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There are so many instances in life where, were we to stop and think for a minute, we may make a different choice from our impulsive one. Choosing which type of fast food to purchase and subsequently consume is definitely one such area. We suddenly may realise we are hungry so we think, should I have a burger or chicken wings? We consider which most appeals to us - and perhaps which is the least expensive - but do we ever stop for a moment to think about how healthy these options are and what they may be doing to our bodies in the quantities in which we consume them?

Let us consider for a moment the true definition of fast food. It is food which is ready to eat very quickly from the point of us ordering it. Can it not equally, however, be food which is ready to eat very quickly after we begin preparing it? What definition states that someone else has to prepare the food for us in a timely fashion? We therefore have two very different ways of obtaining fast food and can now look at the best choices in both scenarios.

Perhaps it is our lunch break at work and we forgot to bring our sandwiches again. We can't go without lunch so we know we have to pop out and buy something. There is a McDonald's on the corner - perfect. Or is it? How often do we find ourselves eating there? Perhaps we never bring sandwiches and go there on a daily basis?

I appreciate that depending upon location, the said McDonald's may indeed but our only option but in the vast majority of instances there will be alternatives. Is there a delicatessen nearby? Most of these stores sell healthy option lunches, from salads to sandwiches. Perhaps there is a dedicated sandwich bar where we can obtain something at least a little healthier than our Big Mac and fries? Many supermarkets of course sell selections of sandwiches and ready to eat foods. If you don't know the area well enough to know of the existence of these establishments, ask someone who does or take a walk some day. Explore your alternatives and choose the healthier option.

Cooking for ourselves at home is our second option when we consider fast food choices. Cooking need not be a long, laborious process. There are an infinite number of meals which can be prepared in minutes. Eggs are good for cooking with in this way and lots of meats can be bought pre-cooked in the supermarket.

Pick up a small salad in the delicatessen where you buy your lunchtime sandwich as part of your meal that night.

Consider roasting a cut of meat or a chicken the night before you intend to eat it as you sit in front of the TV and then refrigerate it.

There are so many choices we can make in this respect which will give us fast food - healthy fast food. I hope that you make one of them today.

Learn more about this author, Gordon Hamilton.
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