The phrase “healthy fast food” may seem like a contradiction, however it does exist, even at chains where you’d never expect to find anything other than trans fats and grease. We all have days where the thought of cooking makes us want to openly weep, and often succumb to nasty takeout that keeps us full but does little else. Rather than watching your healthy meal choices get shot to hell every time you want to order in, check out a few healthy, or at least healthier, fast foods to enjoy.
Burger King: It Has Vegan Burgers! Who Knew??
You may think of Burger King as your college food court’s option that helped you gain 15 pounds, but it actually is the only fast food establishment to offer vegan burgers. The restaurant’s vegan burger offers 22 grams of protein and 7 grams of fiber, and 25 grams of protein if you add the optional cheese slice. Order it with a garden salad instead of fries for a healthy fast food meal.
Subway: Well, That Jared Guy Has Managed to Keep the Weight Off, Right?
Want a healthy fast food sandwich? Subway is better than most. Their 6″ Subway Club on 9-Grain Wheat Bread with lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, green peppers and sweet onion sauce is a good choice, and comes with apple slices. You’ll find iron, calcium, and vitamins C and A in this meal. Containing 18 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber, it’s not the only healthful option the sandwich joint has to offer. The Oven Roasted Chicken Salad with tomatoes, onions, olives, green peppers and cucumbers with honey-mustard dressing plus a yogurt parfait features healthy doses of vitamins A and C, and contains 19 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber.
Chipotle: For When You’ve Craving Black Beans
Chipotle is another fast food chain that won’t make you contemplate your food choices when you walk through their doors. If you’re in the mood for something vegetarian, try their Vegetarian Burrito Bowl with brown rice, lettuce, black beans, fajita vegetables, and roasted chili-corn salsa. The meal features 25 grams of protein and 19 grams of fiber! It’s also high in calcium, iron and vitamins A and C. A healthy meat option is the 3 Barbacoa (braised beef) Tacos on soft corn tortillas with lettuce and tomato salsa. A huge source of vitamin A, this meal also features 4 grams of fiber and 36 grams of protein.
Panera Bread: Mmm, More Sandwiches
Another good option when you simply must eat a sandwich, Panera’s Half Smoked Turkey Breast on Artisan Whole Grain Loaf plus Low-Fat Garden Vegetable with Pesto Soup features 33 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber.
Helpful Tips
There’s plenty of other things you can do when ordering fast food that won’t result in the dreaded ‘muffin top.’ For example, it’s best to go for healthy sides whenever possible, such as fresh fruit and veggies, and soups. Refrain from ordering soda, which is just going to make you fat anyway, and go for meals minus the cheese, mayonnaise and super-fatty dressing. Always say “no” to super-size offers, and avoid bread. If you do order something with bread, make it whole grain.
Stop feeling guilty about ordering takeout! While it’s never a good idea to eat fast food all the time, it’s okay every now and then, particularly if you opt for healthy choices.
Have a favorite healthy fast food meal you’d like to share? Leave a comment and tell us about it!
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