doesn't have a fridge, get an insulated lunchbox and a little ice pack. When you get home, throw it back in the freezer. Then the next day, you're ready to go all over again!

* If you're not into ordinary sandwiches and salads, make a double portion of food at dinner. Set half aside in a travel container before you start eating (in case your eyes get bigger than your stomach!), and you won't have to do a thing the next day but remember to take it with you. Or pile leftovers into a low-fat tortilla for a quick lunch wrap.

Hungry for More?

Check out Hungry Girl: Recipes and Survival Strategies for Guilt-Free Eating in the Real World. The book's a New York Times Best Seller, and it's packed with 165 super-easy and delicious recipes, survival guides for eating out, and so much more!

For a daily dose of guilt-free tips, tricks, food finds, recipes and more, visit hungry-girl.com and sign up for free daily emails!

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24 Comments

  • 1. Posted by liam19 on Wed, Sep 03, 2008, 10:56 am PDT

    hell! I need to gain weight

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  • 2. Posted by blndnicholas on Wed, Sep 03, 2008, 11:07 am PDT

    I am sure that some of you know of the dangers of eating grapefruit whilst you are on certain medications. Be careful who you listen to.

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  • 3. Posted by oesch_dan on Wed, Sep 03, 2008, 11:08 am PDT

    I'm sure this girl kows a thing or two about bags

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  • 4. Posted by Margi S on Wed, Sep 03, 2008, 11:16 am PDT

    BAJA FRESH is so bad for you, dont let the word FRESH fool you. almost everything there is over 1600 calories!

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  • 5. Posted by tony b on Wed, Sep 03, 2008, 11:36 am PDT

    All....CRAP! Especially anything made by KRAFT. Who writes this Garbage?

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  • 6. Posted by zdrakov on Wed, Sep 03, 2008, 11:39 am PDT

    eat smart people :)))

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  • 7. Posted by smhunter1924 on Wed, Sep 03, 2008, 11:47 am PDT

    Is it o.k. to enjoy food. If one made a regular habit of eating some of these baddies, that would be bad. I, however, get a little sick and tired hearing about how I am clogging my arteries with ONE meal. Relax, you diet police!

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  • 8. Posted by Kathy K on Wed, Sep 03, 2008, 12:05 pm PDT

    I think all things in moderation...just eat what ever you want don't make a meal with 1200 calories in one sitting...well maybe you guys that eat that monster burger at Hardees can handle it..but these muffin top girls need to back away...sorry..just cut back, I had to....

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  • 9. Posted by on Wed, Sep 03, 2008, 1:54 pm PDT

    This article was pointless. More like an advertisement for the sandwiches portrayed.

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  • 10. Posted by skubishack on Wed, Sep 03, 2008, 2:07 pm PDT

    Well if you want to lose weight stick to these rules...Do stay hydrated, if your urine is not clear then drink more....Do avoid all salt, refined sugars, white breads, fats such as beef fat and chicken skins, any condiments such as mayo espicially since they all have salt in them, canned veggies- which have salt, dairy products with high fat content, any processed meats such as cold cuts (Make your own by cooking it without additives), beer, cigarettes (cardio hinder), regular pasta (buy or make wheat or spinich pastas-if you must buy the yoke free pasta). Eat fruits, vegatables, lean fish,beef,pork & chicken, and don't be afraid to learn how to cook-it can be fun, work out-even a little at first-every journey begins with the first step. SO live heathy, make your own meals from scratch and avoid all the garbage that is being put into packaged foods to please and hook the masses....Or eat what you want, get fatter, weaker, then pass early from the numerous things caused by poor eating habits. You can eat alot, just eat correctly. And you can treat youself to ice cream of whatever once in a while, just dont make it a meal like someone else said. I like to stay in fighting shape and it keeps the mind healthy also. Good Luck.

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  • 11. Posted by Yvette R on Wed, Sep 03, 2008, 2:11 pm PDT

    Your article was helpful in making changes in what we eat.

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  • 12. Posted by skubishack on Wed, Sep 03, 2008, 2:16 pm PDT

    Yes. Avoid Grapefruit if you are taking any type of a statin medication for sure. You doctor and/or pharmacist should warn you if this is the case. Zocor for example is a medication when used should not be done so with grapefruit products.

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  • 13. Posted by Michelle L on Wed, Sep 03, 2008, 2:25 pm PDT

    I for one did NOT know how bad those few items listed were for you. I can't imagine how bad the rest is. Of course, everything in moderation, but do you think that people don't know that. If it was that easy, everyone would be at a healthy weight. Some people need something that tastes good and is healthy, that they don't have to worry about how much they eat. Eat until you're full!!

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  • 14. Posted by skubishack on Wed, Sep 03, 2008, 3:09 pm PDT

    I remember reading somewhere in the Holy Bible about a certain king who challenged Daniel, I believe, to some kind of battle or contest against his men. The kings men ate very poor choices and drank a lot of alcohol (wine). Daniels men ate healthy and did not drink the booze. Whos men do you think won the contest/battle. If it were not safe to eat we would not be able to buy it in the store, however most items are packaged as a convience NOT meant to be a way of life- such as frozen and canned meals, cheese puffs and cola, cakes and pastries and so on. It's ok to have something tasty once in a while, but it's not meant to be a soure of daily nutrition. Fast foods are the same. My friend wanted Taco Bell so ate some of thier food, then said "now I have to run 4 miles to burn that off." That is a good state of mind to have because that is what you would have to do if you lived off of fast food as a main source of meals. Packaged food are also full of salt and refined sugers and don't have the same nutritional values as fresh foods. I will now post one of my favorite easy to make meals....

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  • 15. Posted by kellymaried1234 on Wed, Sep 03, 2008, 3:18 pm PDT

    yeah you should ask your doctor before eating greapefruit alot of medications dont react well with grapefruit my daughterwas on a medacation and could not eat grapefruit

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  • 16. Posted by ndelian on Wed, Sep 03, 2008, 3:32 pm PDT

    Great, subversive advertisement (as usual).

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  • 17. Posted by ndelian on Wed, Sep 03, 2008, 3:33 pm PDT

    and stop eating cold meats everytime meal, they're loaded with sodium nitrites, hello cancer.

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  • 18. Posted by llomeli27 on Wed, Sep 03, 2008, 3:39 pm PDT

    yes i agree with liam19 , any diets to gain weight?

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  • 19. Posted by skubishack on Wed, Sep 03, 2008, 3:39 pm PDT

    Cook one pound of LEAN ground beef in a wok using no oil,salt, or butter of course. Add fresh chopped onions, green peppers, zuccinni, mushrooms, freshly crushed roma tomatoes, crushed red pepper seeds, and either fresh chopped garlic or 100% pure granulated garlic (not garlic powder or garlic salt), cook until veggies are soft. Cook either wheat or spinich pasta (if you must use packaged then use yoke free pasta), drain the pasta and put on plates and top with the beef and veggies from the wok. Dont add any cheese toppings since that would defeat the benifits and efforts of this fresh meal. If you make enough this will last for days and is great for energy when needed. The fluids in the veggies will keep the meat from burning to the wok. Munch on a few side wheat crackers for that crunchy craving. Follow this up with a large cup (20oz) of plain green tea using two tea bags. Then a nice slow walk around the block with your sweetheart.

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  • 20. Posted by skubishack on Wed, Sep 03, 2008, 4:02 pm PDT

    If you need to gain weight read this....When I was younger I could eat whatever I wanted and drink beer every day without gaining any weight and was always between 175-180 lbs at 6 feet tall. I had physical jobs and never worked out. Then when I turned 35, one day I said to my wife that I should go see a doctor because I was worried about my heartbeat. Turns out I only weighed 150 lbs and no one noticed because it was a gradual loss. The doctor told me I had Graves disease which is basically a hyper-active thyroid gland causing my body to run at a high metobolic rate as if I was always working out 24-7. My gland went crazy and began burning every source of energy in my body including muscle since there was no longer any fat. He said that I most likely had this condition all my life but that it had not gone into high gear and could have killed me if I did not come into see him. ANYWAY...my point is, If you are having problems gaining weight I suggest you get your thyroid gland checked soon. I can't beleive the photos of how I looked and didn't even know it was happening.

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  • 21. Posted by skubishack on Wed, Sep 03, 2008, 4:32 pm PDT

    We all need something to thrive off of in this life...If you make the commitment to thrive off of good eating habits and exercise, the rest of your life will fall into place. Some of the best things that happen in life are unexpected happening when you least expect them. Take care of yourself like you should and you will enjoy all that life has even better because you will be healthy. Everything else is just a bonus then.

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  • 22. Posted by skubishack on Wed, Sep 03, 2008, 4:46 pm PDT

    I stumbled on these posting because I wanted to see these so called fast food traps...FAST FOOD IS A TRAP IN ITSELF.

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  • 23. Posted by Tassellady on Wed, Sep 03, 2008, 6:20 pm PDT

    Losing weight with these rules are going to be difficult. It seems like you take one step forward and two steps back. Unfortunately you can't avoid salt or sodium or sugars altogether. Even if you REDUCE them it might make a difference.

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  • 24. Posted by Melissa on Mon, Sep 08, 2008, 6:04 am PDT

    I wonder what "Hungry Girl' gets paid for mentioning "Kraft" and other name brands?

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