Healthiest fast food is kind of an oxymoron. Whether it’s for convenience or cravings, though, sometimes the drive-thru is unavoidable. You can definitely hit Micky D’s without wrecking your six-pack, but most of the mouth-watering options your eyes (and stomach) gravitate toward will set you back a few days. And even some of the healthier fast food options at most places are packed with sodium, which can add to water retention and bloating, points out New York-based nutritionist Jessica Cording, R.D.
Rather than rolling up and trying to guess what you think is the least offensive option, we’ve tapped a handful of nutritionists to tell us exactly what to order at every fast food restaurant. Now, some of these experts are advocates of not breaking any nutrition rules—even at the drive-thru, which means you’ll be ordering a la cart and tossing half the meal just to score the perfect portion of protein, carbs, and fats. Other R.D.s are a bit more lenient, adopting the attitude that you can enjoy a signature burger as long as you’re not doing it every week. Even with this carpe diem, though, they recommend opting for the best of the worst to minimize damage.
There are a few blanket rules everyone should follow when getting anything to-go, says Alexandra Miller, RDN, LDN, corporate dietitian at Medifast. The most important: Skip the soda, opt for lean meats, order salad dressing on the side, and keep condiments to a minimum. That way you minimize the amount of added sugar and salt you’re getting.
As for exactly what combo meal you should opt for, check out the healthiest fast food options at 49 of your favorite drive-thrus and restaurants.
Healthiest Fast Food Meals You Can Order
The experts
– New York-based nutritionistKeri Gans, R.D.N., author of The Small Change Diet
– Alexandra Miller, R.D.N., L.D.N., corporate dietitian at Medifast
1. Carl’s Jr.
What to order: Single All Natural Burger without the cheese and mayo or Chicken Club without the bacon; pair either with the Garden Salad, but only use half the dressing
What to order: Build your own burger with a quarter-pound Little Thickburger, extra lettuce, tomato, onion and light ketchup; opt for the low-carb Thickburger on non-training days.
What to order: Choose either the Bacon Morning Classic, Spanish Omelet, or Tomato Bacon Omelet and add a side of whole grain oatmeal and fresh fruit salad.
What to order: Order the Baja BBQ Chicken Salad and Tasty Burritos, then take out the burrito meat, veggies, and toppings and add them to the salad. Toss the tortilla.
What to order: Order two grilled Chicken wheat wraps, a side of green beans, and a grilled chicken salad. Take the protein from the wrap and put it on your salad.
What to order: Order the Kentucky Grilled Chicken breast or thigh, corn on the cob, green beans, and house side salad. Put the chicken and veggies on the salad instead of using dressing, or use Light Italian dressing.
What to order: Skip the wrap and order a “streaker,” which is no tortilla or shell. Fill with lean proteins like chicken, tofu, fish, or scrambled eggs, beans, lots of veggies, and cilantro. Skip the rice and stay light on dips, sauces, and cheese.
What to order: Order either the Lentil Quinoa Broth Bowl with chicken or egg; Avocado, egg white, and spinach Breakfast Power Sandwich; or Classic Salad with Chicken, all with an apple on the side.
What to order: One slice of small, thin & crispy or skinny slice with veggies on top and a side garden salad. Order naked, non-breaded wings to put on top of the salad.
