A Dietitan's Top 5 Picks For Fast Food Meals
By: Courtney McMahan, RD
Fast food is notoriously unhealthy. Even the least health-conscious among us know that a Big Mac and a large order of fries is one of the quickest ways to tank your diet. But are there menu items you can order at the drive-through when you’re in a time crunch that will be friendly to your waistline and your nutrition goals?
Thankfully, not every fast food option is loaded with empty calories and devoid of micronutrients. Here are our top five recommendations for a balanced, nutritious fast food meal:
1.Chick-Fil-A grilled chicken nuggets + side salad + fruit cup
While Chick-Fil-A is known for their fried chicken, their grilled nuggets are juicy and delicious without the extra fat and carb calories. Add on a side salad and a fruit cup for extra fiber and micronutrients to keep you full and give your body what it needs.
Nutrition info (8-count grilled nugget, side salad w/ low fat honey mustard, and fruit cup): 340 Calories, 10g Fat, 29g Protein, 25g Carbs
Browse our Low Calorie Chik-Fil-A Guide
2. Subway No-Bready Bowls
Subway recently added this protein-packed option to their menu. Now you can get all the flavor of your favorite subway footlong without all the refined carbohydrates! Whether you are in the mood for sweet onion chicken teriyaki, roast beef, or meatball marinara; there’s sure to be an option you’ll love.
Nutrition info (Baja Turkey Avocado No-Bready Bowl): 410 Calories, 30g Fat, 25g Protein, 13g Carbs
Team Jimmy John’s instead? Browse through our Low Calorie Jimmy John’s Guide That Aren’t Lettuce Wraps
3.Taco Bell Grilled Chicken Power Bowl
This power bowl from Taco Bell is a great option for tex mex flavors on the go. To reduce the calories and up the nutritional value, ask them to go easy on the cheese and to add extra lettuce and tomato.
Nutrition info: 460 Calories, 21g Fat, 28g Protein, 41g Carbs
Check out our Full Low Calorie Taco Bell Guide
4.Chipotle Burrito Bowl
This item from chipotle has the added benefit of customization. Cut down the calories by choosing lettuce or spinach as the base instead of rice. Add black beans, guacamole, pico de gallo, and your choice of protein for a nutritionally-balanced meal that will keep you full for hours.
Nutrition info (chicken burrito bowl with lettuce, black beans, tomato salsa, and guacamole): 570 Calories, 31g Fat; 42g Protein, 35g Carbs
5.Arby’s Roast Chicken Salad
Most options from Arby’s are loaded with sodium, fat, and carbs. Instead, opt for their roast chicken salad. It’s packed with protein and veggies and still has plenty of flavor from the roasted chicken, cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon
Nutrition info (before dressing): 250 Calories, 14g Fat, 25g Protein, 8g Carbs
