10 Healthiest Menu Items for Fast Food
common fast-food restaurants do provide healthier choices, despite common belief.
You wind up at some fast-food or quick-service restaurant that is all too conveniently located in your area because you’re stalled on the road or didn’t have time to eat. Which option ought you to select? Being organized is your greatest protection. I looked into well-known fast-food chains and discovered alternatives that fit into a healthy diet; whether you’re searching for a little bite to eat or a sensible dinner, I’ve got you covered.
Roast Chicken Entrée Salad at Arby’s
Arby’s sandwich selections tend to be particularly heavy in salt. Rather, go for the salad (above) that consists of lettuce, tomato, and chicken with crispy bacon and cheddar cheese on top.
Information on nutrition (per dish): 250 calories, 7g saturated fat, 14g total fat, 25g protein, 8g total carbohydrates, 3g fiber, 4g sugars, and 690mg sodium each.
Napa Almond Chicken Salad from Panera served on rustic country sourdough
Serve this well-balanced chicken salad on Country Rustic Sourdough with emerald greens, tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Also prepared witDetails on nutrition (per dish):toasted almonds. For an additional around 70 calories, choose the apple.
Nutritional information (for the whole sandwich): 550 calories, 25 grams of total fat, 4 grams of saturated fat, 22 grams of protein, 60 grams of total carbohydrates, 4 grams of fiber, 12 grams of sugars, and 860 milligrams of sodium.
The Grilled Chicken Sandwich from Chick-fil-A
Choose the grilled chicken sandwich from this beloved fast-food establishment. Boneless chicken breast marinated in lemon and herb is the star of this sandwich, which is served with lettuce and tomato on a multigrain baguette. For a sandwich, the amounts of sugar, saturated fat, and salt are all within healthy bounds. Serve it with a side salad or fruit cup to go with it.
This sandwich’s nutrition information is as follows: 320 calories, 6g fat overall, 1g saturated fat, 28g protein, 41g carbohydrates overall, 2g fiber, and 9g sugars. 680 mg of sodium
McDonald’s Oatmeal with Fruit and Maple
Choose the oatmeal if you’re searching for a nutritious breakfast; it may be offered all day in certain places. Two servings of whole grain oats with a hint of brown sugar and milk are included in this recipe. Moreover, it is sweetened with two kinds of raisins, cranberries, and red and green apples.
Nutritional data based on oatmeal: 320 calories, 4.5g fat overall, 1.5g fat that is saturated, 6g protein, 64g carbs overall, 4g fiber, 31g sugars, and 150 mg sodium
The Tomato and Mozzarella Panini from Starbucks
This plant-based sandwich with layers of focaccia, roasted tomatoes, mozzarella, spinach, and basil pesto is a great choice if you find yourself hungry at Starbucks. Call ahead and request that this baby be warmed up!
Nutritional information (per sandwich): 380 calories, 48g of total carbohydrates, 2g of fiber, 5g of saturated fat, 18g of protein, and 48g of total fat. 770 mg of sodium
Veggie Egg White Omelet from Dunkin’
You’re likely to come across a Dunkin’ if you’re traveling across the nation or find yourself at an airport. An egg white vegetarian omelet stuffed with onions, bell peppers, and spinach makes up this sandwich. On a thin multigrain sandwich, white cheddar cheese is piled over it.
This sandwich’s nutrition information is as follows: 290 calories, 13g fat overall, 5g saturated fat, 17g protein, 27g carbohydrates overall, 5g fiber, 4g sugars, and 550mg sodium.
Cauliflower Rigatoni Fresca with Shrimp from Noodles and Company
This healthy noodle restaurant has a variety of selections, such as this rigatoni infused with cauliflower that is sautéed with shrimp, red onion, tomato, olive oil, balsamic vinaigrette, and roasted garlic, then topped with parmesan cheese. This dish’s high salt content (which is quite modest when compared to other menu items) is its main drawback, so watch how much sodium you consume during the rest of the day.
This dish’s nutrition information is as follows: 470 calories, 20g fat overall, 4g saturated fat, 25g protein, 51g total carbohydrates, 4g fiber, 5g sugars, and 1,130mg sodium.
Wendy’s Baked Potato with Sour Cream and Chives
Wendy’s baked potatoes are a great choice whether you’re stopping for a quick snack or a little dinner. A traditional pairing of sour cream and chives makes for a great roadside comfort meal.
Nutrition info (per dish): 310 calories, 1.5g fat that is saturated, 2.5g total fat, 8g protein, 63g carbs total, 7g fiber, 4g sugars, and 55 mg sodium
Salad de Chipotle Steak
On the Chipotle website, you may create a customized meal while considering nutrition by using the nutrition calculator. Greens, steak, brown rice, mild Monterey Jack cheese, and fresh tomato salsa are all included in this steak salad. Feel free to save any leftovers for a later time since the serving is very huge.
Salad nutrition facts: 455 calories, 16g fat overall, 6g saturated fat, 29g protein, 44.5g carbohydrates overall, 6g fiber, 2g sugars, and 1,180 mg sodium
Kung Pao Chicken and Super Greens in a Panda Express Bowl
Choose one entrée and one side to make a bowl at Panda Express. While the Kung Pao Chicken is a Sichuan-inspired meal with chicken, peanuts, and veggies, topped with chili peppers, the super greens are a blend of greens, including broccoli. Be cautious of the salt in your diet for the remainder of the day since most foods have higher than average sodium content (this is particularly typical for Asian-style cuisine).
Information on nutrition (per dish): 380 calories, 22g fat total, 3.5g saturated fat, 22g protein, 24g carbohydrates total, 7g fiber, 10g sugars, and 1,230 mg sodium.
Food safety and gourmet nutrition are the areas of expertise for registered dietitian and consultant Toby Amidor, MS, RD, CDN. The Greek Yogurt Kitchen: More Than 130 Delectable, Healthful Recipes for Every Meal of the Day is her book.
