Diets can be hard to manage, especially when looking for nutritious fast food. With these 11 approved items, you can satisfy your hunger while enjoying a balanced meal even on the go.
Introduction:
Truth be told, everyone and their dog seem to be out driving these days. With everything on the to-do list, work and errands lie somewhere in the middle of the hustle. It’s okay. As challenging as these situations may appear to be, exercising your willpower can truly go a long way for your health goals. Satiate your cravings with satisfying meals without bothering too much about nutrition.
There was a time when salads and wraps claimed to be “healthy” meals. This is no longer the case. Armed with some basic knowledge, you no longer have to put up with bland dishes as your only option. These meals are balanced with protein, fiber and healthy fats that are essential to keeping you active throughout the day along with supporting a healthy lifestyle.
In this article, we will discuss 11 nutritionist-approved fast food meals that are delicious and convenient. Now you won’t be misled into thinking eating healthy means forgoing your favorite fast food joints.
1.Grilled Chicken Sandwich (Chick-fil-A)
Why It Works: High in protein and lower in fat than fried options. This sandwich is perfect if you’re looking for something lean and flavorful, as it helps maintain energy levels throughout the day with balanced meals.
Chick-fil-A’s Grilled Chicken Sandwich comes in at 320 calories, 29 grams of protein, 36 grams of carbs, and 6 grams of fat.
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 29 g
- Farbs:36 g
- Fat:6 g
Pro Tip: Skip the mayo and pair it with a side salad. Chick Fil A’s grilled chicken has plenty of flavor, so you won’t miss the heavy sauces.
Chicken sandwiches are a terrific way to enjoy fast food without the guilt. Grilled chicken is lean protein, and a salad instead of fries means you can get your fix without piling on the calories. This is one of the best options for those who are health conscious and are always on the go.
2. Veggie Burrito Bowl (Chipotle)
Why It Works: Chipotle’s veggie burrito bowl contains large portions of fiber, vitamins, and plant-based proteins which makes it an incredibly nutritious meal. Getting all the nutrients you need in one meal is effortless with this option.
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 14g
- Carbs: 64g
- Fat: 9g
Pro Tip: Order light on cheese and sour cream, and substitute with guacamole for healthier fats. Cheese is fantastic but can be quite calorically dense. Guacamole, however, contains unsaturated fats which is better for the heart and adds more deliciousness to the meal.
Since you can customize your bowl, Chipotle gives you the freedom to choose ingredients that work for you. With the veggie burrito bowl, there’s an abundance of fiber rich filling vegetables and beans which help keep you satiated and brimming with nutrients.
3. Egg White Grill (Chick-fil-A, Breakfast)
Why It Works: The Egg White Grill is considered a clean breakfast option. Crafted with simple, unprocessed ingredients, it’s high in protein and will keep you feeling energized throughout the entire morning.
- Calories: 300
- Protein: 27g
- Carbs: 29g
- Fat: 8g
Pro Tip: Combines better with fruit instead of hashbrowns for a balanced breakfast. With the Egg White Grill, Chick-fil-A provides a quick and satisfying meal. Replacing hash browns with fresh fruit provides essential vitamins and fiber, enabling the meal to remain low in calories.
This breakfast sandwich contains all the right ingredients that any fitness enthusiast would want to have in order to kickstart their day. It is served with an herbed grilled chicken and egg whites for an increase in protein, whole grain English muffin that serves as a fiber source for satiety.
Healthy fast food breakfast
4. Turkey Sub on Whole Wheat (Subway)
Why It Works: The turkey sub on whole wheat from Subway is a meal rich in turkey that acts as a lean protein source for delicious flavor while packing in the fiber to keep you full. The whole wheat bread balances out the carbs, while the turkey keeps you energized and full.
Provided with below nutritional information:
- Calories: 290
- Protein: 18g
- Carbs: 34g
- Fat:8g
Pro Tip: Swap out mayonnaise for vinegar or mustard to keep the flavor while cutting down on fat. For no additional calories, include lots of vegetables.
Everyone’s familiar with Subway because of the fresh ingredients and custom-made dishes. A great example is the turkey sub on whole wheat bread, ideal for anyone looking to consume a meal low in fats and high in proteins, providing satiety without unnecessary heaviness.
5. Power Mediterranean Chicken Bowl (Panera)
Why it Works: A perfect blend of protein, fiber, and healthy fats, the Power Mediterranean Chicken Bowl provides a rewarding meal that will keep you full for hours. This dish is packed with greens, quinoa, and grilled chicken, which is an excellent source of nutrients your body craves.
- Calories: 470
- Protein:33g
- Carbs:41g
- Fat:16g
Pro Tip: Order with the dressing on the side to keep the calorie count low. The bowl is so flavorful on its own, and you don’t need to dress it up too much.
Panera’s Mediterranean Bowls are a fantastic meal option for anyone looking to refuel in a Mediterranean manner. Packed with lean proteins from the chicken, fiber from the quinoa, and healthy fats from the olives and olive oil, this meal is guaranteed to keep you energized throughout the day.
6. Greek Yogurt Parfait (Starbucks)
Why It Works: An excellent snack or light breakfast, Greek Yogurt parfait derives its appeal from its low sugar, rich protein content, and antioxidant-rich fresh berry topping.
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 12g
- Carbs: 26g
- Fat: 2g
Pro Tip: For those looking to enhance protein content, sprinkling some chia seeds or nuts on top is an easy solution. This small change will increase protein and fiber content, making the parfait more satisfying.
As one of the most popular on-the-go snacks, Greek Yogurt Parfait from Starbucks is fun to eat and good for the body. Bursting with sweet berries, it also offers a considerable amount of protein to help stave off hunger until your next meal.
7. Side Salad + Apple Slices (McDonald’s Combo Hack)
Difference Maker: It’s true that most people think of McDonald’s as a fast food sandwich shop with high calories and add little to no value nutritionally. However, with some creativity, you can exceed your goals. McDonald’s offers a side Salad and apple slices which is far lighter than fries and makes for a more balanced meal.
- Calories: 180 (salad + apple slices)
- Protein: 4g
- Carbs: 46g
- Fat: 1g
Pro Tip: For those with a stronger appetite, claim your meal by adding grilled chicken nuggets to increase your protein intake. This will enhance the nutritional profile of your meal and make it more well rounded and satisfying.
Substituting the fries for healthier options can make a McDonald’s run fit within your nutritious eating routine. This meal offers a good amount of the dietary fiber and vitamins courtesy of the salad and apples while minimizing fats and calories.
8. Protein Box (Starbucks)
Difference Maker: Have you tried the Protein Box from Starbucks yet? The restaurant is well known but doesn’t offer many sustenance providing options. The Protein Box has the balance of nutrients such as protein, healthy fats, and fiber. It’s perfect when you’re looking for something quick to grab after a workout or to pack for lunch.
- Calories: 460
- Protein: 20g
- Carbs: 34g
- Fat: 29g
Pro Tip: It’s an ideal snack for busy days. If you’re looking for a lighter meal, consider adding a side of fruit or a green smoothie.
The Protein Box remains on top of the list at Starbucks because it provides just the right combination of nutrients to keep you full without feeling heavy. Such an assortment of sustained vigor is achieved through boiled eggs, nuts, and fruit. It is a great balance of protein and healthy fats.
9. Grilled Nuggets (Chick-fil-A)
Why It Works: In need of a quick protein fix? These low-calorie, high-protein bites from Chick-fil-A are perfect and super easy. Adults and kids love them!
- Calories: 140 (8-count)
- Protein: 25g
- Carbs: 2g
- Fat: 3g
Pro Tip: For a light meal, use mustard or BBQ sauce instead of creamy sauces. Adding a small side salad is a great way to increase veggie content without a calorie increase.
Grilled nuggets–a top snack choice for people looking to consume less calories while enjoying delicious food! Whether you’re running late or grabbing a light bite to eat, nuggets provide a great packed protein option.
10. Bean and Cheese Burrito (Taco Bell, Fresco Style)
Why it works: Taco Bell’s burrito option is vegetarian friendly as it is packed with plant power protein and fiber, making it a wonderful choice for the meatless diet followers. Getting it “fresco style” reduces calories and unnecessary fats.
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 14g
- Carbs: 56g
- Fat: 10g
Pro-Tip: By ordering it “fresco style,” you get grilled creamy sauces swapped with fresh pico de gallo, saving you calories and fat without losing flavor.
Taco bell’s new style greatly lightens the meal while retaining flavor. The beans make for great burrito stuffing as they’re high in fiber and protein which are healthy for you and fill you up.
11. Fresh Mozzarella & Tomato Panini (Panera)
Why It Works: The fresh mozzarella & tomato panini is one of the clean meals offered at Panera. It contains healthy fats from the olive oil and the tomatoes provide antioxidants. It is both light and filling, great for when you are looking for something warm and comforting.
- Calories: 400
- Protein: 14g
- Carbs: 46g
- Fat: 18g
Pro Tip: To make your meal more nutritious, pair it with a veggie soup. The soup adds fiber and nutrients, making the meal more balanced and satisfying.
For those looking for a clean and easy to eat option, this simple panini is a great choice. The healthy fats from the mozzarella and olive oil offer richness without excessive calories.
FAQs:
1. Can fast food truly be nutritious?
Absolutely! Selecting grilled options instead of fried ones, adding vegetables, and avoiding creamy sauces can make fast food fit into a balanced diet. A lot of fast food restaurants now offer healthier options that assist in meeting dietary requirements.
2. What is McDonald’s healthiest food item?
McDonald’s Grilled chicken sandwiches or salads are some of the healthiest food choices. Additionally, you can customize your meal to add to its healthiness—for instance, substituting fries for apple slices.
3. Is Chipotle healthy?
If you make careful selections, Chipotle could be considered healthy. Putting beans, a lean meat like chicken or sofritas, and a lot of vegetables in a bowl can provide you with a power-packed meal full of nutrients.
4. Is a fast food breakfast healthy?
A fast food breakfast can be healthy if you select egg whites, grilled meats, and whole grain bread. Avoid high-calorie side options such as hash browns and sugary drinks.
5. What’s the healthiest fast food for weight loss?
Look for meals that are high in protein, rich in fiber, and low in harmful fats to make unhealthy snacking less tempting. Good choices include grilled protein, vegetables, and whole grains.
Final Thoughts:
Maintaining a balanced eating pattern does not require completely avoiding fast food. If you’re trying to be health conscious, you can easily learn to make choices that suit your schedule with a little help. These 11 meals showcase the fact that fast food can be both healthy and convenient, whether you are headed to a meeting or looking for a post-workout meal.
Change your mindset to understand that “health” isn’t about achieving everything flawlessly. Instead of perfection, it’s about making better choices one meal at a time. With some smart decisions, fast food can add some flexibility to a balanced diet without compromising on taste or the goals you’re trying to achieve.
Tags:
Fast Food, Healthy Eating, Nutrition, Fitness Food, Meal Hacks
Hashtags:
#HealthyLiving #FastFoodFixes #DietitianApproved #EatSmart #CleanEating
