Ok, back on topic. It turns out that the fat in fast food isn't what really makes you fat. Because fast food is highly processed and contains a large amount of corn, it saturates your diet with substances your body can't use, and your body doesn't detect them as waste products. In addition to this, fast foods contain many calories that your body can't even burn; one reason why eating a fast food meal and then exercising just doesn't leave you feeling as satisfied as if you had eaten something else. These factors are what make people fat, and because fast food is engineered to be addictive, people tend to eat it over and over again, in addition to the convenience.
Note that fast food has different effects on everyone, but for many people, regular fast food habits combined with other unhealthy eating habits never end up looking fit and healthy. However, I am happy to when people say they really don't want to eat fast food, so I have high respect for your desire to watch what you eat. Personally, I've never had this problem, as I very rarely eat fast food (or even eat out at all), and most of the time I have a balanced diet. As a result, at 5' 11 1/2", I only weigh 135 - 140 lbs; and that's with (regrettably) virtually no exercise. Granted, I also have a high metabolism, but truthfully, I owe my healthiness to my mom and the healthful meals she prepares herself.
So my suggestion to you is as follows:
• Only eat at Mickey D's if you absolutely have to.
- Pack a dinner into a cooler if you can.
- Snack lightly at work, and eat a nicer dinner late.
- In general, adjust your eating schedule so that you don't feel too hungry while at work.
• If none of those are feasible and you absolutely have to eat there:
- Keep it light, maybe have a salad or some apple slices?
- Definitely keep up that exercise!
- Try your hardest to not get addicted to the food; this is easier for some than it is for others.
- Don't supplement 5-Hour Energy or Gatorade in place of food to keep you going. You'll still be hungry, and over time it's effects can still be detrimental (although not as bad as fast food, maybe) if done regularly.
And most of all, don't give in to desire and connivence. Your health is worth the little bit of extra work it may take to keep you going strong. I hope this answered at least some of what you were asking. :)
