Fast food restaurants recently have been advertising new “healthy” salads, but some experts argue consumers might as well eat a Big Mac.

Marion Burros, a New York Times food columnist, has been doing research about the so-called “healthy options” offered by many of the fast food chains, according to ABC.com.

“The salads are the best example of where you can go wrong … they’re tasty if you dump on all the forbidden toppings … especially high-calorie dressing,” Burros said.

Burros said the salads have just as many calories as the regular food offered, if you eat the toppings and dressings on them.

“If calorie counting is what you’re up to … you’re better off with a sandwich,” Burros said to ABC News.

According to mcdonalds.com, the Crispy Chicken California Cobb Salad has 380 calories and 23 grams of fat.

Adding Newman’s Own Cobb Dressing to the salad adds an additional 120 calories and 9 grams of fat.

Consumers could get a hamburger with only 280 calories and 10 grams of fat and a small french fry with 210 calories and 10 grams of fat.

Sophomore history major Dan Pitz he eats the regular items on the menu when he eats fast food.

“I don’t think the salads would really be that good from fast food places,” Pitz said.

Wendy’s is another fast food chain that offers “healthy” salads.

According to wendys.com, the Chicken BLT Salad and Taco Supremo Salad each have 360 calories.

The Chicken BLT Salad has 19 grams of fat and the Taco Supremo Salad has 16 grams of fat.

The high number of calories and grams of fat do not even include optional toppings or dressing, which can add 80 to 290 calories, depending on the choice of dressing.

Although Burros said she is frustrated with most of the common fast food restaurants, she recommends Subway as a place to eat healthy.

“If I could find a Subway, I would go … because you have complete control over what you’re eating,” Burros said.

Burros explained to ABC that consumers have to be smart about making healthy meal choices.

“No cheese, no special sauce, nothing deep-fried,” Burros said.

Carrie Fischer, a sophomore pre-elementary education major, said she seldom eats fast food.

“If you want to eat healthy, you don’t go to a fast food restaurant,” Fischer said.

Along with Subway, Burros said she recommends Pizza Hut and Burger King as other good places to eat healthy.

Burros said the pizza has lower-fat cheese, and thin-crusted pizza is a good option.

Burger King’s new baguette sandwiches also satisfied Burros with taste and nutritional content.

The current trend might be eating healthier food, Burros said, but it’s important to know the details behind the food you choose to eat.