Health

10 Healthy Options at Your Favorite Fast Food Restaurants

If you’re anything like me, your days are filled with busy appointments/errands and you’re always running behind. When it comes to grabbing a snack or a quick lunch the last thing I want to do is stop at a traditional restaurant where I have to sit and order, then wait for my food. What’s a girl on the go to do? Hit a drive-thru of course! Now I know what you’re thinking.. drive-thru’s aren’t historically known for healthy eating options but times have changed. Fast food restaurants are making it easier than ever for the proactive healthy types who research every little thing they put in their mouths. Menus are so full of choices nowadays that it’s not uncommon to find a bacon cheeseburger sitting next to a veggie wrap or protein bowl. Love that!!

10 Healthy Options at Your Favorite Fast Food Restaurants

For many, the words ‘fast food’ and ‘drive-thru’ bring to mind hamburgers and french fries but I am here to tell you that almost all fast food restaurants will have 1 or 2, if not many more healthy options to help you maintain a more nutritious lifestyle.

Disclaimer: I’m not a nutritionist… simply sharing what I have discovered while grabbing a last minute bite to eat while on the road. All of these meals aren’t complete meals hitting all the nutrient points, just small foods that I find that help me when I’m on the go. There are so many times when I’m out and about and need something quick to eat along the way. I have found that like everything in life – being flexible is important, moderation is key and the word substitution matters. Think, ‘When Harry Met Sally’. ;)

I always try to keep it real on my blog and hope that you can appreciate this.. Fast food chains and drive-thru’s play an important part of my busy life. Yes, I try to eat as super healthy as I can for the most part but… life is life as they say and convenience is convenience. Doing a little research has helped me stop at my favorite drive-thru’s without feeling as guilty and ordering the healthier options has changed my entire outlook. Knowledge is king as they say. Even at fast food restaurants. ;)

McDonalds

10 Healthy Options at Your Favorite Fast Food Restaurants | The best list if you're trying to be healthier with foods from McDonalds, Chick-Fil-A, Taco Bell, and more. || Kristy Wicks
photo via McDonalds

Hamburger – 250 calories, 13g protein, 8 grams of fat

I have to admit… I love a tiny McDonald’s hamburger when I’m starving. If I’m craving a burger and don’t want a ton of fat and calories, this is what you’ll find me stopping for. It’s surprisingly filling and at just 8 grams of fat + 13 g of protein it keeps me feeling full. I don’t know what it is about this burger but it’s a good option for me if I’m looking for something super quick and easy. (Another favorite burger without the carbs is the – In & Out protein style burger. It’s their classic burger wrapped in lettuce. So good!)

10 Healthy Options at Your Favorite Fast Food Restaurants | The best list if you're trying to be healthier with foods from McDonalds, Chick-Fil-A, Taco Bell, and more. || Kristy Wicks
photo via McDonalds

Egg White Delight McMuffin – 280 calories, 18g protein, 10 grams of fat

Great breakfast option for on-the-go. It includes egg whites, Canadian bacon, white cheddar and butter on an english muffin. If you take off the cheese and request – no butter, this immediately becomes a healthy option! One of Jeff’s road trip go-to’s.

Chick-Fil-A

10 Healthy Options at Your Favorite Fast Food Restaurants | The best list if you're trying to be healthier with foods from McDonalds, Chick-Fil-A, Taco Bell, and more. || Kristy Wicks
Photo via Chick-Fil-A

Egg White Grill without cheese $4.29 – 250 calories, 25g of protein, 7 grams of fat

If you’re ever hungry and looking for a quick bite to eat for breakfast I definitely recommend this Egg White Grill without cheese! Without the cheese this sandwich, made up of 2 multigrain english muffins, egg whites and grilled chicken, packs in a lot of protein and it’s only 250 calories!

10 Healthy Options at Your Favorite Fast Food Restaurants | The best list if you're trying to be healthier with foods from McDonalds, Chick-Fil-A, Taco Bell, and more. || Kristy Wicks
photo via Chick-Fil-A

Spicy Southwest Salad with Grilled Nuggets & Chili Lime Vinaigrette $8.99 – 250 calories and 39g of protein, 17 grams of fat

This salad is not only delicious, but it’s also nutritious! It technically comes with a creamy salsa salad dressing.. but if you replace this fatty dressing (31 grams of fat) with the low-cal Chili Lime Vinaigrette ( 3 grams of fat), this salad becomes quite healthy! Emma and I snag this salad quite a few times a month on those lazy days.

10 Healthy Options at Your Favorite Fast Food Restaurants | The best list if you're trying to be healthier with foods from McDonalds, Chick-Fil-A, Taco Bell, and more. || Kristy Wicks
Photo via Chick-Fil-A

Grilled Chicken Sandwich $5.59 – 310 calories and 29g of protein, 6 grams of fat

Definitely think about getting this sandwich if you’re craving something with a little of everything.. It’s a low calorie option packed with protein, lettuce + tomato and a multigrain bun.

Taco Bell

10 Healthy Options at Your Favorite Fast Food Restaurants | The best list if you're trying to be healthier with foods from McDonalds, Chick-Fil-A, Taco Bell, and more. || Kristy Wicks
Photo via Thrillist

Spicy Tostada – 210 calories, 6g protein, 10 grams of fat

If you take the cheese off of this tostada, it’s by far the healthiest thing on the taco bell menu! It’s also only $1.

10 Healthy Options at Your Favorite Fast Food Restaurants | The best list if you're trying to be healthier with foods from McDonalds, Chick-Fil-A, Taco Bell, and more. || Kristy Wicks
Photo via Taco Bell

Veggie Power Menu Bowl – 480 calories, 14g of protein, 19 grams of fat ( see below)

This bowl seems to have a lot of calories and fat but if you hold the ‘creamy avocado ranch sauce’ and the sour cream.. it’s so much healthier! I love bowls and it’s nice to be able to get one at a drive-thru.

Starbucks

10 Healthy Options at Your Favorite Fast Food Restaurants | The best list if you're trying to be healthier with foods from McDonalds, Chick-Fil-A, Taco Bell, and more. || Kristy Wicks
Photo via Starbucks

Spinach, Feta, & Cage-Free EggWhite Breakfast Wrap – 290 calories & 19g of protein, 10 grams of fat

This option is great for those who are already running to Starbucks in need of caffeine and want a little bite to eat. Remember this one also if you’re traveling through an airport. There is always a Starbucks in just about every terminal. ;)

Subway

10 Healthy Options at Your Favorite Fast Food Restaurants | The best list if you're trying to be healthier with foods from McDonalds, Chick-Fil-A, Taco Bell, and more. || Kristy Wicks
Photo via Subway

6-inch Veggie Delight – 230 calories, 9g of protein, 2 grams of fat

We love the veggie delight sandwich and have for years. It’s a healthy option for those who want to eat something full of color and nutrients but low in fat. It’s also filling. Runner-up fave sandwich: the Turkey/Avocado sandwich with extra veggies and no cheese/mayo.

Panera

10 Healthy Options at Your Favorite Fast Food Restaurants | The best list if you're trying to be healthier with foods from McDonalds, Chick-Fil-A, Taco Bell, and more. || Kristy Wicks
Photo via Panera

Modern Greek Salad with Quinoa – 520 calories and 12g protein

This is a higher calorie option but it’s full of fresh & healthy fats vs. saturated fats! Especially if you ask for the dressing on the side (I always do this!) and go light on the feta – this option is great. It’s also convenient because many Paneras are drive-thru’s now. We love many of the salads at Panera. A couple stand outs – the Fuji Apple Chicken and the Spicy Thai with chicken – make sure to go for a light dressing rather than the rich Thai. Or use it sparingly. So good!

Tips for keeping things healthy:

  • Always ask for dressing or sauce on the side. If they don’t have a healthier option or one that is lower in fat, use sparingly or go without if you can. Salsa is another healthy alternative to dressing.
  • HOLD the mayo. Mayo is simply too high in saturated fats.
  • Don’t worry so much about the calories if it’s a healthy bulky salad full of fresh produce and proteins.
  • Look out for the S’s in foods – Sugar and Sodium. Both do you a disservice in high amounts and they are often hidden in foods. While some salads seem healthy, dressings can be loaded with sugar.
  • Before ordering anything, google the nutritional facts for all details

Hopefully this post will help you select a healthier option at your next grab and go meal.. While I would much rather eat at home, sometimes it just isn’t possible. Drive-thru’s save me more times than I can count. Just knowing what to pick out ahead of time makes a huge difference. :)

Do you have any favorite healthy fast food go-to’s that you love? Please share!! I’m always looking for new ideas..

xo,
Kristy

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Thoughts?

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20 thoughts on “10 Healthy Options at Your Favorite Fast Food Restaurants

  1. I have been looking for some low calorie fast food on the go. Thanks for the recommendation this helps a lot. You always make things prettier and brighter and more pleasing

  2. Bonsoir,
    Se La Vie Kristy, fast food is not an option for me, sadly…..mainly because I am Gluten Free and sugar free as well as sodium free. I am also an RN and Nutrition has always been my thing (my sis is a nutritionist)….I usually make food at home and pack it in my lunch bag and I’m good to go. It helps me when I’m on the run. I never
    had a weight problem until I found out I had Hashimotos Thyroiditis and I am picky what goes in my mouth and body these days to help my immune function and keep trim. I also put on 20 pounds and trying to take it off, it’s a progressive feat lol….and the GF and SF lifestyle is working finally. I am thrilled you posted this for others who can eat foods like these, they are awesome choices and I’ll pass them on to my hubby who loves fast foods!
    ….merci bien Kristy!
    Ps. I am French Canadian :)

  3. Thank you for the post…very helpful! The “tiny hamburger” is always a good option for me too at MacDonalds. Lol!

  4. Hi Kristy

    I know you’re on a healthy journey and I think it’s great. You inspired me to start my own. Just need to get on a workout routine. Anyway I have lost 8lbs so far and wanted to share what I am doing with you .. I started this metabolism meal plan that’s portioned but very balanced. Each meal I eat a protein , starch , vegetable and fruit. I had to do bloodwork to see what foods my body can handle and I now have a list of superfoods I should eat. Anyway there are rules .. 1. Always take a bite of protein before anything else on your plate. Helps with insulin , never mix your proteins (ie: egg and cheese as cheese is considered a protein ). Try and have 3 different proteins in the day 3. Wait 5 hours after you finish one meal to have the next ( no snacking or coffee in between .. that’s been the hardest ) and drink a lot of water .. honestly I’m eating more and I’m full after each meal. I’m not feeling sluggish anymore or bloated but I’m eating more protein fruit and veg in a day then I ever have in the past. Life is all about balance and this is doing that for me. And I’m allowed a cheat meal a week ?. Anyway .. love your blog and posts and stories

  5. Hi Kristy,
    I’m a vegetarian and love that you included some veg friendly options! Great tips and suggestions! :)
    -Nikki

  6. Absolutely love your instagram and blog! I love your food options, but you should be looking at the carbohydrates for each items. I would not choose these items due to their potentially high carbohydrate count. I am not a nutritionist, but I know too many carbs means weight gain.

  7. I love Del Tacos Street Tacos. Chicken is only 170 calories!! I get two for a filling meal ! The steak is only 180 calories!!!

  8. Hi Kristy,

    I LOVE this post! I’m from Germany and come to the States on the regular. Every time I leave I’m 10 pounds heavier as there are so few low calorie options when eating on the go. I’ll be back in a couple months and will definitely try your suggestions. I just lost all my baby weight and I’m not planning on gaining any weight this time around. Thank you so much! One last question remains. When you say to ‘take off’ or ‘hold’ something does that mean it has to be mentioned when ordering or would it be additional anyway?

    1. Hi Lisa, Thank you.. Yes, you want to always mention you want the dressing on the side or the mayo ‘off’ otherwise it may end up on the salad or sandwich. :) Hugs! xx

  9. If I have to eat McDonald’s, I also like the small hamburger. It’s tasty and filling. Great recommendations – thanks for putting these in my head, I will remember them when on the go!

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