In an age where convenience and fast-food options are abundant, it can be hard to ensure you’re still eating healthily. However, with a bit of research, it is possible to make more informed decisions about what you eat when dining at fast-food restaurants.
With this in mind, we’ve consulted dietitians to compile a list of 17surprisingly healthy fast-food orders.
However hard we try, it’s not always possible to prepare our own food or stick to a healthy diet when we’re out to eat.
Sometimes a full and active social life means eating on the go, and there’s no way to get around that. Or maybe you’re just a big fan of Wendy’s, and that’s simply what you choose to order.
Today, there are healthy fast-food options available almost everywhere. As a nutrition specialist, nutritionists usually observe that eating fast food isn’t among their clients’ best options to improve your health. Nonetheless, there are numerous combinations that are readily available that have great nutritional content and lower caloric intake.
If you’re interested in whether your orders are possibly unsafe for your health, go to a restaurant’s nutritional facts webpage to analyze the ingredients.
Here are the healthy fast food options 2023
1. Chick-fil-A Grilled Market Salad
Chick-fil-A Grilled Market Salad is a healthy and delicious salad that is perfect for people who are health conscious. This salad has become increasingly popular over the years because of its amazing taste and nutritional benefits.
Made with grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, and a variety of other ingredients, this salad provides you with all the necessary nutrients to keep you going throughout the day.
One of the best things about Chick-fil-A Grilled Market Salad is that it is made with high-quality ingredients.
The chicken used in this salad is 100% whole breast meat that has been marinated in a blend of seasonings before being grilled to perfection. The vegetables are also freshly picked from local farmers’ markets which ensures their freshness and quality.
PER SALAD WITH GRILLED CHICKEN FILET: 540 calories, 31 g fat (6 g saturated fat, 0 g trans fat), 1020 mg sodium, 41 g carbs (5 g fiber, 26 g sugar), 28 g protein.
2. Subway Tuna Sub
Subway is known for its footlong sandwiches and healthy options. But did you know that their tuna sub is one of the most surprisingly healthy fast-food orders? The tuna sub is low in calories, high in protein, and a great choice for those looking to maintain a healthy diet.
The Subway tuna sub contains only 480 calories per six-inch sandwich, making it an excellent option for those watching their calorie intake.
Additionally, the sandwich has 20 grams of protein, which can help keep you feeling full throughout your day. The fish used in the sandwich is also a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to boost heart health.
If you’re looking for a tasty and surprisingly healthy fast-food option, look no further than Subway’s tuna sub.
3. Chick-fil-A Grilled Chicken Nuggets
Chick-fil-A Grilled Chicken Nuggets are an excellent choice for anyone looking to make healthier eating decisions.
With fewer calories and fat than the original Chick-fil-A chicken nuggets, these grilled options provide a great way to enjoy a classic fast food meal without sacrificing nutrition.
The grilled nuggets also provide a good source of protein, making them an ideal lunch or dinner choice for those with active lifestyles.
Leah Kaufman, MS, RD, CDN, based in the New York area, believes that Chick-fil-A’s grilled chicken nugget option is a good alternative to its classic fried chicken nuggets. She recommends mixing this up with a healthier side salad to create a complete meal.
4. McDonald’s Egg McMuffin
You get this without the meat, so you can have a fairly healthy egg sandwich. The English muffin is not too big and contains carbs, so it’s a good complement to this egg.
I’d prefer a whole wheat option, but this is still great. Lisa Still, Ph.D., RDNS, author of Finally Full, Finally Slim and on our Medical Advisory Board, says that.
PER 1 SANDWICH: 310 calories, 13 g fat (6 g saturated fat, 0 g trans fat), 770 mg sodium, 30 g carbs (2 g fiber, 3 g sugar), 17 g protein
5. Starbucks Egg White & Roasted Red Pepper Egg Bites
If you’re a frequent visitor to Starbucks, you may have noticed that the coffee giant has been expanding its food menu. One item that has been gaining popularity in recent years is the Egg White & Roasted Red Pepper Egg Bites.
Firstly, each serving of Egg White & Roasted Red Pepper Egg Bites contains 13 grams of protein, making it a filling and satisfying option.
Additionally, they are low in carbs with only nine grams per serving, perfect for those watching their carb intake. The egg whites provide a good source of protein while the roasted red peppers add some extra flavor and nutrition.
PER 2 EGG BITES: 170 calories, 8 g fat (5 g saturated fat, 0 g trans fat), 470 mg sodium, 11 g carbs (0 g fiber, 3 g sugar), 12 g protein
6. Chick-fil-A Yogurt Parfait
Chick-fil-A is known for its delicious chicken dishes, but did you know that their yogurt parfait is a surprisingly healthy option?
This tasty treat is the perfect choice for those looking for a sweet and satisfying breakfast or snack while still keeping an eye on their health. With just 230 calories, it’s one of the lowest calorie options on the menu.
The Chick-fil-A yogurt parfait is made with nonfat vanilla Greek yogurt, fresh strawberries, blueberries and granola.
The Greek yogurt provides protein and calcium while the berries are packed with antioxidants and fiber. The granola adds some crunch and extra fiber to keep you feeling full and satisfied.
In addition to being a great option for health-conscious individuals, the Chick-fil-A yogurt parfait is also gluten-free, making it accessible to those with dietary restrictions.
7. Chipotle Salad Bowl
Among my professional specialties is the specialty of the Real Nutrition NYC salad bar. My recommendations include asking for vegetables instead of rice and then adding beans, the fajita vegetables, one of their numerous proteins, and salsa. Then I guarantee you’ll be making one of these choices: guacamole, sour cream, OR cheese.
All of these high-fat ingredients are excellent for people who are watching their weight because they can add a lot of calories to your meal. Plus, skipping the chips is a good idea, too! This meal is a great source of protein, heart-healthy fats, fibers, and vegetables.
PER CHICKEN SALAD BOWL WITHOUT RICE: 450 calories, 23 g fat, 28 g carbs, 34 g protein
8. Panera’s Turkey Chili
Panera’s Turkey Chili is a great example of how fast food doesn’t have to be unhealthy. While many fast food options are loaded with calories, fat, and sodium, this chili is surprisingly healthy.
Made with lean ground turkey, kidney beans, and a variety of spices and vegetables, it packs in plenty of flavor without the guilt.
But what makes this dish truly remarkable is its nutritional value. With just 260 calories per serving and only 5 grams of fat, it’s an excellent choice for anyone looking to eat healthier without sacrificing taste.
Plus, it contains a whopping 17 grams of protein per serving, making it a great option for those trying to build muscle or maintain their weight loss goals.
In an industry where fast food is often synonymous with unhealthy eating habits, Panera’s Turkey Chili stands out as a beacon of hope for those looking for healthier options on-the-go.
9. Panda Express
“It’s refreshing to find tofu on a quick service menu! And combined with eggplant, it’s a double pleasure,“ says Harris-Pincus. “This vegetarian style dish consists of lightly browned tofu, eggplant, and red bell peppers tossed in a sweet and spicy sauce.
Order with a side of veggies to soak up that extra sauce and add even more nutrition and fiber to the meal. It’s also notably lower in sodium than most Panda Express entrees at 520 mg.”
Nutrition info: 340 calories, 24 g fat (3.5 g saturated fat), 23 g carbs (3 g fiber, 17 g sugar), 520 mg sodium, 7 g protein
10. Subway No-Bready Bowls
Healthy options have been added to the menu at Subway in the form of protein bowls. These protein bowls are designed as the chain’s most popular sandwiches without bread. They are stuffed with protein from the choice of meats available to choose from.
With this type of dish, the carbs found within this protein bowl are not refined, which would have been significantly more had they been consumed in sandwich form. A similar sandwich has about 280 calories and 41 grams of carbs.
PER 1 TURKEY BOWL: 160 calories, 3 g fat (1 g saturated fat, 0 g trans fat), 1020 mg sodium, 8 g carbs (3 g fiber, 5 g sugar), 25 g protein
11. Taco Bell Black Bean Taco
Taco Bell’s Black Bean Taco is a surprisingly healthy fast-food option for those who want to indulge in some delicious Mexican food without compromising their health goals.
This meatless taco is loaded with protein and fiber, making it a satisfying meal that won’t leave you feeling guilty. It’s also low in calories, fat, and sodium compared to other menu items at the popular fast-food chain.
The black beans used in this taco are an excellent source of plant-based protein and fiber, which help keep you full for longer periods.
They are also packed with essential vitamins and minerals such as iron, potassium, and folate. The taco shell itself is made from whole wheat flour, adding even more fiber to your meal while reducing unnecessary carbs.
To make this tasty treat even healthier, consider swapping out the cheese or sour cream for extra veggies like lettuce or tomatoes.
12. Wendy’s Baked Potato
Wendy’s baked potato is a surprisingly healthy fast-food order that you can enjoy without feeling guilty about your food choices.
If you’re looking for a quick and easy meal on the go, this option is perfect for you. Not only does it taste delicious, but it’s also loaded with essential vitamins and nutrients that your body needs to function optimally.
The potato is a great source of dietary fiber, potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6. It’s also low in calories and fat when compared to other fast-food options like burgers or fries. You can even add some toppings like broccoli or chives to make it even more nutritious!
Overall, Wendy’s baked potato is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to eat healthier while still enjoying their favorite fast-food restaurant.
13. Chipotle Sofritos Tacos
When it comes to fast food, people don’t usually associate it with healthy eating. However, some fast-food chains are offering healthier options on their menus, including Chipotle. One of their most popular menu items is the Sofritos Tacos – a vegetarian option that is surprisingly healthy.
These tacos are made with sofritos – a blend of sautéed onions, peppers, and spices. The mixture is then combined with black beans and served in a soft corn tortilla.
Each taco contains 150 calories and 6 grams of protein – making them an excellent choice for anyone looking for a low-calorie meal without sacrificing taste.
It’s not just the Sofritos Tacos that make Chipotle a great place to grab a quick meal. They also offer other healthy options like burrito bowls, which can be customized to fit your dietary needs.
14. Wendy’s Junior Hamburger
Wendy’s Junior Hamburger is a great option for those looking for a delicious, low-cost meal. It has all the flavor of a classic hamburger in an affordable package.
With its fresh ingredients and unique condiments, this burger provides a unique flavor that can’t be found anywhere else.
For the price, the quality and taste of the Junior Hamburger make it a great value. In addition, Wendy’s is dedicated to sustainability, using 100% sustainable beef in their burgers and other dishes.
PER BURGER: 250 calories, 11 g fat (4 g saturated fat, 0.5 g trans fat), 420 mg sodium, 25 g carbs (1 g fiber, 5 g sugar), 13 g protein
15. Starbucks Protein Box
Instead of passing by the sandwich table, you can choose from a multitude of protein boxes at Starbucks. We selected the Egg and Cheddar box because it’s lower in sugar, fat, and salt than many of the other varieties. It packs in your body both protein and fiber from the eggs, cheese, and nut butter with bread containing seeds.
16. Classic Grilled Chicken Wrap
When it comes to fast food, many assume that healthy options are few and far between.
However, you might be surprised to learn that some of your favorite fast-food chains offer surprisingly healthy menu items. One such option is the classic grilled chicken wrap.
Grilled chicken is a great source of lean protein, making it an excellent choice for those looking to maintain muscle mass or lose weight. This wrap typically includes lettuce, tomato, and other veggies, providing essential vitamins and nutrients.
Plus, the whole-wheat tortilla adds fiber to keep you feeling fuller for longer.
When ordering a classic grilled chicken wrap from your favorite fast-food restaurant, there are a few tips to keep in mind. First, ask for any high-calorie sauces or dressings on the side so that you can control how much you use.
Burger King
“Having a combination of protein, fat, and carbohydrate gives a good start to the day to satisfy hunger and give good staying power,” says Evans.
The meat omission also helps avoid high sodium levels and potential carcinogens in processed meats you typically find on breakfast sandwiches, such as bacon and sausage. And we have to admit, croissan’wich is a pretty clever name.
Nutrition info: 322.4 calories, 17.7 g fat (8.8 g saturated fat), 28.6 g carbohydrates (0.8 g fiber, 3.9 g sugar), 648.2 mg sodium, 12.6 g protein
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Healthy, Easy, Tender And Juicy Air Fryer Naked Chicken.
A Simple, Healthy Brown Rice Pilaf Recipe
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the number 1 healthiest fast food in the world?
Starbucks Egg White & Roasted Red Pepper Egg Bites and Chipotle Salad Bowl
healthy fast food options near me
Surprisingly healthy fast-food orders are becoming more and more popular among people who are on-the-go or looking for a quick, convenient meal. Fast food doesn’t always have to mean unhealthy, greasy burgers and fries! There are plenty of options that can offer the same convenience without sacrificing your health goals.
One great option is the grilled chicken sandwich, which is available at most fast-food chains. This sandwich usually comes with lettuce, tomato, and other fresh toppings that add flavor and nutrition to your meal.
Another option is a salad – many fast food restaurants now offer a variety of salads that come with lean protein sources like grilled chicken or shrimp. You can also customize your salad by adding extra vegetables or dressing on the side.
If you’re in the mood for something warm and comforting, try opting for a bowl of chili or soup instead of french fries.
Conclusion
In conclusion,choosing a healthier fast-food meal doesn’t have to be complicated. Armed with this list of surprisingly healthy fast-food orders, you can make better decisions for your health and still enjoy the convenience of drive-thru dining.
Just remember to practice portion control, select items that are lower in sodium, and skip the sugary drinks and desserts. With mindful choices, you can find ways to enjoy fast food without feeling guilty afterward.