Whether it’s McDonald’s, Wendy’s, or your other beloved fast food restaurant, we all love a quick bite from time to time. However, the stereotype of fast food being unhealthy and ultra-processed can often prevent many of us from indulging as much as we’d like. We put together a list of some of the healthiest options at popular fast food restaurants so that you can get a balanced meal while still eating at the quick food stop you love.
Chick-fil-A
The Grilled Chicken Cool Wrap contains grilled chicken, Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheeses, and green leaf lettuce wrapped in a flaxseed flour tortilla. The highly popular wrap contains 14 grams of fiber and a whopping 42 grams of protein and pairs well with most of Chick-fil-A’s dressings.
If you want to start your day on a sweet note or are looking for a midday pick me up, the Berry Parfait contains organic vanilla bean yogurt with 13 grams of protein and is served with fresh strawberries, blueberries, and granola. This is a must-try for breakfast on the go.
McDonald’s
While McDonald’s is notorious for its Big Macs and Quarter Pounders, the fast food chain has healthier options as well. The Egg McMuffin, a classic McDonald’s breakfast item, has 17 grams of protein and is made with Canadian bacon rather than regular bacon, which has less fat than traditional bacon but still a similar amount of protein.
Choosing a McChicken rather than other burger options at McDonald’s provides you with a high amount of protein but less sodium than many other McDonald’s items. The simple sandwich comes with a chicken patty, lettuce, and mayonnaise, AKA the perfect protein-filled lunch without sacrificing taste.
Wendy’s
Wendy’s Avocado Chicken Salad includes a lettuce blend, grilled chicken, southwest ranch dressing, bacon, tomatoes, Cheddar cheese, and, of course, mashed avocado. The versatile salad has heart-healthy fats from the avocado and 32 grams of protein overall. However, it does have 1190 milligrams of sodium, so take this into consideration when deciding on your meal.
Wendy’s also offers a classic Grilled Chicken Sandwich with grilled chicken, lettuce, tomato, and mayo adding up to 26 grams of protein and the perfect simple meal on the go.
Taco Bell
The Cantina Chicken Bowl offers a balanced variety of nutrition. It comes with chicken, rice, black beans, avocado ranch sauce, reduced-fat sour cream, lettuce, purple cabbage, pico de gallo, guacamole, and cheddar cheese. The bowl has 11 grams of fiber and 25 grams of protein, but be sure to be aware of its 1150 milligrams of sodium.
If you want a quick pick me up, the Soft Taco with Beef is a reliable and nutritious option. One soft taco with beef is 180 calories with 11 grams of protein, the perfect size for a smaller snack or midday energy boost.
Arby’s
The Arby’s Classic Roast Beef Sandwich is one of their most popular items, and for good reason. The sandwich is simple, with only thinly sliced beef on a sesame bun. It has 23 grams of protein, 14 grams of fat, and lends itself to a variety of Arby’s sauces.
If you’re looking to depart from traditional fast food items, the Arby’s Roast Beef Gyro is a balanced option. The gyro features thinly sliced beef topped with vegetables and tzatziki on a pita, and has 24 grams of protein with 540 calories.