Ah fast-food, the universal go-to when you’re in a rush and don’t have time to prepare something from scratch. But let’s face it, as tasty as it may be, it’s not always the healthiest choice. I know it can be hard to choose something that won’t wreak havoc on your figure, but thankfully there are some healthier options out there. In this article, I’ll give you an overview of the healthiest fast-food options so you can make an informed choice.
The Healthiest Fast-Food Options Around
Sometimes it seems like just about everyone is trying to eat healthier. But when you’re short on time and cash, fast food may be unavoidable. So, if you want to make the healthiest choices possible, look no further than these go-to fast-food restaurants: Subway, Chipotle, and Panera Bread!
Subway is a great option for anyone looking for healthy fast food. They offer a variety of sandwiches and salads with plenty of veggie and protein options. Plus, you can customize your meal according to your dietary preferences and needs. For example, you can get a breakfast sandwich made with egg whites, veggies, and low-fat cheese on whole wheat bread; or opt for a salad loaded with grilled chicken, plenty of veggies, and a light vinaigrette.
Chipotle is another solid choice, boasting nutritious burritos, bowls, tacos, and salads. Just watch out for those high-calorie sides, like chips and guacamole. Opting for items like the veggie burrito or the chicken taco salad instead will keep your calorie and fat intake under control.
Finally, Panera Bread offers some of the best fast-food options out there. You can find all sorts of healthy sandwiches and salads on their menu, as well as power bowls packed with fiber and protein that’ll keep you full and satisfied. The Avocado, Egg White & Spinach breakfast sandwich is a personal favorite of mine – it’s so delicious it doesn’t even feel like I’m eating healthy!
Nutritional Information
If you’re trying to make smart decisions about what to put in your body, the last place people think of is fast-food. But there are some healthier options out there, and it’s important to know just how nutritious they are.
The first thing to look at when looking into fast food restaurants is calories. No one wants to feel guilty after a meal, so aim for something low-calorie but still filling. Most places list calorie info on the menu or website, so you can easily find what you should stay away from – like that bacon double cheeseburger!
Protein is also crucial for keeping yourself energized throughout the day. Look for meals with enough protein to give you a lift. That could be anything from a grilled chicken sandwich to a veggie bowl with black beans.
Fats are essential, too – but try to keep them on the lower end. Foods like salads and grilled seafood are great sources of good fats that won’t send you over the edge. And don’t forget about carbs. Complex carbohydrates can help fuel you without spiking your glucose levels.
Suggested Meals
When you hit the drive-thru, it can be tough to choose something that isn’t going to leave you feeling like a tub of lard. I gotchu, fam! Here are my top picks for healthiest fast-food meals.
Subway is a great option if you’re looking to eat healthy on the go. Go with the Veggie Delite sub on wheat bread and load it up with veggies. Add in some avocado and mustard and you’ve got yourself a nutritious meal.
Chipotle’s burrito bowls are also a good option. Go with brown rice, steak, black beans, fajita vegetables, lettuce and salsa. That’ll give you a decent balance of protein and carbs, plus it’s loaded with fiber and antioxidants.
Finally, Panera Bread’s Mediterranean Power Salad is one of the healthiest things on the menu. With romaine lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, banana peppers, feta cheese, Kalamata olives, hummus and lemon vinaigrette, you can get your fill of vitamins and minerals while keeping the calories and fat content low.
In Summation – The Healthiest Fast Food Choices
It’s clear that when it comes to eating fast food, not all restaurants are equal. While some may seem healthy, they can be deceiving. If you’re looking for the healthiest options, then Subway, Chipotle, and Panera Bread are probably your best bets.
When making menu choices, it’s important to look at the nutritional information – particularly calories, protein, fat, and carbs. Consider how much of each of these macronutrients is in a given meal, as well as any added sugars, sodium, or preservatives.
For example, when it comes to Subway, stick with sandwiches on whole wheat bread, soups, and salads. Skip the ‘Footlongs’ and cream-based dressings, opting for fresh veggies and lean proteins instead. At Chipotle, try a burrito bowl with lettuce, beans, a small portion of meat, salsa, and guacamole. Finally, at Panera Bread, customize a salad or wrap with the freshest ingredients.
At the end of the day, the fastest way to make sure you’re getting the healthiest fast food meal is to keep it simple. Avoid anything too heavy or greasy, and make wise decisions with your macronutrient intake. Now that you know the skinny on fast food, you can enjoy your favorite meals guilt-free!
Healthy Fast Food FAQ
Is there such thing as healthy fast-food?
When it comes to fast-food, we all want something that’s tasty, but also healthy. The truth is, there’s no such thing as truly healthy fast-food. Even the “healthiest” options may contain high amounts of fat, sodium, and calories. That being said, however, there are some better choices that you can make.
Say you’re short on time and you need to grab something quick. If you’re looking to make a healthier option, turn to eateries such as Panera Bread, Chipotle, and Subway, which all offer fresh ingredients that haven’t been processed. Choose salads with lean proteins such as grilled chicken, and avoid creamy dressings or anything breaded and fried.
If you’re looking for a snack, try to avoid sodas, chips, and greasy burgers, and go for something like yogurt, a piece of fruit, or a healthy wrap. And if you really must have sweet or salty treats, opt for baked chips or air-popped popcorn.
Ultimately, the healthiest fast-foods are the ones that are made with wholesome ingredients. Try to look for natural and organic options that are low in added sugars, unhealthy fats, and processed ingredients. Remember, it’s all about moderation — so if you can swing it, opt for fresh and homemade meals every once in a while.
What is the healthiest fast-food at McDonald’s?
I’d have to say that the healthiest fast food at McDonald’s has got to be their salads. They offer a variety of salads, including both grilled and crispy chicken salads, which are topped with tomatoes, lettuce, carrots, and a variety of other healthy vegetables. Plus, you can top it off with a light dressing or no dressing at all to really keep it healthy. You can also add some other things like croutons, bacon, and cheese, if you want, to give it some extra flavor. Or, you can make it a complete meal by adding some lean protein, like grilled chicken, and a side of fruit. All around, the salads at McDonald’s are a great and healthy option!
Is McDonald’s fast-food healthy?
It depends on what you’re looking for. McDonald’s has started introducing healthier options, like salads and wraps, so if you’re trying to eat a bit lighter, those could be a good choice. However, they’re still fast food, so they may not necessarily be the healthiest. I’d recommend looking into smaller, locally-run restaurants with healthier options – they may be able to give you something that’s healthier than McDonald’s.
If you’re dead-set on McDonald’s, though, I recommend looking at their nutritional information before making a decision. That way, you can pick something that fits with your dietary needs. Or, if you’re feeling really adventurous, you can always customize your own meal and make something that fits your dietary needs. The more information you have, the better.
At the end of the day, eating healthily requires a certain level of dedication and lifestyle choices, so it’s important to do your research and find something that works for you. McDonald’s can definitely be a part of a balanced diet, but I wouldn’t recommend relying on it too heavily.
