Healthier Fast Food Options
I want to start this blog post off with a huge disclaimer that everything is good in moderation. I am not saying that you shouldn’t enjoy some fast food because if you want fast food, go honor your craving and get some. I wanted to make a post of healthy fast food options because sometimes when I am on a road trip or traveling, I don’t want something super heavy. I also know that my stomach is very sensitive and fried food doesn’t always agree with me. Some of the regular fast food options like burgers and chicken fingers can make me feel sluggish and overly full. I know that I can’t typically eat both fried nuggets and fries because that will be too much for my stomach. So, since I’m not willing to give up my French fries, I’ll skip the fried nuggets and get the grilled ones instead.
While waiting in the drive-thru we tend to fall into the pattern of ordering what we regularly order because we can’t think of anything else. This leads me to choose the food I know won’t make me feel too good. Given that, I wanted to give you all a few options that are my go-tos when it comes to healthier fast food.
Warning: I think the most important thing is to know what you are putting in your body. You don’t need to make healthy decisions 24/7, but be aware. For example, one item that is typically deemed “healthy” is a yogurt parfait. If you look at the nutritional facts you will find boatloads of sugar packed into what you thought was a smart, thoughtful decision. Now, if you want to eat a yogurt parfait because that is what sounds good, by all means, please do so. On the other hand, if you thought this was going to be helping you cut down on sugar...you are sadly mistaken.
Starbucks-
Breakfast:
Spinach, feta & egg white wrap. This is one of my favorite options because it is light, but filling, and satisfying. This wrap is perfect if you like tomatoes and feta cheese. The acid from the tomato goes great with the tangy, salty feta. It has an amazing 20 grams of protein to keep you going until your next meal and is wrapped up in a whole wheat wrap packed with fiber.
Turkey bacon, cheddar & egg white sandwich. This egg sandwich is great if you are looking for something simple and light yet super yummy.
Egg white & roasted red pepper sous vide egg bites. This is my absolute go to when it comes to Starbucks breakfast. I love the texture from the sous vide and if peppers aren’t your thing, they have other flavors as well!
Everything bagel and veggie bake. I haven’t tried this item but it looks delicious on the website. Pieces of everything bagel are added with egg, tomato, spinach, onion, and four different cheeses into this one delectable item.
Hearty blueberry oatmeal. If you are looking for something a little less of the savory side try this. To get even more protein into this I like to bring an individually packaged nut butter to mix in!
Lunch:
Chipotle chicken wrap protein box. Starbucks has tons of great options for protein boxes that are obviously packed with protein...hence the name!
Chicken & quinoa protein bowl with black beans and greens. I love this bowl because it has great flavor and is a hearty choice.
Drinks:
FYI: I wanted to let you guys know that I am not a coffee drinker so I won’t be able to assist you with that. I would recommend, if you are looking for a healthier coffee, something with less sugar and less milk/creamer is what you should look for.
Ellavate tip: If you want a sweeter drink, try a smaller size so you don’t feel sick to your stomach afterwards. Starbucks also tends to have very sweet drinks so I like to take out a pump or two of the sweeteners.
My number one recommendation is one of their teas. They have so many to choose from and they are refreshing and lower sugar.
Chick-Fil-A-
This is where things get a bit tricker when it comes to picking healthy foods. I tried to pick the healthier items on the menu, so these options aren’t the epitome of “health food,” but they’ll do the trick.
Breakfast:
Bacon egg and cheese muffin. This is a super simple and classic and is a safe choice wherever you go.
Egg white grill. If you still want chicken and eggs, but you don’t want any fried food this is a great choice.
Lunch/Dinner:
Grilled nuggets. I know, I know it sounds crazy. How could someone ever order grilled nuggets from Chick-Fil-A? This was exactly my question until I tried it. They are actually so juicy and dipped in your favorite sauce, they will not disappoint.
Grilled sandwich/spicy grilled sandwich. If you want a sandwich, but don’t want something super heavy I think this is perfect.
Chick-Fil-A cool wrap with your choice of dressing. I have never tried this wrap before but I have heard good things. It has great fiber and protein.
Salad. Ok so...when it comes to salads, I am kind of a snob lol. I almost never order salad from a fast-food restaurant because I typically find their lettuce watery and disgusting. But, if you disagree with me, this would be a good option. If I am being honest, I would probably dissuade you from this choice because the lettuce most likely does not have much nutritional value (because of its quality) and then you are left with chicken and a few other ingredients. Personally, I would rather get the grilled nuggets with a sauce because it will have more flavor.
Ellavate tip: I highly recommend adding your favorite sauces to these choices because sauce makes everything better. I also always get French fries because I mean come on how could you not? I love the grilled nuggets with French fries because then you still get to enjoy your favorite sauces and get a little bit of fried food without it going over the top.
McDonalds-
Breakfast:
Egg sandwich
Oatmeal
Lunch/Dinner:
This was difficult and there was not much to choose from in terms of healthier options, but if you are looking for something less heavy, I would get a regular cheeseburger, nothing too crazy.
Wendys-
Breakfast:
Once again, a regular bacon or sausage, egg, and cheese sandwich is the best you are going to get.
Lunch/Dinner:
Chili. Under the sides tab you can get chili in a small or large.
Grilled chicken sandwich. If you want something a little spicier try the grilled bacon jalapeno chicken sandwich and take off anything you deem too heavy.
Grilled asiago ranch sandwich can also be customized to a healthier version.
Taco Bell-
Lunch/Dinner:
Power menu bowl. This is basically a version of a chipotle bowl and you can even make it veggie as well as add upgrades such as jalapeños, onions, etc.
Regular taco or burrito
Chicken chipotle melt
Dunkin’ Donuts-
Breakfast:
Veggie egg white omelet
Power breakfast sandwich
Wake up wrap
Egg sandwich on an English muffin
Chipotle-
Lunch/Dinner:
Bowl. Chipotle is great because it is super customizable! They have just added cauliflower rice on their menu as well which is a perfect light option that still includes the delicious citrus, lime flavor. If you are going on the lighter side, I would recommend little to no cheese and sour cream and chicken as your protein.
This is not a judgement if you do want to order a Big Mac with all the fix-ins, but I thought this post would be helpful, not to make you pick these choices, but to show you there is a way to make a healthier choice. Also, as I mentioned, fast food does not always do me right and I have found these options to eliminate that bad feeling.