Dieting on Fast Food - Can it Really Work?

Recently, Taco Bell began running ads touting their Drive-Thru Diet. The fast food chain shares with us the before and after pictures of a customer named Christine, who claims to have lost 54 pounds. While Taco Bell tells us that these results are not typical, the question does arise if one could lose weight on a fast food diet.

First, lets look at the menu that Taco Bell recommends. The Fresco Ranchero Chicken Soft Taco, according to Taco Bell's nutritional information, has only 4 grams of fat and 170 calories. Other menu items include the Fresco Grilled Steak Soft Taco, and the Fresco Crunchy Taco. Both come in at under 170 calories with a relatively low fat content. As a small part of an overall diet plan, having one of these items would probably work.

One can't live on Tacos alone, lets see what we could get at McDonald's. The Premium Southwest Salad has only 140 calories and 4.5 grams of fat. Don't get too excited, that's without the chicken or the dressing. Want to cheat and have the Southwest Dressing, that will tack on another 100 calories. The lowest calorie salad choice is the side salad. It has only 20 calories and no fat. Having the Low Fat Balsamic Vinaigrette with it will only add 40 calories.

McDonald's does have some other low calorie options. The Honey Mustard Snack Wrap with grilled chicken has 260 calories with 9 grams of fat. For a dessert, try the 7 oz. Fruit'n Yogurt Parfait. It has just 160 calories with 2 grams of fat. These menu items at McDonald's are probably the types of things you should eat if you are already on a diet and you must eat at McDonald's.

Wendy's also has a few entries into our fast food diet. The Mandarin Oranges, while not enough for a full meal, only has 80 calories. A small chili has about 190 calories and is very filling. Finally, the Homestyle Chicken Go Wrap has 310 calories and 15 grams of fat.

The thought of maintaining a healthy low calorie diet and losing weight while eating at a fast food establishment will only work if you follow some simple guide lines.

Remember to skip the sodas, shakes, hamburgers, French fries, and most breakfast meals. These items have super high calorie counts. Check the nutritional information on the salad dressing and other toppings. Many times the dressing will erase any benefit you gained by having a salad. Finally, get your food to go. This will prevent you from being tempted to cheat.

Living solely on a healthy fast food diet would prove to be very difficult for most people. The low calorie food choices are limited and you are surrounded by many temptations. You probably would be better off following a more traditional diet and having these fast food options when you are forced to eat with others at fast food restaurants or as an occasional break from your regular diet.

Ronald Bales is a freelance writer who writes about health and diet issues. You can read more about dieting at:

http://www.crashdietadvice.com