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BUILDING A HEALTHY DIET WITH THE 5 FOOD GROUPS
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Many fast-food restaurants have some healthy options available. If you’re eating fast food, choose your meal
carefully!
but it doesn’t have many nutrients. Calories without any nutrients with them are called
empty calories.
Fast food has lots and lots of unhealthy fat, salt, and sugar. All three of those things
cause health problems like heart disease and
obesity
.
Fast food also doesn’t include all five food groups. Fast food has a lot of protein, espe-
cially meat. It also has a lot of grains, like hamburger buns and the coating on chicken nug-
gets. However, there aren’t many whole grains on fast food menus, which are a lot healthier
for you than
processed
grains. And there aren’t many fruits, vegetables, or dairy.
Some fast food restaurants are realizing that people want to eat healthier. These restau-
rants offer some choices that are a little healthier. Some of them even have vegetables in
them!
You may have to be a little creative if you want to eat as many food groups as possible
at fast food restaurants. Always choose more vegetables, if that’s a choice. You should also
choose whole-grain foods, like whole-wheat bread. Choose milk or water, not soda. And
try and pick healthy side dishes, like apple slices or fruit salad.
What would a healthier fast food meal look like? You could order a sub on a whole-
wheat roll with lots of veggies along with meat and cheese. And drink water. Or you could
get a small hamburger with apple slices on the side and milk.
Some fast food restaurants offer salads. To get lots of veggies, you could order a salad
with grilled chicken or beans for some protein. Oil-based salad dressings like Italian or
vinaigrette are better for you than creamy dressings.