Healthy Eating: Fast Food Edition

One of my New Year’s resolutions is to eat healthier!
Although I hardly ever eat at fast food restaurants, sometimes you just can’t avoid ’em. Especially if you’re in a hurry or on a long road trip. But stopping at a greasy hamburger joint doesn’t mean you have to order the greasy hamburger… you can make healthy choices when you need a quick meal, if you know what to order.

The following are my favorite fast-food picks, all for under 300 calories.

Chick-fil-A
Chick-fil-A is one of the healthier fast food places around. They offer grilled chicken, fresh veggies and colorful fruits, all served with some big flavor.

I use only half of the dressing packet (mmmm honey mustard… my fave) and I leave off the tortilla chips that it comes with. This salad is a little spicy, which I love, but beware- it’s HUGE and always leaves my belly a little swollen after I eat it… in a good way of course!

I’m pretty sure I will order off of the kids’ menu forever. Seriously!
I loveee Chick Fil A’s chicken nuggets… and instead of fries, I order a small fruit cup on the side. The cup is filled with fresh apples, strawberries, oranges and grapes, and all that protein really makes me feel satisfied.

Wendy’s

I know it’s hard to imagine stopping by a Wendy’s without ordering a cool, creamy frosty (my favorite growing up!) but let’s take a look at one healthier option…

This cup of chili may look weak, but it has some BIG muscles. This meaty favorite is low in fat and high in fiber and protein, so it will fill you up fast. And it’s perfect for a cold winter night!

Taco Bell

There are plenty of items on Taco Bell’s menu that pack in calories and saturated fat. Luckily for you and me, they created this special menu called the “Drive thru diet” with healthier on-the-go options.

These fresco soft chicken tacos are by far your best bet, with the fewest grams of saturated fat and the most protein! Not to mention I’ll eat anything wrapped in a tortilla.

Subway

Although Subway boasts a healthy menu, it’s definitely possible to go way wrong when ordering a sub. The thing to watch out for? Their sauces, which can add unnecessary calories and fat. The one awesome thing about Subway is that you can get as many veggies on your sub as you want, without adding virtually any calories.

I’m a creature of habit, and always order the same thing…

You can’t go wrong with turkey and cheese on wheat bread… just add in veggies and yellow mustard for the perfect meal!

🙂

What about you guys… Have a favorite healthy fast food meal?
I’d love to hear!

I’m starting to think about my beach bod. Spring break will be coming up mighhhty soon! 😉

Oh and happy MLK Day!
Love, Cait

Leave a Comment

31 Comments

  1. I didn't realize these didn't have that many calories! I just started "trying" to eat healthier but its so convenient to get fast food for lunch. Now I know what to get when I get fast food!! 🙂

    1.16.12Reply
  2. Anonymous

    My favorite is a Subway sandwich – turkey on wheat with banana peppers (extra), olives, lettuce, cucumbers, green peppers, onions, mustard, pepper & vinegar. Yumm!!

    Who knew these places had such healthy food! Great to know. =)

    Happy Monday!

    xoxo,
    megs [at] Shine On & Skinny Up

    1.17.12Reply
  3. Chick Fila now also has grilled chicken nuggets. They are pretty good, and a healthy option.

    1.17.12Reply
  4. I love Chick-Fil-A's salads! They are one of my favorite healthy fast food options

    1.17.12Reply
  5. What a great post! Thanks for the tips!

    1.17.12Reply
  6. Great tips, I'm trying to eat healthier, too! I adore Chick-Fil-A and Subway. You should try the Veggie De-lite there sometime; it's super good!

    1.17.12Reply
  7. Such great information! Thanks for sharing! Hope your week is off to a great start!

    1.17.12Reply
  8. This is a great post. I eat at chic-fil-a a lot with the kids, but I like the fried chicken salad. You will have to tell me how you did your graphics. YOu did a great job.

    1.17.12Reply
  9. Such a great post, with recruitment I have been eating out and so poorly! I love Chick-fil-a's kids meals, but usually I am bad and get fries!

    1.17.12Reply
  10. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! This post made my day! My boyfriend loves fast food so this will make accompanying him for dinner way easier 🙂

    1.17.12Reply
  11. This is SUCH a helpful post!! Thanks for sharing, I'm definitely going to keep this in mind next time I'm eating fast food! Also…

    I tagged you in my post today (blogger tag)! Check it out here:
    http://classycarolina.blogspot.com/2012/01/blogger-tag.html

    1.17.12Reply
  12. love the tips! I eat out so much at school and am always on the hunt for lower calorie options.

    1.17.12Reply
  13. LOVE this! We go out a decent amount and I never know what to get! My only downfall is that we just got a Cook Out here in Greenville. But now I have healthier options! Thanks so much 🙂

    1.17.12Reply
  14. Oh I love Chick-fil-a! 🙂 There chicken nuggets are so good and they don't have that many calories! Crazy!

    1.17.12Reply
  15. hmmm looks delicious ecpecially the taco's

    x

    1.17.12Reply
  16. Great ideas! 🙂 xo

    1.17.12Reply
  17. Love that you can get chicken nuggets for under 300!!

    1.17.12Reply
  18. Great options! I tried the new grilled chicken nuggets at Chick-Fil-A and they were great! They'll let you get them in an adult meal and I added fruit. Yum!

    1.17.12Reply
  19. Great post! Who knew chicken nuggets were under 300 calories?? Crazyy

    http://sosimplychic.blogspot.com/

    1.17.12Reply
  20. This post has made me so hungry!

    1.17.12Reply
  21. you can eat relatively low calorie even at fast food places, it is definitely doable!! just don't order supersize everything with tons of cheese and mayo and extra toppings on these. what a great post, i need to print this off and keep it in my back pocket for when i want fast food but don't want to load up on calories!

    1.17.12Reply
  22. If only I could stick to those orders but the quarter pounder from mcdonalds calls my name EVERYTIME ugh!

    1.17.12Reply
  23. Is it bad that I think eating ff's from chick-fil-a is healthier than from mcdonalds?? ha. I also heart the fruit cups at chick-fil-a!

    1.18.12Reply
  24. How amazing is this?! Such a good compilation of healthy, quick meals.

    xo, Audrey
    audswan.blogspot.com

    1.18.12Reply
  25. Thanks for stopping by and commenting! Love my Southern bloggers! Here's to a great Spring wardrobe this season!
    allthatsgoldglitters.blogspot.com

    1.18.12Reply
  26. Anonymous

    Wendy's chili is the secret menu item that fills you up and doesn't cost a ton of calories! So happy you decided to add it to your post!

    1.18.12Reply
  27. I always order off the kids menu at Chick-fil-A–I'm shocked by how few calories it is!! I need you to move to Richmond and be my healthy, motivating friend, haha!

    1.18.12Reply
  28. I'm OBSESSED with Chik-fil-la. I also really like Subway. I think those are my go-to sandwiches for fast food cravings.

    ALSO, PLEASE GUEST POST! I'm sorry I have been so out of it since I got back from my honeymoon, but YES! I would love for you to guest post. I'll email you tonight! Yay for no more viruses on computers!

    1.18.12Reply
  29. It's always great to know that you can have your fast food and eat it too!

    SHF
    thechroniclesofs.blogspot.com

    PS: I tagged you in a post! Check it out here: http://thechroniclesofs.blogspot.com/2012/01/tag-youre-it.html

    1.21.12Reply
  30. I just discovered the southwest chicken salad from chick fil a and I love it. I also am always surprised by the nutritionals when you look at the size of the salad. Good to see the other options out there…Great Post!

    1.25.12Reply