by Shannon Hilson

Created on: October 02, 2009

Contrary to popular belief, not everything on the menu at your favorite fast food restaurant is a coronary waiting to happen. In fact, pretty much every one of your favorite stops very likely has several options for you to choose from that are quite healthy. Being able to continue to hit the drive-thru for the occasional treat even if you're dieting or newly dedicated to a healthy lifestyle really only boils down to understanding food and staying in the know when it comes to what you're putting in your mouth. Knowledge really is power when it comes to what you eat just as it is when it comes to everything else in life!

1. Get to know the menu.

All of the major fast food chains from McDonald's, to Wendy's, to KFC have the nutritional information for each of their menu items listed on their website. Take the time to go over this information and see for yourself how many calories and fat grams each item has before you plan your next visit. You might be surprised as to which ones are the worst offenders. For instance, some of the most fat and calorie laden treats on Taco Bell's menu are the taco salads... and there you were thinking you were safe ordering anything with the word "salad" in the name! Further examination of the rest of their menu will show you that you'd actually be much better off opting for a couple of regular tacos.

2. Skip the breading.

Sure it's chicken or fish instead of a cheeseburger... but that crispy, crunchy breading that is oh so tasty is still packed with calories. If you truly want to reap the benefits of choosing chicken over beef, consider going for the grilled option instead. It will truly be just as tasty and that one simple substitution can save you 150-250 calories worth of regret. Some restaurants offer vegetarian options as well - always a smart decision if you're looking to stay fit and healthy.

3. Skip the gloppy condiments while you're at it.

Mayonnaise, tartar sauce, and creamy salad dressing can contain a whopping 150-200 calories per servings. Not a pretty picture when you consider most of us slather on SEVERAL servings every time we indulge in such items. Ditch items like that altogether and opt for lower calorie options instead. How about mustard instead of mayo... or low-fat Italian dressing instead of ranch? Your meal will still be packed with flavor, but you'll be giving yourself a real break when it comes to the fat and unnecessary calories.

4. Choose wisely when it comes to your sides.

An awful lot of the calories

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