Fast food can be a quick and convenient option for busy individuals who don’t have the time to prepare nutritious meals at home. However, the perception that fast food is unhealthy and expensive has been long-standing. Fortunately, there are affordable and nutritious fast food options available that can satisfy your cravings and keep you healthy.
If you’re on the go and need a quick bite, we’ve got you covered with our 10 best affordable and nutritious fast food options. These options prioritize nutrient-dense foods while keeping the cost under control. Gone are the days of compromising on taste and health when it comes to fast food choices.
From salads to sandwiches and wraps, our list has something for everyone. Whether you’re a vegetarian, a meat lover, or looking for low-carb options, we have got you covered. So, whether you’re hitting the road or stuck in the office, grab one of these delicious and nutritious fast food options to fuel yourself throughout the day. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to eat on-the-go without sacrificing your health!
Nutrition does not need to be expensive, and fast food restaurants are starting to catch up with this fact. You can find numerous affordable options on the menu that satisfy your hunger without breaking the bank. Our picks will help you make informed decisions about sustainable and nutritious fast food options. So, if you’re looking for a quick and satisfying meal that ticks all the boxes, keep reading!
“Best Cheap Healthy Fast Food” ~ bbaz
Introduction
Over the years, fast food has been tagged as unhealthy and unfit for regular consumption due to their high-calorie, high-fat, and high-carbohydrate content. However, with more awareness about healthier meal options, some fast-food chains have introduced affordable and nutritious fast foods that you can indulge in without guilt. In this article, we would be exploring ten of the best affordable and nutritious fast food options.
The Criteria for Selection
The selection for the ten best affordable and nutritious fast food options were based on the following criteria:
- Balanced Nutrient Content: The meal must contain balanced nutrient content, including carbohydrates, protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
- Low Calorie: The calorie content of the meal should be low, preferably below 500 calories per serving.
- Affordable: The cost of each meal should be affordable, not exceeding $10 per serving
- Availability: The meal should be easily accessible and available across the United States.
- Taste: The taste of the meal is a vital factor to consider.
The Comparison Table
The following table shows a comparative analysis of the ten best affordable and nutritious fast food options based on their calorie content, nutrient content, and affordability.
| Fast Food Option | Calorie Content/ serving | Protein/ serving | Carbohydrates/ serving | Fat/ serving | Cost/ serving |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subway 6-inch Turkey Sub | 280 | 18g | 46g | 4.5g | $4.99 |
| Taco Bell Fresco Chicken Soft Taco | 140 | 10g | 16g | 3.5g | $1.19 |
| Panera Bread Greek Salad with Chicken | 350 | 29g | 10g | 22g | $9.69 |
| McDonald’s Grilled Chicken Sandwich | 350 | 37g | 42g | 8g | $6.49 |
| Burger King Grilled Chicken Sandwich | 430 | 30g | 51g | 13g | $5.59 |
| Dunkin Donuts Egg and Cheese on an English Muffin | 290 | 13g | 32g | 12g | $3.99 |
| Chick-Fil-A Grilled Cool Wrap | 340 | 37g | 27g | 12g | $6.75 |
| KFC Grilled Chicken Breast | 220 | 31g | 1g | 9g | $3.99 |
| Taco Bell Power Menu Bowl with Steak | 510 | 32g | 48g | 19g | $5.49 |
| Wendy’s Apple Pecan Chicken Salad | 350 | 33g | 25g | 15g | $5.99 |
The Ten Best Affordable and Nutritious Fast Food Options
Subway 6-inch Turkey Sub
The Subway 6-inch turkey sub is an excellent meal choice for individuals looking to eat healthy while on a budget. The sandwich comes with freshly baked bread, sliced turkey, lettuce, tomato, onions, green peppers, and ranch dressing, all for just $4.99. It is low in calories, with only 280 calories per serving and contains 18g of protein and 46g of carbohydrates.
Taco Bell Fresco Chicken Soft Taco
The Taco Bell Fresco chicken soft taco is a low-calorie and high-protein meal option that costs just $1.19 per serving. It contains only 140 calories per serving, with 10g of protein and 16g of carbohydrates. It is an excellent option for anyone looking to eat healthy on a tight budget.
Panera Bread Greek Salad with Chicken
If you’re looking for a nutritious and flavorful salad, the Panera Bread Greek salad with chicken is an excellent option. The salad comes with fresh lettuce, grilled chicken, feta cheese, sliced cucumber, and red onions, all topped with a Greek dressing. It has a balanced nutrient content, with 350 calories per serving, 29g of protein, 10g of carbohydrates, and 22g of fat. It costs $9.69 per serving.
McDonald’s Grilled Chicken Sandwich
The McDonald’s Grilled Chicken Sandwich is a healthy, low-calorie meal option that comes with a grilled chicken patty, lettuce, and tomato, all sandwiched between two sesame seed buns. It has 350 calories, 37g of protein, 42g of carbohydrates, and 8g of fat per serving. It is affordable, costing just $6.49 per serving.
Burger King Grilled Chicken Sandwich
The Burger King Grilled Chicken Sandwich is another great meal option for individuals looking to eat healthy while on a budget. It comes with a fire-grilled chicken patty, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise, all sandwiched between a sesame seed bun. It has 430 calories, 30g of protein, 51g of carbohydrates, and 13g of fat per serving. It is affordable, costing $5.59 per serving.
Dunkin Donuts Egg and Cheese on an English Muffin
If you’re in a hurry and need to grab a quick breakfast on the go, the Dunkin’ Donuts egg and cheese on an English muffin is an excellent option. The sandwich contains only 290 calories, 13g of protein, 32g of carbohydrates, and 12g of fat per serving. It is affordable, costing $3.99 per serving and is readily available across the United States.
Chick-Fil-A Grilled Cool Wrap
The Chick-Fil-A Grilled Cool Wrap is a refreshing and healthy meal option that comes with grilled chicken, lettuce, red cabbage, carrots, and cheese roll-ups, all wrapped in a flaxseed flour flatbread. It has 340 calories, 37g of protein, 27g of carbohydrates, and 12g of fat per serving. It is affordable, costing $6.75 per serving and is readily available across the United States.
KFC Grilled Chicken Breast
The KFC Grilled Chicken Breast is an excellent meal option for individuals looking for a high-protein and low-calorie meal option. The chicken breast contains only 220 calories, 31g of protein, 1g of carbohydrates, and 9g of fat per serving. It is affordable, costing $3.99 per serving, and is readily available across the United States.
Taco Bell Power Menu Bowl with Steak
The Taco Bell Power Menu Bowl with Steak is an excellent meal option for individuals looking for a more substantial and filling meal. It comes with grilled steak, lettuce, pico de gallo, avocado ranch sauce, and seasoned rice for just $5.49 per serving. It contains 510 calories, 32g of protein, 48g of carbohydrates, and 19g of fat per serving.
Wendy’s Apple Pecan Chicken Salad
The Wendy’s Apple Pecan Chicken Salad is a delicious and healthy meal option that comes with fresh lettuce, grilled chicken, roasted pecans, diced apples, and blue cheese crumbles, all topped with a light vinaigrette dressing. It contains only 350 calories, 33g of protein, 25g of carbohydrates, and 15g of fat per serving. It is affordable and costs just $5.99 per serving.
Conclusion
Eating fast food does not have to be an unhealthy choice. With more awareness about healthy meal options, there are low-cost and nutritious fast food options available across the United States. The ten best affordable and nutritious fast food options discussed in this article will help you maintain a healthy and balanced diet while on a budget.
10 Best Affordable and Nutritious Fast Food Options
Thank you for taking the time to read about the 10 Best Affordable and Nutritious Fast Food Options. It can be tough to find healthy options when you’re on the go or short on time, but we hope that these suggestions have given you some inspiration!
Remember, it’s important to make informed choices about what you eat, and just because something is labelled as fast food doesn’t mean it has to be unhealthy. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying breakfast, a tasty lunch or a quick snack, there are plenty of options out there that won’t break the bank or compromise your health.
We encourage you to try out some of these options for yourself and see how they fit into your busy lifestyle. Eating well doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive – with a little planning and some smart choices, you can enjoy delicious and nutritious meals on the go!
Here are the top 10 best affordable and nutritious fast food options:
- Grilled Chicken Sandwich – Most fast food chains offer this item, which is a great source of protein and low in fat.
- Salad with Grilled Chicken – A healthy option that provides a variety of nutrients and fiber.
- Vegetable Soup – A warm and satisfying meal that is low in calories and high in vitamins.
- Fruit Cup – A refreshing and sweet snack that provides essential vitamins and minerals.
- Grilled Chicken Wrap – A tasty and filling option that is low in calories and high in protein.
- Taco Salad – A flavorful and nutritious dish that includes vegetables, beans, and lean protein.
- Grilled Chicken Nuggets – A healthier alternative to fried chicken nuggets, these are high in protein and low in fat.
- Roasted Turkey Sandwich – A classic sandwich option that is low in fat and high in protein.
- Oatmeal – A breakfast option that is high in fiber and protein, and low in sugar and fat.
- Chili – A hearty and filling meal that is high in protein and fiber, and low in fat.
People also ask:
- What are the healthiest fast food options?
- Can I eat fast food and still be healthy?
- Is it okay to eat fast food once a week?
- What fast food places have healthy options?
- What is the healthiest thing to eat at McDonald’s?
Answer:
Yes, you can still maintain a healthy diet while eating fast food. The key is to choose options that are low in calories, fat, and sodium, and high in nutrients like protein, fiber, and vitamins. Many fast food chains now offer healthier options, such as salads, grilled chicken, and vegetable sides. It’s also important to watch portion sizes and limit your intake of sugary drinks and fried foods.
