Whether you're loving it or just havin' it your way, fast food is an American institution.
Comfort food on the run.
Affordable yes, healthy no.
Even so, when the craving hits, some of us just can't drive away.
Chew on this.
According to the author of Fast Food Nation, the typical American eats three hamburgers and four orders of fries each week.
And while it's true some fast food joints offer healthy alternatives,
Those salads aren't as healthy as you might think.
A Taco Bell salad contains 850 calories and 52 grams of fat, enough for two meals.
A small McDonalds fry has 210 calories and 10 grams of fat, while a super-size fry weighs in a whopping 610 calories and 29 grams of fat.
"Pop quiz! What's healthier? A chicken sandwich or hamburger?
The fried chicken sandwich has more fat per ounce than hamburgers!
The same goes for fish sandwiches.
"I would opt for any type of grilled chicken as opposed to fried chicken," dietitian Chelsea Fowler said.
Fowler says you can blame a drop in blood sugar for those fast food cravings.
She says a hamburger craving can be satisfied though by a turkey burger or veggie burger both of which are a much healthier option.
"They taste just as good, less in fat and saturated fat and are a great source of protein," Fowler said.
If you have to have the fries, it's ok.
Get a kiddie size to curb your craving.
"A lot of restaurants are leaning towards trans fat free oils, that's another thing to look for as well," Fowler said.
Another tip, hold the mayo.
It can cut your caloric intake on one fast food trip by almost half.
That way you really can have it your way.
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