Hitting 60 really gets you thinking about health & habits, so I decided to cut ties with a bunch of fast-food joints that were favorite spots for years. Instead of simply watching my weight, my body started telling me what it could and couldn’t handle. Here’s a look at ten fast-food chains I’ve stopped frequenting and what I do instead.
Saying Goodbye to the Big Mac
I used to swing by McDonald’s for a quick Big Mac & fries but as much as I loved the taste, my stomach didn’t appreciate it. Those greasy meals were hard to digest and I honestly felt pretty sluggish afterward. Since I’ve started eating more meals at home, like grilled chicken salads or veggie wraps, I’ve noticed I feel a lot more energetic. Not to mention, a lot lighter.
No More Nacho Fests
Taco Bell was my late-night favorite, thanks to all those cheesy nachos & spicy tacos. But man, the salt in those things. My doctor wasn’t thrilled about my blood pressure and neither was I; so I started making taco night a thing at home instead. Using fresh ingredients to control my salt intake makes taco night delicious and without the guilt or the blood pressure spike.
Fresh Is Better at Home
Subway talks a big game about being fresh, yet everyone knows it’s hit or miss depending on where you go. Recent headlines about what’s really in their tuna didn’t help either. That was enough for me to make sandwiches in my own kitchen and I know exactly what’s going into my food. It tastes better knowing I made it myself. I also get to pick all my favorite toppings.
No More Whopper Worries
With their flame-grilled Whoppers, Burger King was a regular stop for me yet eating those burgers left me feeling heavy afterward. I’ve since started grilling chicken and fish at home to get that great grilled taste without all the grease. Plus, it’s a good reason to enjoy the outdoors when the weather’s nice.
Kicking the Fried Chicken Habit
I used to crave KFC’s crispy fried chicken. Yet all that oil wasn’t doing my stomach any favors, so I decided to cut it out; less heartburn & more energy. Now, I oven-bake chicken with a sprinkle of herbs for flavor, giving me that crispy on the outside, tender on the inside flavor. And with no oil slick on my plate.
Frostys Frosted Out
It was fun while it lasted but Wendy’s Frostys & square burgers had way too many calories for me to continue with them. These days, I blend up fruit smoothies and make lean meat burgers at home so I can indulge without feeling like I overdid it. Honestly, they might just be better than the fast-food versions.
Less Dough, More Go
Having Domino’s for every family pizza night eventually made me far more bloated & sluggish than I’d like to be. So, I switched to making pizzas with a cauliflower crust; it’s completely changed things. I now feel less bloated and more satisfied, thanks to homemade pizza night. Nobody misses the heavy dough.
Ditching the Donut Dash
After the initial sugar rush of a quick Dunkin’ coffee & donut fix, I’d crash hard. I became too difficult to deal with and so I swapped out the sugary donuts for whole-grain muffins. I even upgraded to high-quality coffee at home so I stay steady through the morning. And the smell of brewing my own coffee? Utterly amazing.
No More Mystery Meat
Let’s face it: getting Jack in the Box sure is convenient, yet I always wondered about the quality of their ingredients. Now, I prefer eating meat where I can trace the source like the local butcher’s. It feels good knowing exactly what I’m eating. Plus, the taste is so much better when it’s fresh & high-quality.
Skipping the Sugar Shakes
You can’t beat Sonic for some delicious drinks, can you? Yes, you can. Once I learned how much sugar is in each one, I started making my iced teas & fresh fruit smoothies at home. They’re just as refreshing and I don’t have to worry about a sugar overload. Experimenting with different fruits and flavors became my new hobby.
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