Lose Weight -- in the Drive-Thru?

(CBS)  January is prime time for dieting. Fast food chains are trying to cash on New Year's resolutions by offering an array of reduced calorie options for those trying to lose weight. But buyers beware.

Nutritionists warn that low-calorie doesn't automatically mean it's good for you.

On "The Early Show," CBS News medical correspondent Dr. Jennifer Ashton addressed some of the new options from Taco Bell, Starbucks, and KFC -- and discussed if they can actually be good dietary options.

First, Ashton took on the new Fresco Meals/Drive-Thru Diet line from Taco Bell. These seven new burrito and taco items, Ashton said, range from 150 to 340 calories, with nine grams or less of fat.

"(It's a) good option for anyone looking to reduce their calories," she said.

Starbucks is also introducing new hot sandwiches that are all around 400 calories and range from nine to 18 grams of fat.

"Compared to other panini that can load on six or seven hundred calories, this is a real reduction," Ashton said.

And then there's KFC grilled chicken, KFC is famous for their fried chicken, but to be more health conscious, they brought out grilled chicken options.

The meal featured on "The Early Show" is 400 calories, with 21 grams of fat.

Ashton warned, "There's a lot of salt in all processed foods. That is not so good for your
health."

"Early Show" co-anchor Harry Smith added the fat grams for many of the items are also high.

However, Ashton added, "If you're trying to cut the calories any way you can, these are great options."

Ashton recommended these tips for cutting back when you're on-the-go:

• Hold the cheese and dressings.
• Load up on fruits and vegetables.
• Limit your liquid calories. Water is the best choice.

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[ddog88]

Right-and I'll buy "Crack-lite" from my drug dealer to help me decrease my cocaine use. Because just like the CEO's at fast food chains, my drug dealer cares about my health.

[weilert]

Drive-thrus are notorious for comfort food, and the major reason so many people in America are overweight is because we eat too much for comfort! It does not hurt to treat ourselves with something special once in a while, what is necessary is that we limit our portions and do not overeat! It is also necessary to keep our body properly hydrated, so drink a full glass of water with each meal or snack. Being overweight sucked, but after reading a book, I lost 85 pounds! Words can not express how good I feel! This is a comment which I recently received about the book Lose Weight Using Four Easy Steps

[Aaron_in_TO]

Just read this review of the Drive-Thru Diet...hilarious

The Taco Bell Drive-Thru Diet?.weight loss miracle or a great big load of corporate bullsh*t?

http://www.healthhabits.ca/2010/01/08/the-taco-bell-drive-thru-diet-weight-loss-miracle-or-a-great-big-load-of-corporate-bullsht/

[Racykate]

i read this news and get more tips about the weight lose........

http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=2445423

[smilinggreenmom]

Our daughter even caught on to a commercial the other day for a fast food restaurant calling it their "drive thru diet" and she is just a young child! We laughed about how crazy an idea that is to promote. Our family is very health conscious and we eat lots of fruits and vegetables, we take our vitamins including our Vidazorb probiotic and we avoid processed food. We feel great and we know we still need to improve but definitely not by a drive thru diet. LOL

[graigo]

The real question is why isn't the JAMA study released today showing that antidepressants have NO EFFECT in treating depression...that's right, no different than a sugar pill. Is CBS interested in reporting the news or protecting the interests of their sponsors? It's a sad shame what news has become.

[stevador39]

Good point graigo. However, it was my observation 20 years ago that 'antidepressants' were more or less expensive placebos. Antidepressants also have bad side effects. Sugar pills are okay.

[book_of_wally]

KFC grilled chicken is great.