I think Gavin said it best .
I am officially registered for 13 credits this fall at GW (or as I like to call it, Gee-Dub). I also signed my life away to the US government in hopes of $41,000 in student loans… which won’t even cover the full two years of tuition. Sigh.
I’ve been doing a lot of reflecting upon my life. One year ago today I graduated from college.
(Notice the guy yawning in the back?)
And in one month I will be leaving my job at Pennsylvania Hospital. A lot had changed in my life, but I am so thankful for the journey I’ve been on this past year. I’ve learned a lot about myself, my beliefs, and the type of contributions I want to provide. That being said, I am so excited to begin sharing my journey through the field of public health with all of you. The support and feedback you’ve given on some of my more controversial posts is amazing. I’m glad to know that there is a part of the population that believes in a healthy lifestyle and is ready for some changes in the way American’s eat.
Since my life is going to be flipped upside down relatively soon and I’m going to be embarking on a lot of road trips to DC, I thought it would be interesting to think about fast food options. Generally, I try to avoid the stuff. But sometimes when push comes to shove, convenience wins and I’ll scoop out a Panera or Au Bon Pain for something quick.
The Cancer Project identified the top five worst fast foods based upon fat, saturated fat, calories, sodium and cholesterol.
( Source )
The prices of the items above range from $.79 to $1.99, depending upon the restaurant. What I find most interesting is that all of the items involve a ground beef product. Remember why a Big Mac is cheaper than a salad ? I guess this continues to prove the point.
But what if you know to avoid fast food and decide to eat at a restaurant? Men’s Health identified the 30 “Healthy Foods” that aren’t . Things that I am guilty of ordering on past road trips: Ceasar Wraps, Dunkin’ Doughnuts Pumpkin Muffins, Arby’s Market Fresh Sandwich, Ruby Tuesday’s Turkey Minis & Fries, and TGI Fridays Pecan Crusted Chicken Salad.
Thoughts:
- I cried when I saw that a bacon, egg and cheese sandwich is a healthier choice than my beloved pumpkin muffin. Cried. Now, I know that muffins are not health food in any way. And it is very rare that I ever indulge myself, but on the occasion when the hospital has FREE coffee, muffins and doughnuts, I can’t resist. And 91g of carbs (probably all from refined sugar and flour)… goodbye my beloved muffins.
- I was also pretty shocked by the Ruby’s turkey minis. I meet my best friend at Ruby Tuesdays on occasion because it is the only place in between our houses and will usually order the two turkey minis with the salad bar. What kind of confused me, what that #15 states that the minis have 873 calories… but then look at #6. It even tells you at the bottom that the turkey minis are a better choice and only have 529 calories. What gives? Either way, that is a big caloric punch from two tiny burgers. It makes me wonder what a full sized beef burger comes in around.
- The Pecan Chicken Salad has been ordered before and I was SHOCKED at the caloric count of 1,390. Essentially an entire day of food. I will say that I remember not being able to eat all of the chicken and I’d be willing to bet that is where all of the calories and fat come from. Or the cheese… or dressing. Either way, I will NOT be ordering this ever again. Lesson learned. (Okay, not going to lie. It was tasty.)
So what are some healthy options? I love Panera for a quick meal. Plus their menu boards now show the calories in each item, making it easier to create a balanced meal. I am particularly loving their seasonal salad with strawberries and chicken. I’ll also stop at Chipotle for a burrito salad, sans rice. I feel good about their food mainly because all of their meat is from animals raised humanely and without antibiotics. And they serve your food in recyclable plates. That’s something to feel good about eating in my eyes. And how could I forget my beloved Whole Food bar. I know this is only available in major cities, but it is just too darn good to pass up when you have the chance. Any grocery store salad bar is usually a good place to pick up some healthy alternatives (just avoid the cubed mystery meat and heavy dressings).
I also have a few go to snacks that are easy to pack. I always, always have my Sigg filled with good old H2O. Trail mixes are big in my book, and Trader Joes’s has some great varieties. Dried fruit in general travels well, but can be calorie dense due to the concentrated sugars. Fresh baby carrots and grapes can go without refrigeration for a few hours and will still be crisp. I have been know to walk around with a yogurt in my bag as well, but wouldn’t recommend this during the hot summer months.
Let’s just hope that I remember my own tips and don’t end up overcome with stress, which always results in unhealthy eating (insert image of gluten-free brownies).
Have you experienced any big changes over the past year? Or learned something valuable about yourself? Any healthy tips for eating on the road?
Also, a quick thanks for all of your support on my bum foot. I’m going to give it until Friday (or maybe a spin class Thursday night) and hopefully I’ll be good to go again!
I think Gavin said it best .
I am officially registered for 13 credits this fall at GW (or as I like to call it, Gee-Dub). I also signed my life away to the US government in hopes of $41,000 in student loans… which won’t even cover the full two years of tuition. Sigh.
I’ve been doing a lot of reflecting upon my life. One year ago today I graduated from college.
(Notice the guy yawning in the back?)
And in one month I will be leaving my job at Pennsylvania Hospital. A lot had changed in my life, but I am so thankful for the journey I’ve been on this past year. I’ve learned a lot about myself, my beliefs, and the type of contributions I want to provide. That being said, I am so excited to begin sharing my journey through the field of public health with all of you. The support and feedback you’ve given on some of my more controversial posts is amazing. I’m glad to know that there is a part of the population that believes in a healthy lifestyle and is ready for some changes in the way American’s eat.
Since my life is going to be flipped upside down relatively soon and I’m going to be embarking on a lot of road trips to DC, I thought it would be interesting to think about fast food options. Generally, I try to avoid the stuff. But sometimes when push comes to shove, convenience wins and I’ll scoop out a Panera or Au Bon Pain for something quick.
The Cancer Project identified the top five worst fast foods based upon fat, saturated fat, calories, sodium and cholesterol.
The prices of the items above range from $.79 to $1.99, depending upon the restaurant. What I find most interesting is that all of the items involve a ground beef product. Remember why a Big Mac is cheaper than a salad ? I guess this continues to prove the point.
But what if you know to avoid fast food and decide to eat at a restaurant? Men’s Health identified the 30 “Healthy Foods” that aren’t . Things that I am guilty of ordering on past road trips: Ceasar Wraps, Dunkin’ Doughnuts Pumpkin Muffins, Arby’s Market Fresh Sandwich, Ruby Tuesday’s Turkey Minis & Fries, and TGI Fridays Pecan Crusted Chicken Salad.
Thoughts:
So what are some healthy options? I love Panera for a quick meal. Plus their menu boards now show the calories in each item, making it easier to create a balanced meal. I am particularly loving their seasonal salad with strawberries and chicken. I’ll also stop at Chipotle for a burrito salad, sans rice. I feel good about their food mainly because all of their meat is from animals raised humanely and without antibiotics. And they serve your food in recyclable plates. That’s something to feel good about eating in my eyes. And how could I forget my beloved Whole Food bar. I know this is only available in major cities, but it is just too darn good to pass up when you have the chance. Any grocery store salad bar is usually a good place to pick up some healthy alternatives (just avoid the cubed mystery meat and heavy dressings).
I also have a few go to snacks that are easy to pack. I always, always have my Sigg filled with good old H2O. Trail mixes are big in my book, and Trader Joes’s has some great varieties. Dried fruit in general travels well, but can be calorie dense due to the concentrated sugars. Fresh baby carrots and grapes can go without refrigeration for a few hours and will still be crisp. I have been know to walk around with a yogurt in my bag as well, but wouldn’t recommend this during the hot summer months.
Let’s just hope that I remember my own tips and don’t end up overcome with stress, which always results in unhealthy eating (insert image of gluten-free brownies).
Have you experienced any big changes over the past year? Or learned something valuable about yourself? Any healthy tips for eating on the road?
Also, a quick thanks for all of your support on my bum foot. I’m going to give it until Friday (or maybe a spin class Thursday night) and hopefully I’ll be good to go again!