While greasy, high-fat fast food isn’t exactly the healthiest option, when you’re on the go and have no time for a sit-down meal, it can help keep you going until you’ve got the energy to cook. Many major chains have now reworked their menus to include healthier options, too.
Avoid fried foods and opt for low sodium options whenever possible. You can also save on calories and fat by ordering the smallest size of your favourite items.
Starbucks - Hearty Blueberry Oatmeal
Starbucks’ new Hearty Blueberry Oatmeal is made with a mix of steel-cut and rolled oats, blueberries, a nut and seed medley, and agave syrup. The 280-calorie bowl packs 7 grams of protein and 6 grams of fiber. The oatmeal is available as a cold or hot breakfast, with your choice of milk and toppings.
This copycat Starbucks oatmeal recipe is a healthy, nutritious, and delicious way to start your day. Made with coconut milk, ground cinnamon, mixed oatmeal, fresh blueberries and a sprinkle of toasted nuts and agave syrup, this Starbucks-inspired recipe will have you licking your bowl clean in no time. You can also add a variety of other nuts and dried fruits to the mix for extra crunch and flavor. This recipe is low in sodium, fat free and gluten-free.
Krispy Kreme’s Egg White & Turkey Sausage Breakfast Sandwich
The Egg White & Turkey Sausage Breakfast Sandwich from Krispy Kreme contains 170 calories, 8g fat, 3.5g saturated fat, 15g carbohydrates, 9g protein and 650mg sodium. This sandwich is also available on an English muffin or croissant. Swapping the croissant for a bagel can lower the calorie count significantly.
This is the best option for a healthier breakfast sandwich from Krispy Kreme. The egg and turkey provide a good amount of protein and the English muffin is a good source of fiber. The ham on this sandwich is high in sodium, however, so be sure to choose it carefully.
Jack in the Box? Egg White & Turkey Sausage Breakfast Sandwich is a step up from the standard deli turkey but is still a little on the salty side. The egg whites are surprisingly fluffy but the bun is not toasted and has a chewy consistency. This makes it difficult to bite into and chew.
Chipotle Steak Salad
Fast food may not be known as the healthiest cuisine, but it is possible to make a few tweaks and still get your meal on the go. By skipping the fried options and adding extra veggies, you can dramatically lower your sodium, fat, and sugar intake while still getting your cravings satisfied.
A popular lunch option is the Chipotle Steak Salad, which combines crispy chicken with crisp lettuce and a sesame seed bun. To make it a little healthier, skip the mayo and save yourself about 100 calories.
Another great option is the vegetarian mushroom burger from Shake Shack. It’s made with grilled Portobello mushrooms, provolone cheese, lettuce, tomato, and their “secret ShackSauce” – it’s also lower in sodium than the chain’s other burgers. And if you’re not a fan of mushrooms, you can easily swap them for black beans and brown rice to make the dish vegan!
Arby’s Ham & Swiss Melt
Arby’s is best known for their roast beef sandwiches, but the restaurant also offers a delicious ham and cheese sandwich. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to fast food, this is the sandwich for you!
The sandwich is layered with deli-sliced ham and Swiss cheese, topped with shredded lettuce, tomato, and red onion. It is then drizzled with a honey mustard sauce on a toasted bun. The sandwich is served with a side of curly fries or coleslaw.
This sandwich is available at all Arby’s restaurants. You can order it by name, or simply explain the ingredients to the employee if they are unfamiliar with the menu item.
This sandwich is a great alternative to fast food, as it contains only 300 calories and 8 grams of fat! It is also low in carbohydrates, making it a good choice for those following a diabetic diet.
In-N-Out Burger
As far as fast food goes, In-N-Out is about as iconic as it gets. The California-based chain has a cult following that includes celebrities like Beyonce, Kim Kardashian and Gigi Hadid. It’s so popular that people are willing to cross state lines for a taste of In-N-Out’s double-double sandwiches and fries.
The secret to In-N-Out’s smash burger is that the chain doesn’t have a microwave or freezer, so everything they serve is cooked fresh to order. This explains why In-N-Out can offer vegetarians the option of adding grilled onions to their burger or those watching their carb intake can opt for Protein Style (a patty wrapped in lettuce) without an extra charge.
As for In-N-Out’s famous Animal Style, it adds pickles, grilled onions and their signature sauce to your burger. It doesn’t cost any extra and it totally upgrades your burger. It also happens to be the most satisfying addition, according to a survey conducted by In-N-Out employees.
Sonic Junior Burger
The Sonic Junior Burger is a decent sized burger (about the size of a Whopper) with American cheese, crinkle cut pickles, sliced tomatoes, and your choice of mustard, mayo or ketchup on a toasted bakery bun. It contains about 340 calories and 17 grams of fat per sandwich.
The chain is also kitchenware products manufacturer in India a Frito Chilli Cheese Jr. Burger and a Super SONIC Bacon Double Cheeseburger that are a little more substantial in terms of meat and cheese but also contain quite a few calories and fat.
Sonic is a fast food drive-in restaurant that started out as a simple root beer stand and has grown into an iconic American institution with more than 3,600 locations nationwide. Customers can choose from a wide variety of sandwiches, fries, tots, chicken strips, and drinks and have them served by carhops on roller skates. It is a fun experience for kids and adults alike.