Until nutrition information is mandated to inform customers about the foods and drinks they’re ordering, it’s up to the public to ask or check the restaurant’s Web site in advance. (Most list nutrition data on all menu items.)

Health experts say the biggest problem with eating out is supersized portions. Restaurant food and beverage costs are so low, they can sell a lot more food for just a little more money. But for the customer who eats the whole thing, it’s not a good deal.

To burn the calories in a typical supersized meal, for example, you’d have to walk 6-7 hours.

Given the obesity epidemic, more and more restaurants are responding with healthier items. Some examples:

Subway

Subway sets the curve for healthy fast food menus with its low-fat turkey subs and low-fat dressings. Offering whole grain buns would be a big improvement over refined wheat flour.

	Choose baked chips over fried
	Choose diet sodas or water

Find nutrition info on all Subway menu items at www.subway.com.

McDonald’s

While the bulk of McDonald’s menu remains high-fat, high-sugar and low-fiber, they’ve introduced healthier items:

	Premium salads. Avoid fried chicken topping and use only reduced fat or fat-free dressing (or lemon juice).
	Avoid supersized meals and items.
	Try to avoid or limit cheese, which is high-fat.
	Diet sodas
	Yogurt cone, parfait

McDonald’s is also beginning to test Healthy Happy Meals.

Find nutrition info on all McDonald's menu items at www.mcdonalds.com.

Sonic Drive-Ins

Sonic’s traditional menu is typical of most fast food meals ( i.e., high-fat, high-saturated fat high-calorie, low-fiber and low on fresh fruits and veggies.

But the chain is testing a healthy menu lineup (salads, grilled chicken); watch for it.

Road Hazard: Sonic’s Route 44 slushes top 700 calories. Whoa!

Find nutrition info on all Sonic menu items at http://www.sonicdrivein.com/.