God Forbid we eat fast food

Okay I know we all try to avoid fast food, but the reality of it is, sometimes its unavoidable. In my opinion starving yourself until you get home is worse than grabbing a takeout meal. So my question to you: If you just absolutely have to eat fast food, where do you go and what do you order?

For me I stick to three places: Wendy's, Chick-fil-A, or Subway. At Wendy's I normally get a half salad and if its cold out I will get a small chili and a side salad. Chick-fil-A is a normally the chicken noodle soup and a side salad or fruit. Subway is a veggie sub on wheat with the fat free sweet onion sauce. All ring in at under 400 cal per meal.

I didn't have time to pack my lunch today so I was forced to go to a drive thru. I figured this would be a good post to help some people out who are stuck in a bind and have to settle for fast food.
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Replies

  • KateK8LoseW8
    KateK8LoseW8 Posts: 824 Member
    I eat fast food once a week because I love the stuff. Yes, I know it's terrible for me, and yes, I know it's full of salt and sugar and crap, but whatever. It's once a week. I only eat dinner anyway, so I can usually just eat whatever I want from anywhere. Wendy's is definitely a favourite though, because it's delicious.
  • MaryJane_8810002
    MaryJane_8810002 Posts: 2,082 Member
    Those quick drive thru trips add up, save your money and pack a healthy lunch AT NIGHT.
  • Slaintegrl
    Slaintegrl Posts: 239 Member
    Sometimes when I don't have anything prepared, I'm out and about and have nothing with me, or I'm just plain too lazy to cook anything, I might go to McDonalds and get a side salad and a couple of grilled chicken patties (just the chicken, no bread). Or maybe the same thing at Wendys.
  • LaurenAOK
    LaurenAOK Posts: 2,475 Member
    Wendy's is my favorite place for healthier fast food options. Their salads are REALLY good, plus they have good sides like the chili or baked potato. A lot of options that are really tasty and pretty low in cals.

    That being said, I honestly have no issues with fast food. My dinner last night was a quarter pounder and fries. I have never had trouble losing weight and staying healthy as long as I eat a reasonable amount of calories and stay active. So I agree with you, nothing wrong with grabbing fast food if it's the easiest option for you.
  • ElliottTN
    ElliottTN Posts: 1,614 Member
    Chick-fil-a is the only option.

    Everything else is gross and will eventually give you cancer.
  • ajaxe432
    ajaxe432 Posts: 608 Member
    Chick-fil-a is the only option.

    Everything else is gross and will eventually give you cancer.
    my thoughts exactly!
  • chivalryder
    chivalryder Posts: 4,391 Member
    If I'm in a crunch and need a quick fill to last me until i get home - I get a juice smoothie. Most of them, from most places are less than 200 or 250 calories and full of healthy yumminess.

    For example:

    http://boosterjuice.com/index.php/products/menu

    Ginger Hammer 480 mL
    Calories 210 (kcal)
    Fat 1.1 (g)
    Saturated Fat 0.2 (g)
    Trans Fat 0 (g)
    Cholesterol 0 (mg)
    Carbohydrates 51 (g)
    Fibres 11 (g)
    Sugar 28 (g)
    Protein 4 (g)
    Vitamin A 748% %DV
    Vitamin C 55% %DV
    Thiamine 23% %DV
    Riboflavin 13% %DV
    Niacin 7% %DV
    Vitamin B6 39% %DV
    Vitamin B12 0% %DV
    Folate 6% %DV
    Vitamin K 4% %DV
    Pantothenic Acid 0% %DV
    Vitamin D 0% %DV
    Vitamin E 0% %DV
    Sodium 4 (mg)
    Calcium 7% %DV
    Iron 11% %DV
    Copper 10% %DV
    Magnesium 23% %DV
    Phosphorus 13% %DV
    Potassium 4% %DV
    Zinc 8% %DV
    Caffeine 0 (mg)
    Glycemic Index 39 (GI)
  • SezxyStef
    SezxyStef Posts: 15,267 Member
    Chick-fil-a is the only option.

    Everything else is gross and will eventually give you cancer.

    I screwed then...we don't have a chick-fil-a...I don't even know what it is...
  • ayalowich
    ayalowich Posts: 242 Member
    that isn't fast food. If you order sandwiches and french fries that is a lot different.

    Most subway sandwiches are fine.
  • auddii
    auddii Posts: 15,357 Member
    Chipotle, because it's tasty as hell!
  • janatarnhem
    janatarnhem Posts: 669 Member
    I have a takeaway when I really want one...or a glass of wine,,,,or two! I just work them into my calorie allowance. I don't believe in cutting out the things I enjoy entirely. Otherwise, I'd go mad!
  • ayalowich
    ayalowich Posts: 242 Member
    Chick-fil-a is the only option.

    Everything else is gross and will eventually give you cancer.

    Oh please. What a ridiculous statement. I know people who eat perfectly and still get cancer.
  • Chezzie84
    Chezzie84 Posts: 873 Member
    We don't really buy what you called fast food from a take out place. We make it ourselves. I keep a snack in the glove box of my car so I am never caught short.
  • Chezzie84
    Chezzie84 Posts: 873 Member
    I have a takeaway when I really want one...or a glass of wine,,,,or two! I just work them into my calorie allowance. I don't believe in cutting out the things I enjoy entirely. Otherwise, I'd go mad!

    I agree ... everything in moderation
  • bethannien
    bethannien Posts: 556 Member
    I've found that I can always find something anywhere to fit my calorie budget. Literally anywhere. Carls Jr has a pretty good turkey burger, the grilled chicken sandwich at McDs is yummy, Wendy's is a frigging gold mine of options. My favorite is Del Taco though. The food is yummy and I can have a huge range of tasty and calorie friendly choices.
  • desaree01
    desaree01 Posts: 33 Member
    Chick-fil-a is the only option.

    Everything else is gross and will eventually give you cancer.

    Killing myself laughing :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
  • summertime_girl
    summertime_girl Posts: 3,945 Member
    If I'm using up calories on food, it better be delicious. And fast food is NOT delicious. Blech.
  • running_free_1984
    running_free_1984 Posts: 115 Member
    Friday nights are the time my partner and I drink and get a takeaway (usually a curry). I need a time of the week to let go and enjoy myself. Why not treat yourself if you have a healthy lifestyle generally!
  • AmyRhubarb
    AmyRhubarb Posts: 6,890 Member
    Chick-Fil-A
    In-N-Out Burger :love:
    Subway
    El Pollo Loco (love the chicken burrito - beans, rice, chicken and cheese)
    Chipotle
  • jenifr818
    jenifr818 Posts: 805 Member
    Those quick drive thru trips add up, save your money and pack a healthy lunch AT NIGHT.

    That's my issue, $$. I can make myself a balanced lunch at home (roughly $1.50-$2) MUCH cheaper than I can get a balanced meal at a fast food place. I :heart: fast food, and never have an issue fitting it in calorie-wise, it's just the $$ that gets prohibitive, especially when I'm a week from payday and have $10 to my name :laugh:
  • desaree01
    desaree01 Posts: 33 Member
    We don't really buy what you called fast food from a take out place. We make it ourselves. I keep a snack in the glove box of my car so I am never caught short.

    Good idea. Protein or meal replacement bars are good to have on hand. The issue with me would be finding one I actually enjoy eating.
  • Krista916
    Krista916 Posts: 258
    I don't avoid it because it's bad for me. I avoid it because it's gross.
  • cuinboston2014
    cuinboston2014 Posts: 848 Member
    I rarely get fast food - partly because I'm a cheapo and partly because my "meal planning" for work days or work/clinical days involves lots of protein bars and pre packaged food haha.

    When I do I LOVE taco bell. My favorite is the grilled stuft burrito but I only get that when I'm drunk as it's the size of my head I think. Otherwise, I get two items from the Fresca menu and call it a day!

    I have the odd craving once in a while for a McDonalds burger (comfort, maybe?) and have no problem getting a McDouble or another burger for under 400 calories. I usually skip the fries.

    If I'm feeling crazy I might go to Culver's for a grilled chicken sandwich, no mayo or a highly modified salad that doesn't have a million nuts, high cal dressing, or tons of cheese and bacon.

    Honestly, if I could do so reasonably, I would love to eat at Sonic and Taco Bell every day, every meal....
  • jos05
    jos05 Posts: 263 Member
    If I am in a pinch I just get something that's low in calories... I don't think having a happy meal is going to kill me... plus, everything can give you cancer...lol!

    It's life... live it!!

    Just eat what you want... log the calories and stay on track. Unfortunately a Big Mac doesn't really allow for much else all day; but if you want it...and you have the calories... and you're willing to stay on track the rest of the day... go ahead!

    Most people quit because decisions like these eventually become so overwhelming that it's easier just to quit... Don't give up... it's ok to have a cheeseburger occasionally. IT'S ALL ABOUT MODERATION. :wink:
  • BusyRaeNOTBusty
    BusyRaeNOTBusty Posts: 7,166 Member
    I eat fast food several times a week.

    I eat more than 400 calories per meal.
  • desaree01
    desaree01 Posts: 33 Member
    especially when I'm a week from payday and have $10 to my name :laugh:

    Amen!!
  • mrsamanda86
    mrsamanda86 Posts: 869 Member
    Taco Bell- either a quesadilla or 2 taco supremes.. the cool ranch ones are delicious!
    Wendy's-spicy chicken sandwich meal
    McDonalds(very rare, too many calories and I'm not going to a drive thru for a salad)-double cheeseburger small fry. If I'm not getting food there, their frozen strawberry lemonade is delicious!!

    I eat fast food usually 1-2 times a week every week.
  • diannethegeek
    diannethegeek Posts: 14,776 Member
    Jimmy John's, Chipotle, or Juice Stop are my go-to quick meals. It's not that I think fast food or burgers are bad for you, I just have other preferences. Unless we're talking breakfast, and then you can have my sausage & egg mcmuffin when you pry it out of my cold dead hands.
  • It is avoidable if you pack snacks and meals to bring places with you. You can also try your best to choose the healthies "fast food" options.
  • randomtai
    randomtai Posts: 9,003 Member
    I eat fast food several times a week.

    I eat more than 400 calories per meal.

    This and this.