If you want to eat out but want a healthier option, this article is for you. When we think of fast food, the last thing we think about is health. To the surprise of many, there are several genuinely healthy options at fast food restaurants for people looking for convenience without sacrificing their health.
- Starbucks
Starbucks is mainly known for its coffee, but its food options are surprisingly healthy. Starbucks offers several protein boxes and egg-white bites. The Egg White & Roasted Red Pepper Egg Bites have 170 calories, 8 grams of fat, 11 grams of carbohydrates, only 3 grams of sugar, and 12 grams of protein.
- Chick-Fil-a
Skip the deep-fried nuggets and fries and opt for the grilled chicken and salad. The 30-count grilled nuggets are packed with 98 grams of protein, only 4 grams of carbs, and 11 grams of fat. The side of chicken noodle soup is also a healthier option, with 170 calories, 21 grams of carbs, and 10 grams of protein.
- Subway
Subway is known for its customizable sandwiches, so all you have to do here is choose wisely. Try whole-grain bread and fill it with proteins such as chicken or turkey. Make sure to load up on vegetables like spinach, tomatoes, and peppers to get your needed vitamins and fiber. You can even get the Veggie Delite Salad and add protein to get a full, balanced meal.
- Chipotle
Chipotle is already one of the healthier fast food places with its fresh ingredients and customizable bowls. Chipotle even offers plant-based protein options like the sofritas, but it lacks the protein part, which is only 8 grams per serving. Try ordering a bowl with a brown rice base or lettuce, and top it with your choice of protein and veggies. Skip the cheese and sour cream for a healthier overall meal.
- Panera Bread
Panera Bread has loads of salads, sandwiches, and soup options. One of the healthier, veggie-packed sandwiches is the Mediterranean veggie sandwich with hummus, red onions, cucumbers, feta cheese, tomatoes, and tomato basil bread. Make sure you pick the apple as your side instead of packing on more carbs and fats with the side of chips and bread. Besides the lack of meat, the Mediterranean veggie sandwich has 18 grams of protein, perfect for a vegetarian option. Other healthy options include the green goddess cobb salad; just make sure to ask for the dressing on the side or swap the dressing for a vinaigrette so you’re not getting loaded with dressings that are high in sugar.
- McDonald’s
McDonalds might be the top answer when you think about unhealthy food, yet they do have healthier options. The grilled chicken sandwich is the better alternative to its fried counterpart, although it’s not the healthiest fast food option.
While fast food often gets a bad rap, there are many ways to make healthier choices without sacrificing flavor or convenience. Just focus on the grilled proteins, veggies, and mindful swaps, so keep these options in mind when you’re on-the-go.
