What are some HEALTHY choices if eating fast food??

Holton

If I know I am going to be gone, packing my own meals works so much better as I can account for every ingredient and I know it is some thing that I like! There are so many salad options and sandwich wraps using the low cal stuff that your options are endless. PLUS you save money!

Squash97

I'm going on a couple of vacations soon and was wondering the same thing. I went and got the book "Eat this, Not That". It gives you a great idea of what the best choices are at popular restaurants. I'm going to take it on my trips and keep it with me so that I can pull it up when we eat. Good luck!

scrappymel

chic-fil-a's grilled chicken salad is 180 calories.
arby's regular roast beef is 350 calories.
braum's grilled chicken sandwich is 330 calories.
jason's deli has a GREAT salad bar with lots of organic veggies (don't eat those EVIL mini muffins at 90 calories each).
souper salad's veggie soup is about 150 calories per mug.

not sure what healthy means to you (just low cal?), but those are some favorites. also, i'd pack some fruit/veggies for sides. resist the fries!!! :O)

MissingMinnesota

Zaxby's grilled house salad with no fried onions or toast is filling. I get the lite vinaigrette which is only 35 calories. Also if you have a McAllister's deli the Sweet Chipolte Chicken salad is yummy and around 450 calories with the dressing.

jessmomof3

I ALWAYS pack a cooler when I'm traveling. Pack some yogurt, cottage cheese, fruit, bag up some veggies, etc. If I'm going to my Inlaws I make sure to cook up some chicken breasts or take those packets of tuna packed in water for some good protein. Or get a Larabar or other healthy not processed snack bar. A baggie of almonds or other nuts are great to snack on too and easy to keep in your purse. It's really not hard and will be SO much healthier than driving through.

The last time I had fast food (which is VERY rare!), it was Wendy's. They will sub a baked potato or chili instead of fries. I got the grilled chicken sandwich (and did NOT eat the bun and asked for NO sauce so it was basically just chicken breast w/ tomato and lettuce) and then I got a plain baked potato and I got a coffee instead of soda.

melodyg

Do any of you guys have a Cheddars? I've looked all over the internet for some nutritional info on it and can't find any anywhere!! I never know what to get!:frown:

I've been to Cheddars (wish we had one here but it is probably good for me that we don't!) and it seems comparable food-wise to Chili's (the food is better than Chili's but I would put the nutrition info at about the same).

Fast food ideas:
1) Get kids meals... preferably with the healthy side (apples, oranges, apple sauce)
2) Wendy's: Mandarin Chicken Salad without crispy noodles, chargrilled chicken sandwich, side salad and chili
3) McDonalds: Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad, cheeseburger with apple dippers and milk or with fruit & yogurt salad
4) Taco Bell Fresco tacos
5) Chick Fil A!!!!!! Chicken noodle soup (though it is LOADED with sodium), Chicken nuggets with side salad or fruit
6) Arbys or roast beef, just a plain roast beef sandwich is good

If I knew I was going to be out all day, I'd probably throw a few pieces of fruit and some water in the car, then run through a drive-thru for the "entree". That will save you money and some calories too!

Sevenm

I say try to exist as is fast foods didn't exist and find a solution. What did people do before the fast food chains arrived and they had to travel or be away from home all day. There is plenty to eat from a simple banana to preparing things to eat while you're away. I eat a vegan diet which makes it 100 times more of a challenge and I can always throw something in a bag before I leave. Often it's just something delicious that we had the night before and had leftovers. You might not like what I like but i'm sure that you will eventually compile quite a list of things to eat. Sometimes I make up a batch of Thai Sweet Black Rice or Quinoa which is really fast and easy. I can add lots of things to this. Spinach and Classico Spicy Red Pepper Tomato Sauce for example. Also I love to put blueberries, pineapple and cinnamon with soy milk in a container and its outstanding! You can do it!

sandara

Chick-fil-a's Southwest chargrilled chicken salad with the berry balsamic dressing is my favorite. The salad is 240 calories and the dressing is 140 for the whole pack. It's very filing and lots of flavor.

oddgirlout

I would have to echo a lot of what has been said regarding preparing ahead of time. I usually spend two to three hours cutting up veggies, fruits and boiling eggs for the week on Sunday to make sure I choose the right things to eat. If for some reason I am forced to grab something on the go, I like:

Tropical Smoothie Cafe: The have low calorie smoothies that can be made with splenda for a refreshing treat. You can also add supplements if you need them. Almost all the sandwiches. salads and wraps are are about 500 to 600 calories.

Rubio's Fresh Mexican Grill: They have several healthmex options but I really enjoy the healthmex chicken taco for only 130 calories.

Lifetime Fitness: If you are a member of this gym they have a wonderful cafe where there is nothing on the menu that isn't healthy. Mine is right by my work and I often stop in for lunch.

If you have a few minutes to sit down I really like:

Sushi Kee: One of the best sushi restaurants in AZ in my humble opinion and I am just getting reacquainted with fish.

Old Chicago: They have a new Thai Steak Wrap that is around 600 calories

Pita Jungle: Half of the turkey pesto lavosh wrap is delish and about 600 calories.

Curtism1234

A lot of people will disagree, but the Taco Bell bean burrito will fill you and only 340-370 calories.