Are you always on the go and find yourself turning to fast food for convenience? While fast food typically gets a bad reputation for being unhealthy, there are actually many options that can provide quick and nutritious meals. In this article, we will share with you the top 10 options for healthy fast food.
From Subway to Chipotle, these fast food restaurants offer options such as whole-grain breads, fresh vegetables, lean proteins, and low-calorie dressings. You don’t have to sacrifice taste for health either, as these options are just as delicious as their less healthy counterparts.
By choosing healthy fast food options, you can maintain a healthy diet even when you’re short on time. So, whether you’re running errands or on a road trip, be sure to check out these 10 healthy fast food options for a quick and nutritious meal.
You’ll be surprised at how easy it is to make healthier choices when eating out without sacrificing taste.
“Best Fast Food For Healthy Eating” ~ bbaz
Introduction
When it comes to fast food, the common misconception is that it is always greasy and unhealthy. However, there are many healthy fast food options available that can provide quick and nutritious meals. In this article, we will be discussing the top 10 healthy fast food chains, the options they offer, and how they compare in terms of nutrition and taste.
The Criteria for Choosing Healthy Fast Food Chains
Before we dive into our top 10 list, let’s talk about the criteria that we used to select these chains. We looked for chains that offer:
- Fresh ingredients, including vegetables and lean protein sources
- Low sodium options
- Healthy sides, such as salads or fruit cups
- Trans-fat free cooking oil
- Reduced calorie options
- A variety of meal options, including vegetarian and gluten-free choices
Top 10 Healthy Fast Food Options
Now, without further ado, let’s take a look at the top 10 healthy fast food options available:
| Chain | Popular Item | Calories | Sodium (mg) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subway | Turkey Breast Salad | 110 | 280 | $6.29 |
| Chipotle | Burrito Bowl with Chicken, Brown Rice, Black Beans, and Roasted Vegetables | 560 | 1600 | $8.25 |
| Taco Bell | Power Menu Bowl with Steak | 510 | 1220 | $5.49 |
| Panera Bread | Roasted Turkey and Avocado BLT on Sourdough | 700 | 1150 | $9.99 |
| McDonald’s | Artisan Grilled Chicken Sandwich | 360 | 960 | $4.79 |
| Starbucks | Reduced-Fat Turkey Bacon and Cage-Free Egg White Sandwich | 230 | 550 | $4.95 |
| Chick-fil-A | Grilled Chicken Cool Wrap | 350 | 970 | $6.75 |
| KFC | Grilled Chicken Breast | 220 | 790 | $3.99 |
| Arby’s | Roast Turkey Farmhouse Salad | 230 | 690 | $6.29 |
| Panda Express | Mushroom Chicken | 180 | 600 | $7.99 |
1. Subway
Subway is a classic chain for those looking for healthy fast food options. Their Fresh Fit menu includes subs with a variety of vegetables and lean protein sources. However, the key to ordering a healthy meal at Subway is to skip the bread and opt for a salad, which typically has fewer calories and sodium. The Turkey Breast Salad, for example, has only 110 calories and 280 mg of sodium.
2. Chipotle
Chipotle is well-known for their burrito bowls, which can be customized to your liking. To keep your meal healthy, choose brown rice instead of white and load up on vegetables. The Burrito Bowl with Chicken, Brown Rice, Black Beans, and Roasted Vegetables is a great option, with 560 calories and 1600 mg of sodium.
3. Taco Bell
Taco Bell may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of healthy fast food, but they have recently added some healthier options to their menu. The Power Menu Bowl with Steak is a good choice, with 510 calories and 1220 mg of sodium. However, beware of their high-calorie items, such as the Crunchwrap Supreme, which has a whopping 690 calories and 1170 mg of sodium.
4. Panera Bread
Panera Bread is known for their fresh ingredients and healthy options. Their Roasted Turkey and Avocado BLT on Sourdough is a great sandwich option, although it does have slightly higher calorie and sodium counts than some of the other items on this list, with 700 calories and 1150 mg of sodium.
5. McDonald’s
Believe it or not, you can find healthy options at McDonald’s. The Artisan Grilled Chicken Sandwich is a good choice, with only 360 calories and 960 mg of sodium. However, be sure to skip the fries and opt for a side salad or apple slices instead.
6. Starbucks
If you’re in a hurry and need a quick breakfast, Starbucks has some healthy options. The Reduced-Fat Turkey Bacon and Cage-Free Egg White Sandwich has only 230 calories and 550 mg of sodium.
7. Chick-fil-A
Chick-fil-A has a surprisingly robust menu of healthier options, including their Grilled Chicken Cool Wrap. This wrap has only 350 calories and 970 mg of sodium.
8. KFC
KFC may be known for their fried chicken, but they also offer grilled options. The Grilled Chicken Breast has only 220 calories and 790 mg of sodium.
9. Arby’s
Arby’s may be famous for their roast beef sandwiches, but they also offer salads. The Roast Turkey Farmhouse Salad is a great option, with only 230 calories and 690 mg of sodium.
10. Panda Express
For those in the mood for Chinese food, Panda Express offers healthier options. The Mushroom Chicken is a great choice, with only 180 calories and 600 mg of sodium.
Conclusion
While fast food may not always be associated with healthy eating, there are plenty of options available for those looking to make healthier choices. By choosing restaurants that prioritize fresh ingredients and offer low sodium options, you can enjoy a quick and nutritious meal on-the-go.
Thank you for reading about our top 10 options for healthy fast food! We hope that this article has provided you with some great ideas for nutritious meals that can be enjoyed on-the-go. With today’s busy lifestyle, it can be difficult to find time for making homemade meals. However, with so many fast food options available, it is now easier than ever to make healthy choices when dining out.
Remember, choosing foods that are high in nutrients and low in calories is key to maintaining a healthy diet. Opt for whole grains, lean proteins, and plenty of fruits and vegetables. By making smart choices at your favorite fast food restaurant, you can still enjoy a tasty meal that won’t derail your health goals.
We encourage you to continue to explore healthy eating options and exercise regularly. A healthy lifestyle can greatly improve your physical and mental well-being. So, next time you are in a rush and need a quick bite to eat, remember to choose one of these delicious and nutritious fast food options.
When it comes to eating fast food, many people assume that it is always unhealthy. However, there are actually plenty of fast food options that can be both quick and nutritious, making them a great choice for busy individuals or families. Here are the top 10 healthy fast food options:
- Chipotle: Known for their Mexican-inspired bowls and burritos, Chipotle offers plenty of fresh veggies, lean proteins, and whole grains.
- Subway: With the ability to customize your sandwich or salad, Subway allows you to load up on veggies and choose a lean protein, like turkey or grilled chicken.
- Panera Bread: Offering soups, salads, sandwiches, and more, Panera Bread uses high-quality ingredients, like antibiotic-free chicken and whole grain bread.
- Taco Bell: Surprisingly, Taco Bell has several menu items that are low in calories and high in protein, like their Power Menu Bowl.
- Chick-fil-A: While known for their fried chicken, Chick-fil-A also offers grilled chicken options and plenty of fresh sides, like fruit cups and salads.
- McDonald’s: While not typically thought of as a healthy option, McDonald’s has started offering salads with grilled chicken and healthier side options, like apple slices.
- Starbucks: With plenty of oatmeal and yogurt options, as well as protein boxes filled with nuts, cheese, and hard-boiled eggs, Starbucks can be a great choice for a quick breakfast or snack.
- KFC: While fried chicken is their specialty, KFC also offers grilled chicken options and sides like green beans and corn on the cob.
- Wendy’s: Wendy’s has several salads and sandwiches that are made with fresh ingredients and lean proteins, like their grilled chicken sandwich and apple pecan salad.
- Burger King: Similar to McDonald’s, Burger King has started offering healthier options like a grilled chicken sandwich and side salads.
Overall, it is possible to eat fast food and still maintain a healthy diet. By choosing options that are high in protein, low in calories, and filled with fresh veggies and whole grains, you can enjoy a quick and nutritious meal even when eating out.
