Life in the Fast Food Lane: Mediterranean Time
By Genevieve Smith
The Mediterranean diet is known for its emphasis on vegetables, seafood, dairy and nuts. Prized for its balance in healthy fats, omegas and protein, the nutrient-rich, red-meat-and-refined-sugar-free diet is even more within reach than you ever realized. If you’re living that fast-paced, on-the-go lifestyle, fret not. Rejoice, for there are indeed menu items at your standard fast food eateries to keep you living that Mediterranean lifestyle. While some mainstream eats conveniently serve whole meal items, others have snacks to keep your blood sugar steady throughout the day.
Healthy Eats
Let’s take a look at popular SoCal fast food chains and their top Mediterranean diet-friendly dishes.
Starbucks - Your basic coffee chain has got it poppin’ when it comes to easy, breezy Mediterranean vibes. Reach for the classic whole-grain oatmeal, zesty chicken and black bean salad bowl, roasted tomato and mozzarella panini, or hearty veggie and brown rice salad bowl.
Wendy’s - The girl in the pigtails has got your needs in mind. Ranging from 35-480 calories, bridge the gap between lunch and dinner with Wendy’s apple slices or one of their baked potato options: plain, cheese, sour cream and chive, or broccoli and cheese.
Chick-fil-A - Not only is this the home of the original chicken sandwich, but also of some fruit and veggie snacks to satisfy your diet. Order up the fruit cup, side salad, or hash browns for the taste of satisfaction.
McDonald’s - The all-American pit stop serves up a side salad, apple slices, or cuties for those looking to keep it Aegean. (That’s a clever, somewhat forced way to say Mediterranean without saying Mediterranean again.)
Taco Bell - The Tex-Mex chain’s menu is 3.4 percent Mediterranean-compatible. Go for the chips, and choose from salsa, guacamole, pico de gallo, or nacho cheese sauce for a festive snack-on-the-run without going over 230 calories.
Staying within a diet plan can be hard when life demands you stay on the run. Supplement your meal planning with these fast food pick-me-ups in a pinch. Go for plant-based, whole-grain rich foods abundant in nuts and legumes while free of refined sugars and red meat. This lifestyle includes fish, seafood, and poultry. The benefits of sticking to that Mediterranean diet will pay off, what with fewer reasons to visit the doctor, reduced blood sugar spikes, and a healthier cardiovascular system. So no giving up; Keep calm and Mediterranean on.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Santa Ana Bristol, Calif.