Healthy Fast Food Options

As much as I try to eat as healthy and as clean as possible, sometimes fast food is inevitable (especially come summer and road trips).

Inspired by this article that I read not too long ago on Goop, (hey, Gwyneth!) the CINCteam and I went on a hunt for the best healthy and still tasty fast-food options available! With a toddler, one on the way, and a crazy commute, sometimes fast and easy is my only option.

We found some super healthy options, some healthy-ish options and some that you should just say, “screw it” and order the fries!

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El Pollo Loco

If you’re swinging by El Pollo Loco, straight protein is the best option. The chicken leg is only 90 calories! If you’re not in the mood for chicken, the Classic Baja Fish Taco is very yummy, and has 8 grams of protein. Plus, the house salsa is only 9 calories so put it on everything!

Burger King

Believe it or not the Veggie Burger at Burger King is actually great but make sure to hold the mayo, of course. Another great option is the Tender grill Chicken Sandwich which only has 320 calories and has 32 grams of protein which will keep you full for a while.

Taco Bell

If you find yourself in the Taco Bell drive through, the bean burrito (no cheese) is a great option that’s still very tasty. Or, order the soft taco with shredded chicken fresco style. Pro Tip: ordering ‘fresco’ style at Taco Bell removes cheese and the creamy sauces (aka calories) and replaces it with salsa!

Jack in the Box

So while you might be craving the curly fries (because YUM who doesn’t love curly fries?) the Chicken Fajita Pita might be a better choice. It’s already veggie packed so go ahead and skip the salsa! The Breakfast Jack is also a good option for breakfast and only 300 calories. Again, you also can’t go wrong with the apple slices but if you do happen to order curly fries, I won’t tell anybody!

Chick-Fil-A

According to the Chick-Fil-A aficionados at the office, the grilled nuggets are just as good, if not better, than the classic nuggets! To top it off, the 12 count is only 210 calories and have 35 grams of protein. If you’re in the mood for a sandwich, the Grilled Chicken Sandwich is also a great option.

Carl’s Jr.

Craving a salad? The Carl’s Jr. Charbroiled Chicken Salad is only 320 calories. When it comes to dressing, always get balsamic! The Turkey Burger in a lettuce wrap is also quite tasty and low calorie.

Subway

While most Subway sandwiches are already pretty healthy, try turning it into a salad! Get the low-cal dressing option and pile it high with veggies! All you gotta do is ditch the bread!

Wendy’s

Want some comfort fast food that’s actually on the healthy(ish) side? The Baked Potato (hold the sour cream) and the bowl of Chili (210 calories for a small) from Wendy’s is the perfect answer. If you REALLY need something sweet (we all have that sweet tooth somewhere), treat yourself to a kid-size vanilla frosty!

Starbucks

It seems like there’s a Starbucks on every corner in LA, so they really have the monopoly on convenience! To eat, the Egg Sous Bites are protein packed and actually rather filling or the Whole Grain Oatmeal! Or you can order my personal favorite, the Protein Box! If you’re getting coffee, black coffee is best. Or order the almond milk latte- it’s only 80 calories! A grande size coffee has 4 pumps of sugar in there which can really add up those empty calories. Try cutting down to 1 pump or even half a pump if you need the sweetener!

See? Fast-food isn’t all that bad! Do you guys have any healthy fast-food hacks or tips you want to share? Drop a comment down below!

Photography by Drew Scott