While hamburger buns, French fries and sugary milkshakes are delicious, we’ve all been through those times when we’re just not in the mood for the carbs. You may be battling your way through a low-carb diet (I’ve been there, too), or just want to feel a little bit less tired after eating a fast food meal. No matter the reason, listen up. Here are 15 low-carb fast food options that are sure to leave you feeling full and satisfied.
1. Chick-fil-A: Grilled Chicken Nuggets
In my opinion, Chick-fil-A can do no wrong when it comes to their signature choice of meat, chicken. Even though their fried nuggets are more popular, the grilled nuggets taste just as delicious. Don’t forget to complete your meal with a Superfood side (kale salad for the win) or a fruit cup.
2. Shake Shack: Shack Burger, No Bun
The Shack Burger is absolutely mouthwatering and delicious. You can get all of the toppings and the burger (the best part anyways) without overloading on carbs. Simply ask for no bun, and they will wrap the patty in lettuce. It’s crunchy and healthy.
3. Chipotle: Salad or Bowl
At Chipotle, you have the fabulous luxury of customizing your meal. If you’re going low-carb at Chipotle, the answer is quite simple. No tortilla. Create a salad or a bowl and add in any toppings you like. Just steer away from the rice and you’ll be good to go.
4. KFC: Grilled Chicken
This zero-carb option is perfect for KFC lovers. If you’re looking for juicy, “seasoned to perfection” chicken, then this dish is the way to go. While you’re there, order a side of green beans to complete the meal.
5. McDonalds: Bacon Ranch Grilled Chicken Salad
McDonald’s Bacon Ranch Grilled Chicken Salad is one part chicken, one part bacon, and all parts delicious. As any low-carb eater knows, meat has no carbs, but fills you up with protein. Because of this, this McDonald’s salad will leave you feeling full and energized way more than your classic Big Mac.
#SpoonTip: Be mindful of excess toppings and dressings because they may be adding many unnecessary carbs to your “healthy” salad.
6. McDonalds: Southwest Grilled Chicken Salad, No Tortilla Strips
Of course, McDonald’s is not known for their salads, but this one is worth a try. Coming from a salad-hater, this is a salad I would eat. It has chicken and mouthwatering Southwestern-style ingredients like lime and cilantro.
7. Subway: Tuna Salad
If you find yourself at Subway, but don’t want to waste your carbs on a sub, opt for their tuna salad. It is a traditional salad topped with tuna, but the taste is far from boring. If you love tuna, you’re gonna love this.
8. Subway: Rotisserie-Style Chicken Salad
Once again, you may go to a sandwich shop and realize you’re not gravitating towards a giant sub sandwich. More power to you. If this is the case, and you’re craving some classic, flavorful rotisserie chicken, then this salad is a must-eat. It is sure to taste amazing and fill you up.
9. In-N-Out: Burger, Protein Style
In-N-Out is obviously known for their juicy, flavorsome, heavenly burgers. However, you can still enjoy them low-carb style. In-N-Out is so generous to provide you with one of their secret menu items: Protein Style. In normal-terms, this is the beef patty with all toppings, with two pieces of crisp lettuce as the “buns.” I’ve had this, and trust me, you don’t even miss the bread.
10. Taco Bell: Fresco Crunchy Taco, Beef
If you’re going low-carb, you may not expect to be able to eat a tortilla shell, but you’re wrong. With only 14g of carbs, you can stick to your diet and enjoy this Taco Bell staple. Order two if you’re really hungry!
11. Jack In The Box: Grilled Chicken Salad
Once again, you may not expect to end up with a salad at a fast food restaurant, but hey, sometimes you surprise yourself. This salad includes crispy all-white meat chicken on a bed of romaine, spring mix, and iceberg lettuce. Simple, classic, and definitely tasty.
12. Jack In The Box: Chicken Nuggets, Side Salad
A five-piece chicken nuggets with a side salad will round you out at only 17 grams of carbs. The nuggets are flavorful and will definitely bring back memories of childhood. Who knew you could enjoy your fried chicken cravings while eating low-carb.
13. Burger King: Club Salad with Grilled Chicken, No Dressing
Bacon, chicken, and low-carb—sounds good to me. This Burger King salad does not lack flavor or the ability to fill you up. Along with chicken and bacon, this salad allows you to bite into crispy romaine, juicy tomatoes, and flavorful cheddar cheese. Ask for dressing on the side or skip it completely for a lighter take.
14. Wendy’s: Southwest Avocado Chicken Salad
If I were to mix all of my favorite ingredients into one salad, I would have created Wendy’s Southwest Avocado Chicken Salad. Yes, there’s avocado, but there’s also bacon, grilled chicken, and a kickin’ Southwest Ranch. After you finish this salad, you’ll feel full and probably like going back for more the next day.
15. Five Guys: Hot Dog or Hamburger, No Bun
Five Guys perfectly crafts juicy, greasy, mouthwatering meat, like their hot dogs and hamburgers. If you’re going low-carb, all you have to do is order one of their staples without a bun. Easy! Don’t forget to add your favorite toppings.
It’s clear that you don’t have to give up flavor or your ability to feel full when you give up carbs. You can even have fast food that won’t make you feel tired or bloated. With options like grilled chicken and salads, you can’t go wrong.