Hey there, are you looking for healthy meal options but only have time for a quick bite on the go? You’re not alone. Fast food has become a staple of our busy modern lives, but most options are anything but nutritious. There are healthier fast food choices waiting to be discovered that are delicious, affordable, and can satisfy your craving in a flash. Keep reading to uncover some of the best healthy fast food options out there. Your waistline and wellbeing will thank you.
Fast Food Doesn’t Have to Be Unhealthy – Choose These Options
Fast food doesn’t have to be unhealthy – choose these options
Opt for grilled chicken sandwiches or wraps instead of burgers. Grilled chicken contains lots of protein without the extra grease and fat. Pair it with lots of veggies and a side salad for a satisfying, nutritious meal.
If you do want a burger, get a single patty on a lettuce wrap or in a bowl. Ditch the sugary sauces and load up your burger with extras like mushrooms, onions, spinach and tomato.
Watch out for liquid calories. Sodas, shakes and frappes pack lots of sugar, fat and empty calories. Choose water, unsweetened tea, skim or low-fat milk instead.
And finally, don’t supersize anything. Portion control is key. Get the smallest size available for your meal and avoid going back for seconds. Your waistline and wallet will thank you!
Eating fast food in moderation as part of a balanced diet can absolutely be healthy. Make the right choices, watch your portion sizes and stay hydrated with water or unsweetened beverages. Your body will appreciate your efforts to nourish it, even when time is short!
Build a Healthy Fast Food Meal by Mixing and Matching Menu Items
Burgers can work too
If you go for a burger, choose a veggie burger or a burger made of lean meat like turkey or bison and load it up with veggies. Skip the cheese and special sauces which are filled with excess fat, sugar and calories. A side salad with a light vinaigrette dressing is always a good choice.
Healthier sides
Choose a side of fresh fruit, a baked potato, chili or corn on the cob instead of fries. If fries are a must, go for the smallest size and split them with a friend. Other options like steamed veggies, a garden salad, or black beans are more nutritious and filling.
Drink right
Pass on the sugary soda and milkshakes. Opt for water, unsweetened tea, skim or low-fat milk, or 100% fruit juice with no added sugar. These provide hydration without extra calories.
By mixing and matching healthy menu items, you can put together a fast food meal under 500 calories that delivers nutrition and satisfies your craving. What are you waiting for? Head to the drive-thru and start creating your own healthy combo meal. Your body and wallet will thank you!
Healthy Fast Food Hacks – Customize Your Order for Maximum Nutrition
Healthy fast food is possible if you know the right hacks. Here are a few tips to make your next drive-thru order more nutritious:
Customize Your Order
Don’t be afraid to ask for substitutions and leave out unhealthy ingredients. Ask for a burger without the mayonnaise and cheese, a salad with dressing on the side, or a baked potato without butter and sour cream. Many places now offer side salads, fresh fruit, and yogurt as alternatives to fries. Take advantage of these healthier sides.
Choose Grilled over Fried
Opt for grilled chicken sandwiches, fish sandwiches or salads instead of their fried counterparts. A grilled option can cut hundreds of calories and reduce unhealthy fats. If fried is your only choice, ask for it to be made without the breaded coating.
Watch Your Portion Sizes
Supersize and value meal options are popular but contain way more food than one person needs. Stick to the smallest size available for your meal. If you do get a larger size, share it with someone else or save half for later.
Compare Nutrition Info
Most major fast food chains now list nutrition facts on their website or mobile app. Compare the options before you order to choose meals lower in calories, fat, sugar and sodium. Some seemingly healthy salads and wraps can contain more than 1,000 calories, so check the details.
Making healthy choices when eating fast food is all about being selective and not being afraid to customize your meal. You’ll feel better knowing you made the most nutritious choice possible, even when short on time. With a few simple hacks, fast food doesn’t have to be a nutritional nightmare. You’ve got this!
Conclusion
So next time you’re in a rush and need to grab something quick to eat, don’t automatically head to the usual burger joint. There are now more healthy fast food options than ever before, and many of the big chains are making an effort to provide nutritious menu choices. Your future self will thank you. Healthy fast food – two words you never thought you’d see together but should get used to. The options are out there, so start exploring today!