Fast Food Finds

Written by Kaytee Weaver Monday, 12 December 2011 14:27

Fast Food Finds

I will be relocating out of state in a couple of weeks and embarking on a 12 hour road trip, how fun right?!  Catching my sarcasm?  In anticipation of the upcoming drive I’ve begun to ponder what sort of food options will be available.  I’m not talking about tossing healthy eating to the wind.  Some might think “oh it’s a road trip, bring on the junk food!”  Being stuck in the car all day can be the quickest way to cave into that bag of M&M’s or potato chips.  While I’m not saying you should never enjoy your favorite treats, but combine that with being inactive and stuck on your butt all day might not be the best time to do it.

While the majority of items found on a fast food menu don’t even come close to being labeled as a balanced meal, there are still plenty of options that can fit in a healthy eating plan.  I’ve taken the time to pick out a few items I’d personally choose at some popular fast food stops, making it easy for you to make the best decisions in a time crunch.  You can bet these will be on my road trip menu!

•    McDononalds
Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken Snack Wrap - 250 calories/8g fat/33g carbs/14g protein
Premium Caesar Salad with Grilled Chicken - 190 calories/ 5g fat/ 10g carbs/ 27g protein
Premium Southwest Salad with Grilled Chicken - 290 calories/ 8g fat/ 28g carb/27g protein

•    Burger King
Tender Grill Chicken sandwich - I played with this one; order it with NO mayo - REMOVE ONE side of the bun and your nutrition facts will be as follows - 286 calories/ 3g fat/21.5 carbs/40g protein = Great choice!
Tendergrill Garden Salad - 230 calories/ 3g fat/ 9g carbs/ 33g protein.
Garden Salad - 40 cals/2g fat/3g carb/3 g pro - Add your own lean protein or pack a protein shake.

•    Arbys - Please drive right past - do not stop - do not pass go.

•    El Pollo Loco
Tropical Habanero Chicken Breast - 238 calories/9g fat/4 carbs/36g protein
Grilled Chicken Salad - 241cal/8g fat/19g carbs/26g protein
Chicken Tortilla Soup (Small) - 214cal/9.3g fat/18g carbs/16g protein
Chopped Chicken Breast Meat - 99 calories/2g fat/0carb/21g protein - 2 orders of this and a side salad=A+ meal on the go!
*El Pollo Loco’s “Lindora Lean for Life” menu options are great choices as well!

•    Taco Bell
Fresco Chicken Soft Taco (Order w/ extra all white meat and extra lettuce) - 210 calories/5g fat/19g carb/21g protein
Chicken Fiesta Taco Salad, Fresco Style - 240 calories/6g fat/24g carbs/23g protein

Even gas stations are providing more health conscious options.  You can find hardboiled eggs, chopped chicken salads, almonds and fruit at most quick stops.  Healthy options can be found everywhere.  You just have to be aware, read labels and don’t be afraid to special order!  Share your own ideas or healthy fast food finds in the Nutrition section of the FitnessRx Forums!

**Remember the salad nutrition facts do not include dressing.  If you choose to add dressings, choose a light or fat free option.  Fat free options do not mean calorie free as well.  They are often higher in sugar to make up for their lack of fat.  Personally I’d choose a light Italian dressing and use just a few droplets for some flavor.

Kaytee Rae
FitnessRx for Women Forum Member and NPC Bikini Competitor!