You don’t have to suffer frustration at the local fast food joint if you have hypoglycemia or suffer from other blood sugar disorders. If you have been diagnosed with hypoglycemia, looking at the numerous value menu choices can leave you feeling hungry and frustrated, or maybe discourage you to each just whatever you want from the menu.
If you have hypoglycemia, or other blood sugar problem, you often have to follow a strict diet that is higher in protein and fiber and lower in simple sugars. Some hypoglycemics, like myself, also find that they are allergic to some preservatives, and some hypoglycemics have to watch other food ingredients like sodium. Below are some choices which can prevent you from suffering the usual hypoglycemic crash.
Quick disclaimer: If you have any type of health issue, always discuss diet choices with your doctor. Generally its best to avoid fast foods, but I hope that this top 10 list helps you make some better choices next time you pull up at Burger King or Wendy’s.
Fast Food Top 10:
Small Wendy’s Chili
While fast food chili may not be great when it comes to caloric intake, they often pack a punch of protein and fiber because of the meat and beans. Many other fast food restaurants have chili on the menu, like Backyard Burger. Chili is also an excellent choice at all-you-can-eat restaurant. Hearty and delicious, chili will warm you in the winter and give you some much needed energy.
Grilled Chicken Salad with Low Fat Dressing
Almost all fast food restaurants have some version of a grilled chicken salad. Avoid any sort of breaded chicken, as the breading often adds extra carbohydrates which can set you up for a sever hypoglycemic crash. Keep the calories down by opting for a low fat dressing. If you are vegetarian, opt for a meatless salad instead.
Small Yogurt Parfait with Extra Nuts
Next time you are craving something sweet, opt for a small yogurt parfait with extra nuts. The protein in the yogurt and nuts will help offset the sugar. Yes, it is no extra large jumbo cookies-n-cream milkshake, but at least you will not have to worry about ending up in a hypoglycemic stupor before you pull out of the drive through.
Bunless Grilled Cheeseburger or Grilled Chicken Sandwich
Avoid the buns on any sandwich. Fast food buns usually have unusually high levels of simple sugars which will send you for a sugar crash. Instead, skip the bun. While this may put a damper on your favorite fast food double bacon cheeseburger, many grilled chicken or fish sandwiches taste fine without the extra breading.
Wendy’s Baked Potato with Cheese and Small Chili
If you must have carbs, avoid fries and instead enjoy a backed potato with cheese and chili. I suggest only eating half of the baked potato until you know how the carbs will affect your hypoglycemia.
Bottled Water
Skip any sort of soda, diet or otherwise, and just drink bottled water. It will hydrate you best and not leave you jittery from caffeine or crashing from sugar (in all of its forms).
Captain D’s Broiled Fish
Captain D’s has an amazing broiled fish lunch with a sensible portion of rice and vegetables. Skip the dinner, though, which includes extra sides and bread. Remember, the hypoglycemic diet requires small meals spread throughout the day.
KFC Grilled Chicken with Cole Slaw
If you must have your KFC fix, skip the regular breaded chicken and opt for a small cole slaw instead of potato wedges.
Taco Bell Tacos or Burritos al fresco
Taco Bell actually has a lighter version of all of its tacos called “al fresco”, which includes fresher salsa and limited extras like sour cream. While I usually tout beans, the refried beans at fast food joints typically have more sugar than I can handle. Opt for simple grilled tacos.
Fast Food Salads
In general, you can get a filling meal with many fast food salads. Avoid any sort of breaded meat or sugary salad dressing, and you should be able to enjoy a fast food meal without a blood sugar crash.
