Lifestyle

4 minute read

23 Fast Food Items That Are Relatively Healthy

August 10, 2024

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As awareness of healthy lifestyles infiltrates American fast-food culture, some popular chains are offering selections for health-conscious customers.

Fast-food menus now boast several options that balance taste and convenience with nutrition. From flavorful, protein-packed salads to lean, fiber-rich wraps, these meals can easily fit into a healthy diet.

Let’s explore some of the top healthy choices available at popular fast-food outlets. You might just decide to try one for lunch!

Chick-fil-A Grilled Chicken Sandwich

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Grilled chicken sandwiches are a stellar choice for protein without the added fats of frying. Chick-fil-A’s Grilled Chicken Sandwich, featuring a boneless breast of chicken, lettuce, and tomato on a multigrain bun, delivers a satisfying crunch and flavor.

Starbucks Breakfast Wrap

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The Spinach, Feta, and Cage-Free Egg White Wrap at Starbucks provides a hearty, low-calorie breakfast option. With only 290 calories, this wrap combines protein, fiber, and a generous amount of spinach. It’s a perfect meal for those seeking something quick and light during their morning commute.

McD’s Salads

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McDonald’s has revamped its menu to include more greens like the Southwest Grilled Chicken Salad. It’s dressed with a blend of lettuce, savory black beans, roasted corn, and tomatoes, topped with lime-glazed grilled chicken.

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Taco Bell’s Fresco menu substitutes creamy sauces with fresh salsa, dramatically cutting down on calories without sacrificing flavor. The Fresco Style Bean Burrito, for example, is an excellent vegetarian-friendly choice that’s filling and heart-healthy.

KFC Grilled Chicken

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KFC offers a delicious grilled chicken option that sidesteps the extra calories from frying. Their Kentucky Grilled Chicken is marinated and seasoned with a mix of six herbs and spices, giving it a unique flavor without the heaviness of their traditional fried counterpart. Each piece is not only lower in fat but also in calories, making it a wise choice for calorie-conscious eaters.

Wendy’s Chili

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Even snack-sized bites can be healthy at fast food restaurants. Wendy’s offers a small Chili that serves up both iron and protein in a flavorful, low-fat package. This snack is a warm, comforting option for those chilly days when salads just won’t do.

Jamba Juice Smoothies

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Jamba Juice’s Greens ‘n Ginger smoothie is packed with vitamins A, C, and K, thanks to ingredients like spinach, kale, and ginger. Unlike many other sugary drinks, this smoothie offers a health boost without a lot of calories, making it a great choice for a nutrient-dense snack.

Dunkin’ Donuts Breakfast Wrap

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Dunkin’ Donuts has options for those on the go who want to keep it light. Their Egg and Cheese Wake-Up Wrap is a compact but nutrient-rich breakfast choice, offering both protein and calcium.

In-N-Out Lettuce Wrap

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In-N-Out Burger may be known for its burgers, but their “Protein Style” burger swaps the bun for a lettuce wrap, cutting carbs significantly. This option is not only lower in calories but also caters to those on ketogenic diets.

Long John Silver Grilled Seafood

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Long John Silver’s offers grilled seafood as a healthier alternative to their fried items. Their Grilled Salmon meal comes with a side of rice and vegetables, making it a balanced dish rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

Panda Express Broccoli Beef

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Panda Express’s Broccoli Beef is a testament to the possibility of enjoying flavorful, low-calorie fast food. This dish combines tender beef with broccoli in a ginger soy sauce, providing a good source of protein and fiber.

Arby’s Salad

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Arby’s offers a Roast Turkey Farmhouse Salad, which is a blend of diced roast turkey, crisp lettuce, and shredded cheese. It’s a low-calorie salad that doesn’t skimp on flavor, thanks to the addition of peppery bacon and a tangy red wine vinaigrette.

OG Grilled Chicken

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Olive Garden’s menu features a lighter option with their Chicken Giardino. This dish offers grilled chicken served over a bed of fresh vegetables tossed with pappardelle pasta in a light lemon chicken herb sauce.

Chipotle Burrito Bowls

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Chipotle’s burrito bowls allow for customization with fresh, wholesome ingredients. Opting for a bowl with brown rice, black beans, grilled veggies, and salsa gives a filling meal rich in fiber and low in calories.

Bon Pain Salad

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Au Bon Pain’s Chickpea & Roasted Tomato Salad showcases the health benefits of legumes and vegetables. This salad is an excellent source of nutrition; the chickpeas are great for digestion and heart health.

BK Customized Burgers

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Burger King’s Whopper Jr. can be made healthier by opting to hold the mayo and adding extra tomatoes and lettuce. This smaller version of their classic burger retains the taste but cuts down on fat and calories.

Carl’s Jr. Beyond Burgers

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Carl’s Jr. has introduced the Beyond Famous Star, using a plant-based Beyond Meat patty that tastes remarkably like beef but offers the health benefits of a vegetarian meal. This burger is rich in protein and has no cholesterol, making it a heart-smart option.

McD’s Yogurt Parfaits

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McDonald’s Fruit ‘n Yogurt Parfait is an excellent source of calcium and essential vitamins. With layers of low-fat yogurt, berries, and granola, it offers a well-balanced snack or dessert option that’s both tasty and nutritious.

Smoothie King Veggie Blend

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Smoothie King’s Veggie Blends offer an invigorating mix of vegetables and fruits to provide a hefty dose of vitamins and minerals. These smoothies are designed to boost energy and provide essential nutrients without a lot of calories.

Del Taco Turkey Tacos

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Del Taco’s Turkey Tacos are a lighter option that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Made with lean ground turkey, they provide a healthier alternative to beef without losing the traditional taco taste.

Popeyes Sides

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Popeyes offers green beans as a side, which are not only low in calories but also provide a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They’re cooked with turkey bacon and have a hint of garlic, making them a tasty and nutritious option.

Jamba Juice Acai Bowls

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The rise of acai bowls in fast food is evident at places like Jamba Juice, where the Acai Super-Antioxidant Smoothie Bowl is popular. This bowl is loaded with antioxidants, fibers, and omega fats, thanks to the acai, blueberries, and granola.

Pei Wei Teriyaki Bowl

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Pei Wei’s Japanese Teriyaki Bowl with chicken offers a lower-calorie option that is both filling and flavorful. It combines grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, and a light teriyaki sauce served over brown rice.