Healthy-ish Fast Food Options?

laurenloveslife
laurenloveslife Posts: 4 Member
in Food and Nutrition
So, my friends have a terrible fast food addiction and while I've been somewhat successful with convincing them to cook at home, there are times when they just want to grab something quick. I was thinking about trying to come up with some go-to options for different places just so that I'm prepared if I end up not having any other options. Anyone have ideas for this/things they generally go with? Thanks! :)

Replies

  • Amandainyaface
    Amandainyaface Posts: 33
    Subway is great because what goes in your sandwich you can choose for yourself.
    Seriously though places like McDonalds do have stuff that wouldn't be too bad to eat once in a while. Just stay away from fries and the fried stuff.
  • melaniecheeks
    melaniecheeks Posts: 6,349 Member
    Go for kids meals- the smaller portion size will be lower in calories. Most fast food places tell you what their calories are.
  • ChrisM8971
    ChrisM8971 Posts: 1,067 Member
    Go for kids meals- the smaller portion size will be lower in calories. Most fast food places tell you what their calories are.

    This because there is also the added benefit of getting a toy as well from a lot of the chains :happy:
  • NatalieG525
    NatalieG525 Posts: 65 Member


    This because there is also the added benefit of getting a toy as well from a lot of the chains :happy:

    :laugh:
  • callyart
    callyart Posts: 209
    I agree with the kids meals, and cut out the fizzy drinks and fries.

    I haven't yet had any fast food since I started healthy eating, but there's only so long my partner can hold out, so I will be doing this when he suggests KFC or McDonalds in the near future, lol
  • RllyGudTweetr
    RllyGudTweetr Posts: 2,019 Member
    Any meal that fits in your macros. Fast food places have a mild advantage in figuring their nutrition over some smaller restaurants because the menus are so standardized and easily available online.
  • MamaFunky
    MamaFunky Posts: 735 Member
    Wendy's has a great grilled chicken sandwich, also their chili and baked potato is a great option too.
  • Francl27
    Francl27 Posts: 26,371 Member
    I don't know how you all don't get hungry one hour after eating a kids' meal.

    McDonald's has some 300 calories salads, just get grilled chicken and the Italian low fat dressing with them. They got rid of the 190 calories Caesar salad unfortunately. A grilled chicken classic sandwich is fine (you can ask without mayo) at 350 calories, and the McWraps (grilled) are a decent option - the sweet chile one is good and 360 calories. 6 chicken nuggets is 280 calories, so it could be worse too (but then I like sauce with them and it adds up). A cheeseburger is typically around 300 calories too.

    Subway has a ton of options, just go heavy on veggies and stick to the non fat or low fat dressing.

    Wendy's has some pretty good chili at 300ish calories.

    Taco Bell has the Fresco menu at 150 calories (often don't see it on drive through though).

    Haven't found anything at Burger King. Their low fat fries are ok but not really filling.

    Or just go check their website and look at your options.
  • katielshelby
    katielshelby Posts: 137 Member
    Chicken nuggets tend to be low calorie! That is my go-to. I just come home and use mustard for dipping, or look up the dip values beforehand so I know which one I can get. :)
  • Athena53
    Athena53 Posts: 717 Member
    I agree on Subway- that's where DH and I go when we're on the road. I go for the lighter ones piled with veggies, no cheese. A plain burger or even a cheeseburger won't kill you- it's the giant ones with the mayonnaise-y sauces and the sides of fries and the fizzy drinks and shakes that pile on the fat and calories. In some sitdown restaurants, if a sandwich is on undistinguished bread (i.e. not worth the calories), I'll take off the top slice eat it with a knife and fork. If I get a pre-packaged sandwich in an airport shop and it's stuffed with 3 servings' worth of sliced turkey, I throw away some of the turkey before I can eat it. If they slathered mayo or (ugh) margarine) on the bread, I scrape it off. It's a little wasteful but I work to keep my body in this shape and I don't want to mess it up with calories from things I don't like very much anyway.

    Portion control is key. And, if you're hungry a few hours later because you had only a hamburger, hopefully you'll be around healthier food so you can have a nutritious snack.
  • jayjay12345654321
    jayjay12345654321 Posts: 653 Member
    Only you know the kind of joints they frequent in your area. Check the websites for those chains on nutritional facts and have a go-to option for wherever they normally end up.

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