Health tip XII: Fast food

We're students, which in most cases means we're poorer than rats. However, we still like to go out, enjoy the city, sightsee and all that jazz. What do we do in those days we don't get to cook? We eat out. And what do we eat? Fast food. You know it's true, don't try to deny it. McDonald's, Burger King, KFC, Nando's... you name it. They're the cheapest way to eat out. And, as unhealthy as they might be, they also taste good. 

The other day I went to the cinema with my flatmate. Before entering the screening, we decided to drop by McDonald's to grab a bite. In England, the bastards have put the number of kcal next to every item on the menu. Honestly, I was happier when I didn't know how many calories a Quarter Pounder had. However, some things cannot be unseen, so I decided to try and eat something a little bit healthier. Here's my suggestion:

• Take chicken nuggets instead of a burger. 6 of them have 250 kcal (290 if you add some dip).
• As a side dish, take the salad instead of the fries. I know, I know it hurts, but it is actually kind of good and it only has 10 kcal (40 if you add the sauce, which is really tasty).
• Instead of regular coke, take diet coke. 

There you go. You will have eaten at McDonald's for less than 350 kcal! It is possible, it's just not the most delicious choice.

Remember, you can eat whatever you want, I'm only giving you tips here. Actually, I would've probably eaten the fries if I had not eaten an ice-cream a few hours prior. It's just a matter of keeping count so you don't end up eating 3500 kcal every day.

Health tip XI: Plan your meals ahead

So, what happens when you live on your own? You have to cook, clean and tidy up yourself. It sucks, honestly, because I personally wasn't used to do so much stuff by myself until I came to live in England. I've had to learn a lot in these two months (also, to value my parents' efforts). So, when it comes to cooking, it is fairly easy to feel lazy. I've suffered of the "don't feel like cooking" syndrome quite a lot, as a matter of fact. 

What are we to do in order to avoid eating lots of french fries and fried stuff just because it's quick and easy? My tips:

• Plan your meals ahead. You don't need to stick to a timetable, but maybe a bit of planning would do you good. Maybe just the evening before, sit down and think: Okay, what am I going to do tomorrow? And then, decide what you're going to eat. If you do that, once you get to the kitchen you will already know what you're going to use and, therefore, it'll be much quicker and easier for you.
• Buy pre-cooked food. Remember, "pre-cooked" doesn't always mean "unhealthy". You can't live off frozen lasagne, but eating frozen stuff once or twice a week should be okay. Weight Watchers has a great deal of pre-cooked meals that are both tasty and healthy (check them up!)
• Enjoy Japanese noodles. Okay, easy, tasty and moderately healthy. Japanese noodles come in "one serving" pots and have around 350/400 kcal. The perks? You only have to add boiling water to the pot and wait for three minutes. It is really good for those nights you really don't feel like cooking.
• Okay, so laziness has got the better of you. It happens, don't worry. Instead of eating anything you find in your way, pick a big pot of yoghurt (if it is fat free, even better!) and have a bit of a healthy dinner. 450 gr. of fat-free, mango yoghurt have around 225 kcal. Add some biscuits if you want (no more than 150 kcal, please, don't be greedy) and enjoy! 

Okay, there you go. I hope you find these helpful. Have a good day!