7 Fast-Food Lunches that Keep You Lean

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By Lucy Danziger, SELF Editor-in-Chief - Posted on Thu, May 06, 2010, 2:55 pm PDT

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by Lucy Danziger, SELF Editor-in-Chief a Yahoo! Health Expert for Women's Health

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Many of us seem to operate on one speed—overdrive! And that habit has carried over to our food habits, too: Fifty-nine percent of women eat on the go, according to a study in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association. Those who eat while driving, working or otherwise occupied, tend to fill up more on fast food. While you can hit the insta-burger joint occasionally without gaining, those who indulge in fast food more than twice a week tend to be 10 pounds heavier than those who eat it sparingly, according to a study in The Lancet, which puts them at greater risk for diabetes.

The good news: As long as you place a smart order, it's possible to eat fast food without tacking on pounds. One stay-slim secret worth remembering? Beware the combo meal: The average side accounted for a third of these meals' 1,200 calories, a study in the journal Obesity indicates, so avoid the fries-with-that trap. As for the healthiest options on the menu board, you can't go wrong with the all-stars below. Speedy, nutritious meal? Coming right up!

QUIZNOS

Pan Asian Chicken Chopped Salad. Order the dressing (it comes with Spicy Asian dressing) on the side and use half of it, or ask for fat-free balsamic vinaigrette for a healthier option. About 330 calories.

BURGER KING

Veggie burger with cheese, lettuce, tomato and ketchup; garden salad with 1/2 packet of light Italian dressing. About 550 calories.

McDONALD'S

Premium Southwest Salad with Grilled Chicken, with 1/2 packet of creamy Southwest dressing; fruit and yogurt parfait (without the granola). About 500 calories.

WENDY'S

Small chili with a side salad tossed with 1 packet of fat-free French dressing and 1/2 order of mandarin oranges. About 400 calories.

TACO BELL

Fresco Bean Burrito with a side of guacamole (it contains healthy fat!). About 400 calories.

SUBWAY

6-inch Subway Veggie Patty sandwich on toasted wheat bread with lettuce, tomato, 2 slices provolone, plus any other uncooked veggies you enjoy (I like mushrooms, onions and peppers), topped with mustard and/or vinegar. About 450 calories.

PANERA

Order a You Pick Two combo of Lowfat Vegetarian Black Bean soup and half a Mediterranean Salmon Salad. About 350 calories.

Find news to help you lose daily on our nutrition editors' Healthy Bites blog at Self.com.

http://health.yahoo.com/experts/healthieryou/17294/7-fast-food-lunches-that-keep-you-lean/