They are everywhere Fast Food restaurants!  With the fast pace life that we live sometimes, cheap, convenient, and filling fast food taste great to all of us.  But, unfortunately consuming one fast food meal can equal your daily amount of  calories, sodium, and fat for an entire day or more. And if you're guilty of eating fast food on a regular basis, it can lead to health problems. But, we are human and the fast food temptation can be hard to turn down. So I have 5 tips you can apply and make healthier choices and still enjoy your fast food experience. 

Here are 5 tips to help you order smart next time you hit the drive thru.

Tip 1: Undress your food 

 Yes take off all the extra "clothes" placed on your food.  When it's time to order that wonderful burger, take a minute to make small changes.  For example, ask for a grilled chicken sandwich instead and lose the mayo. Instead, try mustard and add it yourself.  By adding it yourself you are in control of how much goes on your sandwich, allowing you to control the extra calories.  Also opt to do without cheese, sour cream, bacon, or any dressing,  These items are high in calories and loaded with extra fat, which land on your waist line.

Tip 2: Customize your order

I do this all the time.  Instead of fries as a side, I will ask for a veggie option.  When I order a salad, I always get my dressings on the side.  I choose to dip my salad in the dressing.  This trick is great --you only use about 30% of the dressing this way.  Which in the end saves you calories! Also look at how your food is cooked.  If its fried or cooked in oil, ask to have it broiled or streamed.  You never know till you ask!

Tip 3: Drink Water With Your Meal

By making this change you would not believe the hidden benefits.  If you turn down the 32oz soda and sweet tea, get water instead.  You just saved an extra 400 plus calories from your meal, that would have put a big dent in your daily calorie intake.  If drinking water gets bland, try to add a little aspartame or a free drink enhancer.

Tip 4: Eat Mindfully

Pay attention to what you eat, enjoy each bite.  Take your time and chew your food thoroughly and avoid eating on the run.  Being mindful also means stop eating before you are full.  It takes time for your body to register that you have hit your cut off point.  By taking your time when eating, it relaxes you plus aids in digestion. Lastly, you are more satisfied sooner.  

Tip 5: Skip The Dessert

  Pass on that sugar craving.  It's hard but going though the drive-thru is already a treat.  Taking on the extra calories in the form of a milkshake, apple pie turnover, ice cream, or cookies will set you back 300 plus extra calories.  These desserts are mostly high in sugar and fat.  If you must have something sweet.  Most fast food menus now have fruit and yogurt as healthy replacement.

Now you're ready to zip thru the drive thru and make healthier choices! For more tips follow me on twitter and instagram @madisonjames404. Remember this is a lifestyle change, so  take it day by day.  Because, small changes turn into big changes!