Generally (and understandably), everyone sees fast food as generally pretty unhealthy. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Almost every fast food joint serves a healthy option, and you just need to know what to buy. To make sure you never feel guilty again when eating out, here are a few of the healthiest fast food options you can order today.
Salad with Grilled Protein
Many fast-food restaurants offer salads topped with grilled chicken or shrimp, and you should never feel guilty about trying them. These salads are loaded with fresh vegetables, providing fiber and vitamins, while the grilled protein helps keep you full and energized throughout the day. However, make sure you don’t get tempted by ruining the salad with unhealthy dressings, such as ranch.
Whole Wheat Turkey Wrap
One of the healthiest fast food options you can order is a whole wheat turkey wrap, a particularly smart pick for a quick lunch. Turkey is a very lean protein, and these wraps are also filled with fresh greens and sometimes a light spread of hummus or avocado. It’s a genuinely hearty option that combines protein, fiber, and healthy fats, keeping your body full but healthy.
Fresh Fruit Cups
Instead of reaching for that cheesecake, consider grabbing a fruit cup next time you’re visiting a fast food restaurant. They’ll give you a tasty mix of seasonal fruits, all of which will be packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, offering a naturally sweet treat without added sugars.
Grilled Chicken Sandwich
While a hamburger is going to pump your arteries full of cholesterol, Muscle & Fitness points out that a grilled chicken sandwich will do quite the opposite. It will give you a lean source of protein without the extra calories of fried options. Many fast-food chains offer versions loaded with fresh veggies on whole grain buns, providing a balanced meal that’s both tasty and good for your waistline.
Veggie Burger
Fast food meats can often be highly processed, so consider grabbing a veggie burger instead, which is a great alternative to traditional beef patties. They’re packed with plant-based proteins, fiber, and essential nutrients and often come with toppings like avocado, lettuce, and tomato, making them both nutritious and delicious.
Greek Yogurt Parfait
A particularly trendy fast food option lately has been Greek yogurt parfait, and while they’re delicious, they’re actually pretty healthy. They blend creamy yogurt with fresh fruits and granola, offering plenty of probiotics for your gut to enjoy, not to mention all the protein. Make sure the joint isn’t using sweetened yogurt, and you’re good to go.
Grilled Fish Tacos
Some people think tacos have to be unhealthy, but they couldn’t be more wrong. In particular, grilled fish tacos provide a flavorful yet healthy option, as they’re made with fresh fish, soft corn tortillas, fresh salsa, and a squeeze of lime–there’s nothing unhealthy about that. Best of all, the fish gives you omega-3 fatty acids, which are excellent for your body and brain health.
Egg White Breakfast Sandwich
While egg yolks are filled with cholesterol, an egg white breakfast sandwich is a good way to avoid this when starting your day. Choose whole grain bread and add spinach or tomato for extra nutrients, and you’ll have yourself a breakfast sandwich that is high in protein and low in both calories and cholesterol.
Smoothie with Added Greens
Sadly, a lot of fast food smoothies are full of sugar, but if you find one that is based on fruits and greens, especially when they include added greens like spinach or kale, you can drink it guilt-free. Make sure you ask the staff if the smoothie uses any added sugars, though, because if it does, you’ll want to give that a miss.
Quinoa Salad
Fast food doesn’t get much healthier than a quinoa salad, which is becoming increasingly available these days. Quinoa is rich in protein, fiber, and essential amino acids, and when combined with fresh vegetables and a light dressing, you’ll have a surprisingly filling and healthy meal option.
Black Bean Soup
When eating out, a lot of people overlook black bean soup, which is a truly hearty, nutritious option. High in protein and fiber, it can be a satisfying meal on its own or paired with a side salad. Look for versions with low sodium and fresh ingredients for the healthiest choice.
Lettuce Wraps
Another recent fast food trend that is well worth giving a go, even on a health kick, is lettuce wraps, which are a low-carb alternative to traditional wraps. Filled with lean meats, veggies, and a light sauce, they offer a crisp and refreshing way to enjoy a wrap without the extra calories from bread or tortillas.
Grilled Vegetable Sandwich
If you’ve got a hankering for a sandwich but don’t want to overdo it on the calories, go for a grilled vegetable sandwich, which will feature a medley of seasonal vegetables, often paired with a light spread on whole grain bread. This sandwich provides a variety of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making it a genuinely guilt-free option.
Brown Rice and Veggie Bowl
When you’re craving carbs but want to keep things healthy, choose a brown rice and veggie bowl over white rice or breaded options, which are far more nutritious and filling. These bowls also tend to include a mix of roasted vegetables, beans, and a light sauce, offering a balanced meal with whole grains and plenty of fiber.
Turkey Chili
Everyone loves chili, but the ground beef that fast food chains use is often filled with oil and other nasty stuff. Meanwhile, turkey chili is generally much more hearty and healthy, and turkey is way leaner than beef. Best of all, you probably won’t even notice the difference, leaving you with a healthier option without losing any flavor.
Avocado Toast
You never have to feel guilty when you’re eating avocado toast, which is a popular and healthy choice that many fast food chains serve. This is particularly the case if it’s made with whole grain bread, and remember not to get tempted by the offer of adding crispy bacon, which will quickly ruin the health benefits.
Fresh Spring Rolls
Going out for take-out at a Chinese joint doesn’t always have to be unhealthy. Choose fresh spring rolls, which are a light and healthy choice. They’re filled with fresh vegetables and lean protein like shrimp or chicken and are then wrapped in rice paper, which is pretty low-calorie. Dipping them in a light peanut or soy sauce adds extra flavor and is much healthier than hoisin sauce.
Chicken and Hummus Plate
There’s nothing unhealthy about eating a chicken and hummus plate, so don’t feel bad about grabbing one at a fast-food place. They’re protein-packed options that are super satisfying, but to get the most organic and fresh versions, you’re going to have to visit a traditional Middle-Eastern spot.
Oatmeal with Fresh Fruit
There’s no denying that the pre-packaged instant oatmeal products that you find in stores are unhealthy due to their sugar content, but regular oatmeal from a fast food joint, topped with fresh fruit, can actually be a very wholesome breakfast choice. Just make sure they’re not adding sugar, syrup, or any other sweet treats into your bowl, and your body will be full of healthy, slow-release energy.