This Is Why You Shouldn't Eat Fast Foods While Trying To Lose Weight

This seems like it should be obvious to anyone trying to lose weight. However, we do get emails from time to time from readers that may be having a hard time trying to stick to a consistent meal plan.

So, let's not come down too hard on them.

This time we got a series of emails from some folks that are apparently needing a little more guidance. 

So let's share some facts, shall we?

The Fat Facts

Obesity affects up to 2/3 of all Americans. It's gotten to the point where you have more options for fast "food" now than at any other point in history.

Food delivery services are almost as numerous as the restaurants for which they deliver. All of this readily available fast food can only equal into less-healthy eating habits. 

You could even conclude that eating non-home cooked meals can jeopardize your weight loss efforts.

The Fat Stats

Recent statistics reveal a sharp uptick in this trend. Roughly, sixty percent of Americans order delivery or takeout at least once a week. 

Third-party delivery services are used by 31% of people at least twice a week. When ordering food online, 34% of customers spend at least $50 per order.

Compared to a regular dine-in experience, 20% of consumers say they spend more on off-premise orders.

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Even if you have incredible control of what you eat, ordering or going out to eat can completely undermine your weight loss endeavors.

Numerous restaurants and eateries now offer diet-specific options; the rest of the menu may tempt you to explore. Fast food has more calories than home-cooked food because it is high in salt, sugar, and oil.

*Feeling guilty about your last meal away from home? Check out what we had to say!*

It is a well-known fact that many Americans are eating and/or ordering out more than they are cooking at home. Just over forty years ago, about a fifth of Americans got their calories by "grabbing a bite to eat" outside the home. 

During a weight loss and nutrition study conducted in 2003, it was noted that the numbers had more than doubled.

Fat Burning Fast Food?

Many restaurants serve massive portions. Combine that with the fact that we have been conditioned to clean our plates, and you have a dietary disaster in the making.

You may even feel duty bound to eat everything on your plate, even if it means jeopardizing your health and weight. If you frequently eat out, you may become accustomed to these large portions and begin to eat comparably at home.

Some people temporarily modify their eating schedule to accommodate for the extra calories they are about to engorge themselves with. 

For example, when you know you are going out to eat, you probably eat less throughout the day, delay or skip eating and by the time you get to the restaurant.

feel the calories piling up from this picture 

Nice try, but your body will ultimately tell the truth about your clandestine culinary activities.  

this picture's even worse for your diet 

Social Dining

You might be dining with a group of friends who enjoy savoring the dining experience by ordering appetizers before the main course. Did you know that restaurant appetizers have a reputation for being high in calories?

For example, did you also know that a "small" basket of fried (2-3 ounces) can contain over 2,000 calories?

Hope you'll be ready for the extra hour or two at the gym to burn it all off.

Plus the soda glasses tend to be large to begin with so you are receiving greater servings of this sugary beverage. 

The tendency may be to order seconds because it's free and you want to take advantage of that but remember, just the soda alone can put you far over your daily recommended allowance of calories for weight loss.

Perhaps the greatest restaurant challenge to any dieter is the buffet.

With so many choices you may be tempted to get one of everything! Since you can go back as many times as you want you might overindulge. You want to make sure you get your moneys worth, right?

and now you want dessert too?

So what can you do if you must eat out several times a week?

Don't Give In!!

First and foremost, make sure you stick to your diet plan. Don't succumb to eating unhealthy foods "just this once." Choose veggie-heavy entrees and skip dessert entirely. 

When your meal arrives, set half aside right away and even request a doggy bag so you aren't tempted to eat the second half when the first is finished.

If you don't starve yourself before going out to eat, it will be easier to order a healthy meal and avoid fatty, high-calorie entrees if you are not hungry when you order.

In general, sticking to sensible and healthy eating patterns at home and when dining out will help you develop good eating habits that will help you lose weight and keep it off permanently.

"Your Health Is Your Wealth!!"

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