Living in a Fast Food Nation

I am not a huge advocate of fast food, but I understand the appeal. It’s cheap and easy, and for better or worse, society has embraced it with open arms. I am trying to wrap my head the concept of “healthy fast food,” and although weary, I tried to compile a list of some of the best fast food out there. At the end of the day I will always stand by a homemade meal over any take out fast food choice, but here are some of the best options from popular vendors.

Wendys 
Small chili: 210 calories – high protein, low sugar and fat, full of fiber

      Ultimate Grilled Chicken sandwich with no sauce and a side salad : 400 calories

      Baked Potato- get your carbohydrates for the day, but hold the sour cream!
      Apple Pecan Chicken Salad- 570 calories

Chick-Fil-a
Grilled Market Salad- only 190 calories!
Char-grilled Chicken Sandwich – signature item, only 310 calories without the mayo
 Asian Salad- 330 calories, try with a reduced fat berry balsamic vinaigrette

Burger King
 Whopper Jr- Craving some beef? Without mayo this will only cost you 260 calories
Veggie Burger:  BK uses Morningstar patties, and without mayo they are 320 calories
Alaskan Fish Sandwich: Skip the tartar sauce and they are only 360 calories

Mcdonalds
Fruit and Maple Oatmeal: Good breakfast option with 32 grams of your daily whole grains
 Premium Mcwrap Grilled Sweet Chili: 360 calories, stick to the grilled wraps over the crispy
 Fruit and Yogurt Parfait: Perfect option for a sweet tooth craving or breakfast choice for only 150 calories

      Taco Bell
   Choose from the ‘fresco menu’ – all items under 350 calories and 10 grams of fat
   Fresco Burrito Supreme Chicken- White meat chicken, beans, pico de gallo
   Chicken Cantina Bowl- fresher ingredients, in veggie or chicken, watch out for over consumption of rice

Subway

With the Michael Phelps and various other athletic sponsors and introduction of the “fresh fit choices” it’s obvious Subway has picked up on the fit lifestyle. Some options include:
Turkey Breast on whole grain bread- try adding more veggies and less condiments

Turkey Breast Chopped salad- use dressing sparingly

 Spicy Tuna Salad- new option rich in Omegas and low calorie

Green Chili and Tomato Soup – When you want the comfort of a warm soup for 130 calories

A few tips:

      Always skip the mayo if possible

   ALWAYS choose water over soda

    If you can, BYOD (bring your own dressing)

   Choose hot sauce or spices over creamy spreads

   Choose chicken or veggies over beef