We live in a fast paced world with multiple demands: meetings, parties, kid's baseball practices, school functions. Is it any wonder that we sometimes drive to the corner fast food restaurant to order a quick bite? It's fast, easy, and you don't have to unbuckle and rebuckle the kids in. That bag carries easily to the ball game and there are no dishes afterward.

That quick stop might be necessary, but it doesn't need to be mindless. If cutting back on the calories or carbs is necessary for you, it is possible to make some choices that are better than others.

Following are some popular choices at some of the most popular fast food restaurants. As you'll soon see, just a little thought and you can keep those pounds from creeping up. Each meal choice is followed by (calories/carbs).

Most families default to MacDonald's because the kids love it and there is entertainment for the kids in the playroom. Let them play and be happy, but put some thought into the adult orders, because you won't be crawling around on the playset!

McDonald's has a great nutritional calculator on it's site. These meals are based on their data.

1. Hamburger (250/31), Sm Fries (230/29), Diet Coke (0/0), Apple Dippers (35/8) - Total 520/69
2. Double Quarter Pounder w//Chs (740/40), Lg Fries 500/63, Lg Coca-Cola Classic (310/86), McFlurry w/Oreo Cookies 12 oz (550/88) - Total 2100/278
3. Premium Southwest Salad with Grilled Chicken (320/30), Newman's Own Low Fat Italian Dressing (60/8), Lg Iced Tea, no sugar (0/0) Total 380/39

I sure know the meal I wouldn't order!

Arby's Site also has a full nutritional guide from which these numbers were drawn:

1. Reg Roast Beef (320/34), Sm Curly Fries (360/42), Diet Coke (0/0), Cherry Turnover (250/35), Total 930/111
2. Lg Beef & Cheddar (660/46), Lg Curly Fries (600/70), Mandarin Fruit Peach Tea (90/23), Jamocha Swirl Shake (640/107), Total 1990/246
3. Chopped Southern Chicken (grilled ) Salad (250/10), Dijon Honey Mustard Dressing (190/8), Diet Coke (0/0) Total 440/18

Doesn't Arby's have the best french fries? If you get them, be sure to leave off the desert!

Lots of veggies and delicious meals! Panda also has a nutritional guide on their website.

1. Steamed Rice (430/92), Mushroom Chicken (150/9), String Bean Chicken (190/12), 2 Veggie Spring Rolls (160/22) -Total 930/135
2. Chow Mein (440/66), Orange Chicken (545/46), Beijing Beef (400/35), 1 Chicken Egg Roll (170/17) - Total (1385/164)

There are so many ways to mix up the Panda Express meal that using their guide can help you lower the calorie or carb count to make a meal that won't won't totally kill your diet. Use it before you go!

Teriyaki has never gone out of favor. Samuri Sam's offers brown rice in their bowls, which is a big plus in my book!

1. Reg Teriyaki Bowl – Chicken/Brown Rice (470/68)
2. Lg Teriyaki Bowl - Chicken/Brown Rice (580/96)
3. Reg Teriyaki Bowl – Steak/Brown Rice (490/74)
4. Lg Teriyaki Bowl - Steak/Brown Rice (690/106)
5. Oriental Chicken Salad (220/9) Oriental Dressing (70/12)(290/21)

South of the Border sounds tempting, but you're afraid of being that bad? Sometimes a little bad is good! Just skip the guacamole and sour cream!

Ground Beef Crunchy Taco (170/13), Bean Burrito (350/54) - Total 520/66

Beef Baja Chalupa (410/30), Beef Burrito Supreme (410/35) - Total 820/65

Express Taco Salad with chips (600/56) - Total 600/56

So, when you hit Taco Bell, a salad isn't necessarily better than going for the meat and beans!

Remember how Jaryd did it? Subway has advertised quite a bit about eating healthy and light. For the full picture, go to their website.

Sandwiches (includes wheat bread)

1. 6” Turkey Breast (480/46)
2. 6” Cold Cut Combo (410/47)
3. 6" Meatball Marinara (560/63)

Bread choice makes a difference:

1. 6” Wheat (200/40)
2. 6" Italian Herb and Cheese (250/41)
3. Wrap (310/51)

Soups are a good way to eat light!

1. Golden Broccoli Soup (100/16)
2. Roasted Chicken Noodle (80/12)

Surprised about the wrap? I was too!

You can't add hours to your day, so fast food will always be an answer for those crazy, hectic moments. But next time you screech in to your favorite fast food spot, think about how much of a difference your choice makes. Remember that a small tweak in your order today can make a difference on the scale tomorrow!