The April issue of Consumer Reports on Health provides survival strategies for consuming fast food. CR notes that a single fast food meal can easily pack more calories, fat, and sodium than most people should get in a day. So how do you avoid a heart attack to go? CR provides ordering strategies for all the major food categories, such as:

• Avoid combination meals, which tend to have larger sizes and more calories.
• Select meats that are grilled or roasted, not fried.
• Don’t be hesitant to ask about ingredients or make special requests.
• Share appetizers with your dining partners, or turn a side dish into an entrée.
• Stick with a chain’s “original” or “traditional” burgers or sandwiches; they are usually smaller and less caloric.

Go here for CR’s fast food survival guide with tips for every food category plus a listing of good food choices at fast food chains.