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Hitting your goals can seem particularly hard when your lifestyle doesn’t leave time for making healthy, intentional, and sometimes even expensive meals. However, you can still accomplish your nutrition goals on the days where there isn’t quite enough time between clients or classes. Here are 5 options from fast food or chain companies that will still fit into your macros.

1. Subway’s Veggie Delight Sandwich

Subway has long been known for its customizable sandwiches, making it a go-to option for health-conscious diners. Opting for the Veggie Delight sandwich can load up your meal with a variety of fresh vegetables, including lettuce, tomatoes, onions, peppers, and cucumbers. Pair it with whole-grain bread for added fiber and sustained energy. 

2. Chick-fil-A’s Grilled Chicken Sandwich

Chick-fil-A is famous for its fried chicken, but they also have healthier alternatives on their menu. The Grilled Chicken Sandwich is a great choice, providing a lean source of protein. It comes on a multigrain bun with lettuce and tomato, offering a satisfying meal with fewer calories and less fat than its fried alternative. Pair it with a side salad or fruit cup for a well-rounded meal.

3. Panera Bread’s Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich

It’s no surprise that Panera Bread offers a wide variety of healthy options. The Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich is a standout choice, featuring hummus, feta cheese, cucumbers, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and peppers on freshly baked bread. Hummus provides plant-based protein and healthy fats, while the vegetables add fiber and essential nutrients. 

4. Taco Bell’s Power Menu Bowl

The Power Menu Bowl is a standout choice, featuring a base of seasoned rice and black beans topped with grilled chicken, lettuce, guacamole, reduced-fat sour cream, and pico de gallo. This bowl provides a satisfying mix of protein, fiber, and healthy fats, with customizable ingredients to suit your taste preferences. Pair it with a side of fresh salsa or a small order of black beans for an added nutrient boost. While Taco Bell’s menu may have its fair share of indulgent options, the Power Menu Bowl proves that you can still enjoy the flavors of Mexican cuisine in a healthier, more balanced way.

5. Starbucks’ Protein Boxes

Starbucks may be known for its coffee, but it also offers a variety of grab-and-go options that are perfect for a quick and healthy meal. Their Protein Boxes come in several varieties, typically featuring a selection of nuts, cheese, fruit, and hard-boiled eggs. These boxes provide a balanced mix of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates, making them an ideal choice for a nutritious snack or light meal on the go. Look for options with ingredients like lean turkey or grilled chicken for added protein.

Take the time to customize your meal to fit your needs! Dining at fast food restaurants doesn’t have to be an indulgence. A part of a healthy lifestyle is finding little ways to improve your health, which includes what you eat for lunch or what you decide on for dinner on the drive home. So make a better choice, and see the change you have been waiting on!

Written by GUADS intern Kate