I don’t really mind fast food every now and then.  Most of the time it’s to satisfy my cravings for french fries. And I know it’s most likely not the best food for your health.

But drive through foods are convenient and easy meal for many people.  And many people may not realize that it’s loaded with sodium, sugar, amongst other ingredients. And of course the restaurants don’t want to list that on the menu.

They’re no bargain when it comes to your health. But jam-packed schedules and a dismal economy make the occasional drive-through meal a part of life. That’s why Eat This, Not That! studied the open-air menu boards and compiled a list of the worst items out there, plus better alternatives. Avoid these dietary land mines and save more than a few minutes and a couple bucks—how does up to 20 pounds in a year sound? - Dave Zinczenko and Matt Goulding.

The book, Eat this, Not That! came up with some alternative choices while you decide what’s better for you.  It may of course not be as good as a healthy salad.  But it’s still good to know there is a better choice.

Worse value menu choice:

Burger King Spicy Chick’n Crisp Sandwich.
* 450 calories
* 30 g fat (5 g saturated fat)
* 810 mg sodium

Eat this instead:

Whopper Jr. without mayo
* 290 calories
* 12 g fat (4.5 g saturated fat)
* 500 mg sodium

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This summer I have found myself enjoying ice cream again. It’s not that I don’t enjoy ice cream, it’s just that all the Breyer’s and Dryer’s out there start to taste the same to me. It’s just a little bit of milk and sugar, some being creamer then others. And I don’t like shorbets at all. I don’t like gelatos either. I would prefer to eat fresh watermelon or canteloupes during the summer heat.

But this summer, I have discovered paletas at the grocery stores. They are Mexican ice cream bars made of fruits. Not just any fruits, but chunks of good tropical fruits too. And now this is what I call real delicious tasting ice cream!

Paletas are more like a fruit shake frozen into a bar. Some are milk based and others are water based. My favorites are the milk based one. When I was younger, my mom use to buy coconut paletas from the Mexican ice cream vendor who sold them at the farmer’s market. I really haven’t had them since.

Until recently I spotted a box at our local grocery store. La Indita Michoacana makes them with the finest ingredients. No high fructose corn syrup either! The back of the box said they are a small family owned business that uses only natural and traditional ingredients. The ice creams are made in Modesto, California. Their paletas come in 9 flavors! I have tried about 5 of those flavors already (and also gained an extra 5 pounds) and have to say my favorite is mamey and mango.

La Michoancana fruit pops at our local grocery store (in California) has 6 bars for $4. Mamey is my favorite flavor, they are so good. This week they are on sale for $3.29. That explains why I’m on my 2nd box already.

Photo: LA Times by Carlos Chavez. “Cream-based nuez (nut) paleta - with pecans - is one of the most popular flavors at Paletería La Michoacana.” Love this photo of the popsicle just coming out of it’s molding. I can just imagine how yum this particuluar ice cream bar would taste.

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