New Fast Food Favorite = Fast Pass to Fat City...Detour Here

In just four days KFC, which recently tried to rid themselves of calorie laden connotations, will unveil the mother of all heart attacks: the "Double Down."

Though strict Atkins followers may be heaven since this mound of bacon, cheese, and meat lacks substantial carbs, anyone interested should beware of its 32 grams of dripping fat.

A KFC rep recently said proudly: "It's such a meaty chicken, there's no room for a bun."

Now don't get me wrong, I love chicken.

But surprisingly, at a time when chains will soon have to reveal their calorie counts right on drive through windows, this gluttonous display is just one of many monster meals fast food joints are pushing.

I usually just avoid these establishments at all costs, but sometimes-like in the LAX airport for instance-you're forced to partake in the traditional American tradition and you don't want to forgo your skinny jeans for it.

So what's a dieter to do? Some of the best finds actually come from unlikely vendors.

McDonald's "Premium Grilled Chicken Classic Sandwich" is 370 calories if you leave off the mayo and only 1 gram of saturated fat. It does have a lot of carbs from the honey wheat bun, but if you only eat half, you can drop that cal count down to 240...not bad!

Another great option from the clown is the "Premium Southwest Salad with Grilled Chicken." At only 320 calories for the entire thing, it's a great option for flavor and fitness. Lose the tortilla strips and cheese and it weighs in at a mere 250 cals.

Although you should probably steer clear of the namesake for California Pizza Kitchen the cheesy eatery actually has some savory soup options.



The "Tuscan White Bean Minestrone" boasts only 245 calories for a whole bowl, packed with 6 grams of fiber. And the "Asparagus Soup" registers at just 213 a bowl, with 8 grams of protein.

Over at Baja Fresh the "Baja Ensalada Charbroiled Chicken and Charbroiled Shrimp" salads are only 310 and 230 calories respectively. Top them off with the "Fat Free Salsa Verde" dressing for only 15 more. Those counts also include tortilla strips and cheese so if you ditch them you'll drop the number even lower.

Don't even bother with Burger King, they have nothing but binge worthy burgers and simple carb buns. And as always, most Subway sandwiches-no mayo, no cheese, on the 9 Grain Wheat bread-are always a good choice.