I love food as much as the next person, but I don’t like the feeling of eating something that’s greasy and over-processed. I’m always looking for ways to put cleaner ingredients in my body. The healthier I eat, the better I feel. Nonetheless, I still like to indulge every now and then. Especially when friends want to eat out. There’s no reason to miss out on social plans just because the food will cause guilt. So, for those of you that also like to treat yourself without hating yourself after, here’s some hacks:
STARBUCKS
If you’re a true coffee-lover like me, order a coffee light frappucino. A tall (small) only has 90 calories; it’s just a blend of coffee, skim milk, and ice, but is more fun than standard iced coffee. If you’re looking for something more light and fruity, try the strawberry acai refresher. A tall has 80 calories and contains green coffee extract, so you still get your caffeine fix.
CHICK-FIL-A
When you live in the south, Chick-fil-A is a staple. There’s just no way to avoid eating here at least sometimes. My first go-to option on the menu is the grilled chicken cool wrap. Without sauces or dressings, it’s 340 calories, which is totally reasonable for a meal. Plus, it’s super yummy. A newer menu item they offer is grilled chicken nuggets, as opposed to their original nuggets which are fried. Similar taste, but your body will thank you. They also offer three different salads with fresh ingredients. All in all, that’s five different meals that are under 400 calories and are prepared in ways that are healthier for your body.
CHIPOTLE
Believe it or not, this one is quite simple. Just go for a salad or bowl, but don’t add sour cream, guacamole, or cheese. You’ll trim down and save that extra $1.80!
JIMMY JOHNS
This hack is truly a hidden gem: lettuce wraps. That’s right, Jimmy Johns will wrap your entire sandwich in a stalk of romaine instead of bread. Many of you carb lovers will be skeptical about this one, but I’ve tried it, and I still felt completely satisfied. The key is to add oil and vinegar (special sauce). This option is delicious, clean, and saves you the 250 calories that their bread adds on.
BEN AND JERRY’S
When an ice cream craving hits, it can’t be ignored. Although ice cream is ice cream, there are certain flavors you can order that are relatively good for you. A great example is the raspberry greek frozen yogurt flavor served at Ben and Jerry’s. The calorie count is comparable to other flavors, but because the ingredients are healthier, this ice cream actually provides a decent amount of protein and takes up less of your daily fat and carbs than other flavors.
Many of these options go hand in hand with competing franchises. For instance, you can order a salad at Zaxby’s, just like you can at Chick-fil-A. You can go for the bowl at Moes similar to the one at Chipotle. Regardless, I want to note that these hacks are not designed for hardcore weight loss. They are great options for those looking to live a healthier lifestyle. With spring break around the corner, we could all use a little motivation, without dieting so hard that we miss out on our favorite restaurants.
