WHAT IF DRIVE THRU WAS GOOD FOR YOU?

Drive thru is great when you need it but let’s face it, we don’t often feel good about it.

11 March 2021
By GYG Team


Long car rides, late nights, eating on the fly or just those days when you don’t want to get out of your car (and more recently those times when you aren’t allowed). We’ve all been there – when the quickness and convenience of drive thru is the only answer.

And the unavoidable result – Calories blown, dietary needs compromised, health goals out the window. Drive thru is great when you need it but let’s face it, we don’t often feel good about it. The convenience of drive thru comes with a big compromise – our health.

Think about it – when did we get so cool with compromising our health for a quick meal?

The truth is, it shouldn’t be that way and you don’t have to compromise. “How” you say? Follow these 4 tips and you’ll be enjoying quick convenient food with no compromise – dietary needs met, health goals safely intact and Calories to spare.

  1. CHOOSE REAL WHOLE FOODS

The easiest way to make sure you’re ordering a healthful option is to choose real recognisable whole foods like vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. Low GI whole grain carbohydrate options are especially important if you need sustained energy for that long car journey or a hectic evening ahead.

Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowl with brown rice and guac and no cheese or corn chips.

With wholegrain goodness from brown rice, over two serves of vegetables (almost half your daily veg intake) and a good source of protein and fibre all in less than one-third of the Daily Intake for energy there’s no compromises here.

  1. MAKE SURE THERE ARE VEGGIES

If it doesn’t have vegetables it’s just not nutritious. For a healthy diet, adults need five to six serves of vegetables a day so, unless you plan on having a mega salad, your lunch and dinner really need vegetables. I’m not talking a sprinkle of lettuce, a slice of tomato, or scatter of mushrooms. Aim for at least a cup of cooked vegetables, or two cups of salad veggies. Don’t forget that legumes like black beans also contribute.

For the kids: Add a side of Carrot Slices.

We know most kids aren’t getting enough veggies and research suggests they are more likely to eat veggies in branded packaging so, here’s a chance to up their intake.

  1. PERSONALISE

What’s healthy is personal. Nutrition needs, dietary preferences and health goals are unique to us so you need a menu that can flex to meet your and your family, friend or car buddies needs. Some easy swaps to bump up the nutrition are; swap out mayonnaises or creamy sauces for healthier fats like avocado or guacamole, avoid crumbed or coated proteins, and if you’re watching your Calorie or sodium intake choose either a protein or cheese in your meal.

Mild Grilled Chicken Salad swap dressing for Mex Chimi Mayo and add extra chicken

Low carbohydrate with less than 5g per serve and over 50g of protein from free range chicken. This one is made for muscles*.

  1. BE INFORMED

If you can, do some research on what’s in your favourite fast foods. Find the options that meet your needs and make a list of quick go-to options. That way, next time you need a meal on the fly you can order without any compromises.

Mild Sauteed Vegetables Salad with no dressing

No food additives, no added sugars. It’s simply fresh salad topped with sautéed fresh corn, mushrooms, Spanish onion and capsicum and topped with fresh tomato salsa and handmade guacamole.

 

Don’t have time (or can’t be bothered)? Kids already screaming in the backseat? Then, search for your nearest GYG.

If you have any questions about the GYG menu, check out our website or give our friendly team a shout at hola@gyg.com.au

Please note that information is current at date of publication. Please see the GYG website for the most current information.

* As part of a balanced and varied diet protein contributes to the growth and maintenance of muscle mass.