Fast Food for Weight Loss?

It’s a new year, and you know what that means.

Everyone is on a diet.

According to the Food and Health Survey from the International Food Information Council, 61% of consumers are looking to lose 20 pounds or more, and 64% are taking steps to improve their diet.

This is great news considering the rising obesity rate in America. If the obesity trend continues, heath care costs will reach $344 billion a year in 2018. That is four times the amount spent now, and the National Business Group on Health says more than a quarter of annual medical premiums that drive up health care costs are related to obesity.

Experts agree that maintaining a healthy lifestyle is the best way to achieve long-term weight loss and prevent obesity.

So how can you help employees make better choices that will last?

Send them to the drive-thru. No kidding!

Fast food favorites like Taco Bell and Dunkin’ Donuts are unveiling new low-calorie menus. To help employees take advantage of these healthier choices, tack up posters around the office, and offer tabletop reminders about the benefits behind a healthy meal.

Here’s what some of the more popular fast food chains are now offering:

Taco Bell: The “Drive-Thru Diet” has seven options under nine grams of fat, and all items are under 200 calories. The secret? Layers of cheese are replaced by healthy fresco salsa.

Dunkin’ Donuts: Their yummy breakfast sandwiches can now be made with egg whites, reducing calories by about 25% and reducing cholesterol.

Kentucky Fried Chicken: You’ve probably heard of their grilled menu: A grilled chicken breast has about 180 calories compared to 320 calories in an Original Recipe chicken breast. New this year: Fiery grilled wings with 70 calories per serving.

Subway: The Fresh Fit menu is not exactly new, but the new Fuze Fresh Brewed Iced Tea has natural antioxidants and vitamin C for a healthier way to wash down a low-fat sub. Also, subway.com has an “inspiration zone” to help employees find a convenient Subway location, get diet tips, and plan meals ahead of time.

Starbucks: Starting mid-January, four hot Panini sandwiches under 400 calories will be available. And skip the cafe latte that has 220 calories and 11 grams of fat: The “skinny” version has fat-free milk, is sugar-free, and saves about 100 calories.