Healthy Fast Food Choices for Diabetics

It may seem that the words "healthy" and "fast food" are conflicting terms, but a diabetic can find healthier ways to consume fast foods if they are forced to rely on them for a meal or snack. The first thing to know about healthy fast food choices for diabetics, however, is that they cannot be a frequent food source. This is because they are not healthy for anyone, diabetic or non-diabetic alike, if they are consumed on a regular basis.

Why? A lot of fast foods are packed with cholesterol, fat, and sodium. Even if an item is shown as a "light" or a "nutritious" option on a menu, it cannot compare to a healthy meal that you can make at home.

There are several good healthy fast food choices for diabetics if you keep items like fiber and complex carbohydrates in mind when ordering food at a fast food outlet. Most people know that potatoes and white breads are "no nos" for a diabetic, but let us also point out just how even a small amount of fast food may be harmful to your health.

Did you know that one traditional "burger meal" along with soft drink, fries, and dessert will give you more saturated fat than a person should eat over TWO days? A person with diabetes is more likely to develop heart disease at some point in their life, but they can work at delaying that by avoided fast foods whenever possible. However if a diabetic is in a situation where the only food available is something from a fast food joint then the most appropriate and healthy fast food options for diabetics would include:

Items without dressing - grilled meats, undressed salads, and sides without any of the cheeses or toppings that fill them with fat and possible carbohydrates, will work well to keep you on track;

Stick With Whole grains - should you order a sandwich, ask if they have whole grain bread or wraps whenever possible. Keep in mind that even if the bread is whole grain, never eat over fifty percent of what's offered as fast food portions are generally notoriously too generous. Try to save the rest for later in the day, if you can;

Avoid the beverages - whether it is soda, a fruit smoothie, or a packaged juice drink, healthy fast food choices for diabetics do not ever include the sugary drinks that are distributed in most fast food locations. Even sweetened iced teas or coffee drinks are a "no no" due to their massive sugar contents; and

Absolutely no buffets - food industry research reveals that bargain hunters prefer buffets because they believe they get their money's worth, however, food served at buffets is typically processed unhealthy foods that are not suitable for anyone, including a person with diabetes.