Wouldn’t it be great if there were some real healthier fast food options available when you’re in a hurry? You already know that the vast majority of the fast food that is out there is not going to be a smart addition to a healthy meal plan that will help you slim down and get fit. Unfortunately, though, because life these days is so hectic, you don’t always have the time to sit at a nice restaurant for a nutritious meal, or you might not have time to prepare lunch or dinner at home. Sometimes, fast food is your only option.
Thankfully, there are some tips and tricks you can use to find healthier fast food that won’t clash with your diet too harshly. According to Good Housekeeping, you can certainly find healthy orders at various fast food chains. So, if your goal is to stay on track, it’s important to be aware of what those healthier options are.
An Important Tip About Choosing Healthier Fast Food Options
Before we dive into our list of the healthier fast food options to consider, just remember that choosing the right beverage is also a part of staying on course when you are eating fast food while trying to lose weight. That’s because, even if you do select a healthier meal off the menu, you could end up undoing the benefits of that choice by selecting a sugary drink to go with it. So, instead of soda or juice, opt for water. Or, if you want some flavor, a good choice is unsweetened tea.
Our List of 10 Healthier Fast Food Options
Here’s a look at some of the most popular fast food restaurants, and the healthier fast food options that they have to offer:
Wendy’s
Try the Chili-Topped Potato when you’re at Wendy’s. Although it’s not on the official menu, what you can do is purchase a baked potato and small chili, and then combine them. This is a fairly well balanced meal when it comes to fat, carbs, and protein, and you can even get 12 grams of fiber if you also eat the potato skin.
KFC
If you’re at KFC, try the Grilled Chicken Breast with Mashed Potatoes and Corn on the Cob. Compared to the rest of the menu, it’s surprisingly good. Just choose the grilled chicken breast as the entrée, and then get mashed potatoes and corn on the side. Plenty of protein, along with a moderate amount of carbs and fat make this a smart choice.
McDonald’s
If you find yourself at McDonald’s, consider getting the Southwest Salad and Fruit ‘n’ Yogurt Parfait. Grilled chicken is always a better way to go when you’re at a fast food restaurant, but you should be sure to only use light dressing, if any. Avoid creamy dressings! This option, in particular, is high in fiber and protein, but low in saturated fat. For the parfait, skip adding extra granola or nuts in order to keep the fat content under control.
Burger King
Try the Veggie Burger and Garden Salad. Just select the veggie burger without mayo or cheese. You’ll get protein and fiber without all of the unwanted fat. Then, add a garden salad to have a healthy side.
Subway
Get the Veggie Delite Sandwich and Tomato Orzo Soup. High in fiber, this is a vegetarian option anyone will enjoy. Plus, it’s low in sodium compared to most fast food, serving up 410 mg per sandwich. And, the soup helps make the meal more filling.
Taco Bell
At Taco Bell, try the Chicken Fresco Burrito Supreme and Pintos ‘n’ Cheese. You’ll get a nice dose of protein and fiber. And, 21% of the total calories come from fat. Just use caution if you’re watching your sodium intake, as this meal contains around 1,410 mg of sodium.
Chick-Fil-A
At Chick-Fil-A, you have a few options. We recommend the Grilled Chicken Sandwich and Fruit Cup, the Chick-n-Minis Breakfast, and the Chargrilled Chicken Cool Wrap. Select whole grain buns, and skip mayo and creamy sauces.
Jack in the Box
Last on our list of healthier fast food choices is the Chicken Teriyaki Bowl, as it’s high in protein and low in saturated fat, with a little fiber. It is high in sodium, though, so keep that in mind.
We hope this list of tips helps you make healthier fast food choices when having food on the go!
