I don’t know about you, but I don’t normally use the words “healthy” and “fast food” in the same sentence. When we think of fast food, we often think of things that are greasy, high in calories, and low in nutrients. However, you can eat out without blowing your diet. It just takes a little bit of knowledge, research, and planning. The next time you need to eat on the go, keep these healthy fast food options in mind!
McDonald’s
Let’s start with one of the most popular fast food joints around. Although McDonald’s has a stigma for being laden with calories, there are some healthy(ish) options you can order! A word of caution: while some of McDonald’s menu options appear to be low in calories and fat, many of them supply over half of your daily sodium limit!
Breakfast: Egg White Delight
Calories: 280
Fat: 10 grams
Carbohydrate: 29 grams
Protein: 18 grams
Sodium: 680 mg
Lunch/Dinner: Hamburger
Calories: 250
Fat: 8 grams
Carbs: 31 grams
Protein: 13 grams
Sodium: 480 mg.
Chick-fil-A
An American favorite, Chick-fil-A has multiple healthy options as well.
Breakfast: Egg White Grill
Calories: 300
Fat: 7 grams
Carbohydrates: 31 grams
Sodium: 970 mg.
Lunch: Market Salad
Calories: 330
Fat: 15 grams
Carbohydrates: 25 grams
Sodium: 690 mg.
Dinner: Grilled Chicken Sandwich
Calories: 310
Fat: 6 grams
Carbohydrates: 29 grams
Sodium: 820 mg.
Panera Bread
One of the best things about Panera Bread is that each menu item is made without preservatives and sweeteners. However, not every menu item is nutritious. Check out the ones that are!
Breakfast: Avocado, Egg White, and Spinach Breakfast Sandwich
Calories: 410
Fat: 14 grams
Carbohydrate: 52 grams
Protein: 21 grams
Sodium: 590 mg.
Lunch: Strawberry Poppyseed Salad With Chicken
Calories: 340
Fat: 13 grams
Carbohydrates: 31 grams
Protein: 29 grams
Sodium: 280 grams
Dinner: Tomato Mozzarella Flatbread
Calories: 350
Fat: 18 grams
Carbohydrates: 35 grams
Protein: 12 grams
Sodium: 470 mg.
Chipotle
Chipotle is probably one of the easiest fast food restaurants to order a healthy meal at. Why? Because it’s completely customizable! Here’s what we suggest:
Lunch/Dinner: Lettuce Bowl with Chicken, Black Beans, Fajita Vegetables, Tomatillo-Green Chili Salsa
Calories: 335
Fat: 8.5 grams
Carbohydrates: 33 grams
Sodium: 935 mg.
Written by GUADS staff member Angelina with contributions from mcdonalds.com, chickfila.com, panerabread.com, and chipotle.com
Seriously, Have Gym Etiquette.