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Healthy fast food fixes

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Fast food can save you time and money, but your health and waistline often pay the price. The healthiest fast food is no fast food at all. But if you’re determined to get your quick fix, and want to be healthy about it, these are your best choices. 

McDonald’s hamburger
As long as there’s no cheese, chips and cooldrink, this little burger is one of the healthiest items on the McDonalds menu.

Nutritional breakdown:

Calories

256 kcal

Protein

13.5 g

Carbohydrates

31.4 g

Fat

10.6 g

- Saturated fat

5.6 g

Fibre

2.5 g

Sodium

473 mg

Steers chicken burger
A succulent beef patty smothered in barbeque basting, served on a fresh bun with all the trimmings is probably the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Steers. But if you’re looking for something a little friendlier to your waist, a standard chicken burger is the way to go.

Nutritional breakdown:

Calories

280 kcal

Protein

21.4 g

Carbohydrates

32 g

Fat

7.3g

- Saturated fat

1.6 g

Fibre

4.8 g

Sodium

986 mg

Debonairs Real Deal vegetarian pizza
No need to give up that cheesy goodness. You can have your pizza and your health at Debonairs – if you’re keen on going meat-free, that is.

Nutritional breakdown:

Calories

318 kcal

Protein

20.4 g

Carbohydrates

34 g

Fat

13.8 g

- Saturated fat

6.4 g

Fibre

8 g

Sodium

792 mg

Nandos Vitality meal
Light, lean and filling; the Nandos Vitality meal, is a grilled chicken breast, side of a mielie and regular seasonal salad. It’s low in cholesterol and fat, so you can savour it without the guilt.

Nutritional breakdown:

Calories

341 kcal

Protein

34 g

Carbohydrates

36.2 g

Fat

6.3 g

- Saturated fat

1.4 g

Fibre

6.5 g

Sodium

562 mg

KFC grilled twister
KFC is well-known for their juicy, not-so-healthy deep fried chicken. Spare your health and the extra calories by ordering a grilled twister the next time you head out for lunch. Grilled options have less fat and fewer calories. Don’t ruin the effect by adding extra sauce or cheese!

Nutritional breakdown:

Calories

396 kcal

Protein

30.4 g

Carbohydrates

44 g

Fat

10.1 g

- Saturated fat

3.8 g

Fibre

3 g

Sodium

1060 mg

Takeaway tips

  • Go for grilled. Trade in fried foods for grilled options to cut calories and unhealthy fats.
  • Toss out the chips. Chips can add unnecessary calories to any meal. Leave them behind or swap them for a salad.  
  • Skip the add-ons. Sauces, salad dressings and extra cheese can rack up the calorie count of any meal. Stay away from
    these or go for low-fat options. 
  • Be size savvy. Don’t upsize your meal and avoid combo options. Stick with regular sized meals or try a kid’s meal.  
  • Think before you drink. Soft drinks are loaded with sugar and can send your calorie intake through the roof. Give the
    sweet stuff a miss and wash down your meal with water instead. 


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