Life can be hectic and sometimes we have to eat on the run. If you find yourself stopping at the closest fast food restaurant for a quick bite, you’ll no doubt notice the high fat, high calorie selections, but most fast food chains have made an effort to include at least a few healthy options.

Look more closely and you will find a number healthy meals that are lower in fat and calories and are still good enough for a quick meal. Take McDonald’s as an example, they have fresh salads on their menu that are perfect for on the go. One of my favorites is the Southwest Salad. Just choose grilled chicken over crispy (which is code for fried) and you will save 170 calories, and 13 grams of fat. The sodium content in the  dressing is a little high, so try a different dressing or just use half.  We did a little checking for you to find the healthiest choices from the top 7 fast food restaurants.

 

  • 1

    McDonald’s

    If you’re in the mood for a high protein meal with fewer calories, try ordering the Premium Grilled Chicken Classic sandwich from the famous yellow arch. Make sure to ask for extra lettuce and no mayo. Skipping out on the mayo saves you about 50 calories and 6 grams of fat, which means you will consume a total of 300 calories all together. Still not enough calories taken off? Well ditching the top half of the bun can cut back 100 calories, 20 grams of carbs and 165 milligrams of sodium. Shocking right? Who knew you could eat this healthy at the world’s favorite fast food place!

  • 2

    KFC

    Not in the mood for a boring old salad? Well come on down to KFC and order an awesome low calorie dinner made up with all your favorite foods. Order Grilled Chicken Drumsticks, Green beans, Mashed potatoes and unsweetened iced tea. Some of you may be worried about the calorie intake in the mashed potato, but have no fear. KFC’s mashed potatoes are only 90 calories and 320 mg of sodium. If you’re still worried about the calorie intake, try dipping the fork in gravy rather than pouring it all over the potatoes. This way you’ll save about 30 calories while still tasting a hint of gravy.

  • 3

    Burger King

    Still can’t get over that cheeseburger craving while on a diet? Here’s a meal that will satisfy your craving and keep you those calories low at the same time. Try ordering a Whopper Jr. with cheese, but ditch the mayo and fries. The burger itself is only 300 calories and adding a side salad with your choice of dressing  will create a more well balanced meal.

  • 4

    Wendy’s

    As we slowly approach fall we tend to crave comfort foods such as soups, stews and chili. We love these foods because they bring us so much warmth and flavor all in one bite, but they can be pretty high in calories. However Wendy’s large homemade chili is only 310 calories, without added cheese or cracker of course. The chili is also super packed with tons of nutrients such as 26 grams of protein and 10 grams of fiber.

  • 5

    Chipotle

    It can be very difficult finding something with low calories and low sodium at the Mexican inspired restaurant. If you’re in the mood for a Burrito bowl, Chipotle has got the right one for you, just under 500 calories. Try the Burrito bowl with steak, black beans, fajita veggies, fresh tomato salsa, cheese, and romaine lettuce. This meal has a total of 460 calories, 46 grams of protein and 1,150 mg of sodium, so you may want to watch your sodium take for the rest of the day.  

  • 6

    Taco Bell

    Need a burrito with less sodium? Well Taco Bell can help you with that. Try the shredded chicken burrito for only 400 calories, 16 grams of protein and 900 mg of sodium, still high in sodium, but less than some other choices.

  • 7

    Chik-Fil-A

     Chik-Fil-A offers those famous chicken sandwiches and those waffle fries with our favorite sauce, but it’s not the best choice when you’re trying to eat healthier. Try ordering the grilled chicken cool wrap for only 340 calories, 30 grams of protein and 800 mg of sodium.

     

More From SoJO 104.9 FM