Although fast food is not known for its healthy options, some restaurants are starting to offer alternatives to the typical hamburger and fries. You can even find some restaurants that offer vegetarian and gluten-free meals. Some of these restaurants are located only in the United States, while others are found internationally. Here are some of the healthiest options available at fast food restaurants.
While many people associate fast food with unhealthy options, there are some places where you can get a healthier version of the same food. One of those places is Chick-fil-A. With a focus on chicken and other healthy proteins, this fast food chain offers many healthy options that you can enjoy at any time of the day.
The Chick-fil-A menu features many lighter options, including grilled chicken sandwiches and grill nuggets, as well as salads and a variety of side dishes. The company also has options for people following low-calorie, low-sodium, or vegetarian diets.
Chipotle
Despite its reputation as being a fast food restaurant, Chipotle is actually pretty healthy. Several of their menu items are based on vegetables, and vegetarian and vegan options are available. Additionally, many of their dishes are relatively easy to make healthy, as customers can order grilled meat, brown rice, and salads. Although some experts have warned that eating a Chipotle burrito is worse for your health than a Big Mac, Chipotle has a wide selection of healthy options that will satisfy even the healthiest of palates.
In addition to healthy menu options, Chipotle also pays attention to how its ingredients are produced and sourced. Their website lists 53 ingredients, as well as protein and nutrition information for each of their food items. This transparency makes meal planning easy and transparent.
McDonald's
When it comes to fast food restaurants, McDonald's is leading the way. They have recently introduced smaller servings, a more balanced menu, and healthier options. Customers can choose from protein-packed meals, fewer carbs, and lower calorie drinks. You can also opt for one of their salads instead of fries.
Despite the high calorie content of their burgers and fries, the menu also has many healthy items. There are low calorie meals with less than 500 calories, 50 grams of carbohydrates, and 10 grams of saturated fat. Even the breakfast is low-calorie, containing only a few grams of fat. McDonald's also offers vegan options, but they may not be suitable for vegetarians or plant-based dieters.
Au Bon Pain
When it comes to fast food chains, Au Bon Pain has long been considered the healthiest choice. The menu offers a wide variety of items, ranging from sandwiches to soups and breads. These delicious, nutritious meals are made with a focus on hospitality and quick service. In fact, they have been named one of America's Healthiest Restaurant Chains.
The nutritional information available on the Au Bon Pain website makes the choices at this restaurant even more appealing. Customers are able to learn about the health benefits of each item on the menu, and it empowers them to make healthier choices. One of their healthy menu items is the smoked salmon and herb cream cheese sandwich, which includes cucumber, tomatoes, pickled onions, and greens. It contains only 210 calories and is a much healthier alternative to a traditional bagel.
Five Guys
Five Guys serves healthy, low-calorie items like bottled water and fountain drinks. Although their burgers and fries aren't super low-calorie, they are healthier than many fast-food options. They also serve Coca-Cola products. Five Guys also has more than 100 drinks on its menu, including FUZE unsweetened iced tea.
The menu at Five Guys is not as extensive as its competitors', and it can be tricky to determine nutrition information. However, there are some healthy options on the menu, including a plain grilled veggie sandwich with only 440 calories and nine grams of fat. A sandwich with this much fat is also much higher in calories than a salad.
Wendy's
If you're looking for a healthy fast food restaurant, Wendy's has the perfect menu to meet your needs. The company's menu features salads, lean protein, and low-fat options. It also offers items such as grilled chicken sandwiches and a Jr. Hamburger Deluxe, which is smaller than a standard hamburger and only has nine grams of carbohydrates. It also has several options for healthy sides.
Summary:
With locations in more than 30 countries, Wendy's has a huge variety of foods to accommodate nearly any dietary requirement. Customers can even customize their meals based on their personal health goals and special dietary requirements. Customers can also easily plan their meals ahead of time and avoid being tempted by menu items outside of their chosen dietary plan.