Eating Healthy at Fast-Food Restaurants: 9 Places to Try
Introduction
While fast food is often associated with unhealthy options, many restaurants are now offering nutritious meals and sides. In this article, we’ll explore 9 fast-food chains that provide healthier options, making it easier to eat well on-the-go.
What to Look for in Healthy Fast Food
When searching for healthy fast food, look for options that are low in calories, fat, salt, and added sugars. Opt for meals that include lean protein, whole grains, and a variety of vegetables. Pay attention to portion sizes and choose options that are grilled, baked, or steamed instead of fried.
1. Chipotle Mexican Grill
Chipotle Mexican Grill is a popular chain that specializes in tacos and burritos made with organic, local ingredients. They offer a variety of meats, including chicken, steak, and carnitas, as well as vegetarian options like beans and tofu. Choose brown rice and skip the sour cream and cheese to keep your meal healthy.
Healthier Options: Burritos, tacos, and salads with a variety of meats, veggies, rice, beans, and guacamole
Locations: All over the United States, as well as Canada, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom
2. Chick-fil-A
Chick-fil-A is a fast-food chain that offers a variety of chicken sandwiches and salads. They have a separate kids’ menu that includes fruit cup sides and milk to drink. Choose the grilled chicken nuggets and a side salad to keep your meal healthy.
Healthier Options: Grilled chicken nuggets, chicken salads, grilled market salad, and Greek yogurt parfait
Locations: Throughout the United States
3. Wendy’s
Wendy’s is a fast-food chain that offers a variety of hamburgers, chicken sandwiches, and salads. Their salad menu includes options like chicken salads and wraps. Choose the chicken salad and skip the croutons and cheese to keep your meal healthy.
Healthier Options: Chicken salads and wraps
Locations: 30 countries worldwide, mostly in North and South America, Asia, and the Caribbean
4. McDonald’s
McDonald’s is a well-known fast-food chain that offers a variety of burgers, salads, and breakfast items. They have added healthier options to their menu, including grilled chicken sandwiches and salads. Choose the grilled chicken sandwich and a side salad to keep your meal healthy.
Healthier Options: Several healthy salads, mostly made with chicken, vegetables, and fruit
Locations: Worldwide, in a total of 119 countries
5. Ruby Tuesday
Ruby Tuesday is a casual dining chain that offers a variety of steaks, seafood, pasta, and salads. Their Garden Bar and Fresh Salads menu includes options like grilled chicken and fish. Choose the grilled chicken and a side of steamed vegetables to keep your meal healthy.
Healthier Options: Grilled chicken and fish, salads, and side dishes like baked potatoes and fresh vegetables
Locations: North America and Europe
6. The Cheesecake Factory
The Cheesecake Factory is a popular casual dining chain that offers a wide variety of menu items, including steaks, seafood, pasta, and salads. They have added a "SkinnyLicious" menu with smaller portions and healthier ingredients. Choose the grilled chicken and a side salad to keep your meal healthy.
Healthier Options: Grilled chicken, fish, seafood, salads, and appetizers
Locations: The United States, with several restaurants in the Middle East
7. KFC
KFC is a fast-food chain that is known for its fried chicken. However, they also offer grilled chicken options and a variety of side dishes. Choose the grilled chicken and a side of sweet corn to keep your meal healthy.
Healthier Options: Grilled chicken and sweet corn
Locations: Worldwide
8. Subway
Subway is a fast-food chain that specializes in sandwiches and salads. They offer a variety of meats, cheeses, and vegetables, allowing you to customize your meal. Choose a whole-grain bread and skip the cheese to keep your meal healthy.
Healthier Options: Whole-grain bread, salads, and a variety of vegetables
Locations: 44,000 restaurants in 110 countries
9. Panera Bread
Panera Bread is a bakery, café, and restaurant that offers a variety of soups, salads, and sandwiches. They have a "clean" menu that includes options like vegetable soup and salads. Choose a whole-grain bread and skip the cheese to keep your meal healthy.
Healthier Options: Soups and salads
Locations: North America
Conclusion
Eating healthy at fast-food restaurants is easier than you think. By choosing options that are low in calories, fat, salt, and added sugars, you can enjoy a nutritious meal on-the-go. Remember to pay attention to portion sizes and choose options that are grilled, baked, or steamed instead of fried. With these 9 fast-food chains, you can eat healthy and still satisfy your cravings.
FAQs
Q: What are some general tips for eating healthy at fast-food restaurants?
A: Choose options that are low in calories, fat, salt, and added sugars. Opt for meals that include lean protein, whole grains, and a variety of vegetables. Pay attention to portion sizes and choose options that are grilled, baked, or steamed instead of fried.
Q: Are there any healthy options at fast-food restaurants that are under 500 calories?
A: Yes, many fast-food restaurants offer healthy options that are under 500 calories. For example, Chipotle Mexican Grill’s burrito bowl with chicken, brown rice, and vegetables is approximately 350 calories. Subway’s 6-inch turkey breast sandwich on whole-grain bread with vegetables is approximately 350 calories.
Q: Can I customize my meal to make it healthier?
A: Yes, many fast-food restaurants allow you to customize your meal to make it healthier. For example, you can ask for no cheese or sauces, or choose a side salad instead of fries.
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