It seems as if in today's society we are always rushing from one place to another. Although our country has begun shifting towards healthier options as our levels of obesity, diabetes and high cholesterol rise, healthy options aren't always the most practical options for a working American on the go. It feels like we have to choose between being healthy and being efficient. By the time you buy all organic ingredients from the grocery store and meal prep for healthier options at home you are down the money of a day's worth of work and also a good chunk of your time. Eating healthy can be expensive and time-consuming, which makes it discouraging to be living a health conscious life because you spend more time worrying about what to eat, as opposed to worrying about your responsibilities. Here are some fast-food chains with healthy options that won't empty your pocket or your time.
1. McDonald's
Well, of course, McDonald's salads are always a safe bet since they aren't fried and are rather predictable. McDonald's has five different salads ranging from 15-520 calories with most of them around 300. However, these salads can cost you a little extra if you're used to the Dollar Menu which, speaking of, has some pretty low-calorie and low-fat options. There are plenty of items on the value menu under 300 calories like the Egg McMuffin, cheeseburger, small fries, hash browns, vanilla cone, apple pie and chocolate chip cookie. However if you can afford a few extra bucks, the smoothies, parfaits and oatmeal are great options if you're craving something sweet.
Pro tip: You can substitute any burger or sandwich with a lettuce wrap instead of bread for a low-carb and protein-based lunch.
2. Subway
Again, if you're a die hard salad fan because of its healthy taste and predictability, you're in luck because now at Subway you can make any six-inch into a salad, but of course it will cost you a surcharge of two dollars; they do have a chicken caesar salad already prepared for a little cheaper, though. However, most people who go to Subway go there for a sub and as long as you avoid high-fat protein options like the tuna, which is over 50 percent mayonnaise, and limit your fatty toppings you can virtually make any sub a healthy option. If you are really limiting your calories, Subway's mini subs are a good option for you (though they may not be too filling). Ham, turkey and roast beef are the leanest options, all under 150 calories; meanwhile, the regular six-inch subs are under around 300 calories. If you insist on the footlong subs, try avoiding the subs that don't say "six grams of fat or less," and opt for the flatbread for a lower carb option still under 500 calories. Also, the chili makes for a great, well-rounded meal with 290 calories and loads of protein.
3. Chipotle
At Chipotle, steak and sofritas (vegan option) are the leanest of the protein options. To avoid fatty meats stay away from the carnitas and chorizo (new). Also, opting for the bowl can make your meal lower carb... but if you insist you can always ask for a tortilla on the side or choose a traditional burrito. A chicken bowl with brown rice, fajita veggies, lettuce and pico de gallo salsa contains only 425 calories, and at Chipotle you definitely leave with a full stomach. Also, you can use Chipotle's nutrition calculator to type in your favorite combination to see the nutrition facts at http://chipotle.com/nutrition-calculator.
4. Taco Bell
Taco Bell surprisingly has tons of healthy options as well as vegan and vegetarian options on their menu. For starters, traditional soft and crunchy tacos are from 140-170 calories. Meaning, if you get two chicken soft or crunchy tacos you will only be at 280 calories and have consumed 20 grams of protein. Also, you can make things fresco style and substitute meat for lard-free pinto or black beans and salsa fresca. Who knew we could be going on the Taco Bell diet?
5. In-N-Out Burger
Lastly, for all my West coast people, this one's for you. In-N-Out Burger may not have many options, but the ones they do have are great. Their not-so-secret-menu features the famous protein style burger... all the burger without the bun. This low-carb option has been California dieters' go-to meal for decades. Also, on the secret menu is the flying Dutchman, which is similar to the protein style only instead of lettuce substituting the buns there is no bun or lettuce, just two beef patties with cheese in between. Both of these protein-based burgers are under three dollars and 300 calories. Also, you can order a couple of hamburger patties plain on the side; they're 85 cents and 100 calories each. That way you can ask for an extra side of tomatoes, lettuce, onions and spread and create your own protein-style double-double at a low cost. Finally, if you need support on your journey towards healthy living you can order one of those 85-cent patties with no salt and have your dog have lunch with you. It's called a "puppy patty" and doggy dining is super cute.
