Do you talk skinny but eat fat?

Americans may think they are eating healthy, but when we eat out, the diet of choice based on surveys still seems to be burgers and fries. Our food choices are often impulsive and healthy food is not usually on our radar. Though IHOP offers a healthy fruit and yogurt breakfast, its top-seller is an 1180 calorie breakfast “sampler.” And though McDonalds has healthier options, their top sellers continue to be high fat, high sodium burgers, fries and chicken selections. This, in the face of 47% of Americans asking for healthier fast food options, while only 23% actually order healthier choices. And while the Cheesecake Factory has expanded their lighter choices, sales of cheesecake desserts are up this year.

Fast food restaurants seem willing to offer healthier choices, and they have honored the mandate to post calorie counts. So, it seems that it’s the average customer who is in denial, mostly still choosing high fat, high sodium, high calorie meals. So how can you “get real” with your personal choices? Why not try and write down two or three days’ worth of food choices in a diary. Be honest and calculate the calories, fat and sodium totals. Also see if fruits and vegetables are glaringly missing. Then make some easy adjustments like choosing to swap out a breakfast or lunch daily for healthier options, or brown bag better choices from home.