Sure, we could cut out fast food completely...but let's be real. It happens. BUT let me let you in on a little secret...just because you're going to McDonald's does NOT mean you might as well just get the burger and fries! This may sound intuitive, but you'd be surprised how easy it is to fall into that mentality (just ask my husband). Your fast food day doesn't need to be a throwaway day, and that's why this page consists of the best menu items at popular fast food restaurants for maintaining a healthy diet without cheating or throwing away your progress for the day.
P.S. This is actually a page that will stay updated, not just a post! Send me your favorite not-so-fast healthy choices and check back for updates!
Since I already mentioned McDonald's, lets go ahead and start with them:
McDonald's
Breakfast
This one is easy-peasy. The Egg White Delight is delicious and filling and I wouldn't be lying if I told you that was my Wedding Day breakfast (it really was)! Check out its nutrition facts:- 280 Calories
- 18g Protein
- 2g Sugar
- 10g Fat
- 28g Net Carbs
Lunch & Dinner
Need something filling but light for a mid-day meal? Try one of their grilled chicken salads but go light on the dressing! I've found that I really don't even need dressing with most salads, which really helps keep down the fat and calorie count. Keep in mind that the nutrition facts for most fast food salads do not include dressing!!! Here's the facts for the Southwest Grilled Chicken Salad:
- 350 Calories
- 37g Protein
- 9g Sugar
- 11g Fat
- 21g Net Carbs
Understandably, you may not want just a salad for dinner (but it's still a great option!). However, you can definitely substitute those fries for a side salad or a low-fat yogurt treat! Think of the latter as dessert. Or, you can ditch the side altogether if you're really hardcore. And if you do choose to go for the 50 calorie yogurt or no side at all, you can definitely have more freedom with your main course choice.
- 380 Calories
- 36g Protein
- 11g Sugar
- 6g Fat
- 43g Net Carbs
- 250 Calories
- 13g Protein
- 6g Sugar
- 8g Fat
- 30g Net Carbs
3. Chicken Nuggets are a long time favorite for me, and when I order them I typically get only the nuggets with no side. This option may be a bit heftier, but if you're really craving nuggets its definitely doable. It has no sugar content, but makes up for that in fat (still worth it if you ask me). Here's the info for the 10 Count Nuggets entree:
- 440 Calories
- 24g Protein
- 0g Sugar
- 27g Fat
- 26g Net Carbs
So those sides I mentioned earlier...please, for all that is good, DITCH THE FRIES! I know they're good. Believe me, I know. But hold out until a night out and you'll be so happy that you did!
Chick-fil-A
Breakfast
Everyone's favorite seems to be either the ever-so-buttery Chicken Minis or Chicken Biscuit (my fave), but unfortunately both of those kind of kill the rest of the day with high fat content and calories. It may be worth it sometimes, but here's a couple great options:
1. I LOVE their Yogurt Parfait! It's delicious and nutrient rich; the only downside is the sugar content. I eat little to no sugar in my diet anyway so its well within my means but as always. Check it out:
- 250 Calories
- 12g Protein
- 22g Sugar
- 9g Fat
- 27g Carbs
2. If you want something a bit more substantial, try the Egg White Grill. It's high in protein and is one of my favorite breakfast concepts, the English muffin sandwich (with a new spin, grilled chicken!). May sound a little odd at first, but does CFA ever disappoint?
- 300 Calories
- 25g Protein
- 1g Sugar
- 7g Fat
- 31g Carbs
Lunch & Dinner
CFA has SO many great options. Everyone I know gets something different, and I get something different almost every time I go! Here are the best options for a wholesome diet (and a couple treats as well because, well, its Chick-fil-A)
1. Don't run, the Grilled Nuggets are actually amazing!!! I was so skeptical that they would be dry and flavorless, but why did I ever doubt CFA? Not only are they juicy, but they also have this wonderful smoky grilled flavor. They're perfect for dipping into my favorite sauce, Honey Roasted Barbecue (tastes SO much like CFA sauce and is only 60 calories per packet!). Even better, they are so low in calories that you can get away with a small side of fries if you just really, really need fries. I love CFA fries, but I rarely ever order them. OR, order a side salad and combine the two for a grilled chicken salad. Here's the 12 count info:- 210 Calories
- 37g Protein
- 0g Sugar
- 5g Fat
- 3g Carbs
2. Another grilled option is the Grilled Chicken Sandwich. It is served on a toasted multi-grain bun which is a huge plus for me and its more filling than eating just grilled nuggets! It also comes with Honey Roasted Barbecue Sauce on the side, which is delicious and low in calories as mentioned before!
- 310 Calories
- 29g Protein
- 7g Sugar
- 6g Fat
- 33g Net Carbs
3. Let's hear it for yet another grilled option! Isn't CFA great? Don't worry, fried is coming soon. The Grilled Chicken Cool Wrap is super high in protein and fiber (15g), and low in sugar.- 350 Calories
- 24g Protein
- 3g Sugar
- 14g Fat
- 14g Net Carbs
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