EAT FIT/N

WENDY’S

WRITER: TRENT WELDY // PHOTOGRAPHER: FRED LOPEZ

When people hear the phrase “fast food,” a couple of ideas enter their thoughts. Some of those thoughts could be that it is quick, easy and tasty. They are in a hurry and within five minutes that food can be on its way to their stomachs. However, one thought that usually is not associated with fast food is that it is healthy. On the surface, this thought is true. Most fast food is loaded with fillers, leftover meat parts, and chemicals with names only a biochemist could pronounce. With a little knowledge and thought about what you put into your body, you can navigate the labyrinth of a fast food menu for that healthy choice.

Wendy’s has been one of America’s favorite choices when it comes to fast food for a long time. With their affordable prices and almost 6,000 locations across the country, people are never hard-pressed to find a location. Wendy’s has been around since 1969 and has reached a popular status just like other fast food favorites Taco Bell and Burger King. Just as other restaurants make their nutritional information available to the public, Wendy’s participates in this practice as well. The menu offers some healthy options if you take the time to look at the nutritional information available. This gives the consumer the necessary facts to make healthier choices and substitutions.

Making a few substitutions at Wendy’s, can shave off hundreds of calories. Here are a few suggestions:

• Garden Salad (210 calories) instead of French fries (320 calories).

• Apple Slices (40 calories) as a side instead of baked potato (270 calories).

• When possible, get food grilled instead of fried. Fibrous vegetables instead potatoes.

• If ordering a salad, always put the dressing on the side.

Be Aware

Dave’s Hot ‘N Juicy ¾ lb. Triple Burger

Calories: 1,060

Fat: 67 g

Calories from Fat: 603

Trans Fats: 4g

Saturated Fat: 30g

Sodium: 2,020mg

Carbohydrates: 42g Fiber: 3g

Protein: 72g

Ground beef patties, cheese, smoked bacon, mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, honey mustard, pickles, red onion, tomatoes, lettuce, on a premium butter toasted bun.

Better

Asiago Ranch Club w/Homestyle

Chicken

Calories: 690

Fat: 21g

Calories from Fat: 189

Trans Fats: 0g

Saturated Fat: 12g

Sodium: 1140mg

Carbohydrates: 56g

Fiber: 4g

Protein: 35g

Homestyle chicken fillet, Romaine lettuce, ranch sauce, Asiago cheese, pickles, tomatoes , mayonnaise on a premium butter toasted bun.

Best

Grilled Chicken

Go Wrap

Calories: 260

Fat: 10g

Calories from Fat: 90

Trans Fats: 0g

Saturated Fat: 3.5g

Sodium: 730mg

Carbohydrates: 25g

Fiber: 1g

Protein: 19g

Chicken grill fillet, cheddar cheese, Romaine lettuce, honey mustard sauce, pickles, mayonnaise, on a wheat flour tortilla.