It’s difficult to eat healthy while being on the road, especially with temptations such as Frosty’s and Deluxe Chili Cheese Fries. But you must stay strong! Although most fast food combinations can’t beat a healthy home-cooked meal, here are some healthy fast food options:
Chipotle
One of the most trending food chains right now, Chipotle, gives you the chance to create your own masterpiece. With that being said, it also gives you the chance to eat healthier. A burrito bowl with chicken, salsa, brown rice, lettuce, and black beans is the healthier choice. You can choose this alternative to the double-wrapped mega-burrito dripping with sour cream and sodium; the power is in your hand! You will stay in the clear if you stay away from the “calorie-consuming c’s”: Chips, Cheese, (Sour) Cream. If you ever are wondering how many calories your favorite burrito will cost you, be sure to check out the Chipotle Nutrition Calculator. Also, a burrito bowl can be 2 meals, so you and your moving buddy can split one.
Burger Joints
When it comes to burger places, it’s important to stay away from condiments. Cheeses, spreads, and ketchup can cost you plenty of calories and fat. If you get an In-N-Out hamburger without the spread and swap it with mustard, you will only be consuming 310 calories with 16 grams of protein. Beware of adding on fries and onion rings! If you have the option, get a side salad or fruit instead.
Starbucks
You and your moving buddy are off to an early morning on the moving truck and you need a little boost; Starbucks is the perfect place for a quick pick-me-up. When it comes to coffee places in general, steer clear of anything with whip cream and a lot of syrup. It does you no good if you get a venti (large) White Chocolate Mocha without whip cream; that is still over 500 calories. Portion control is part of eating healthy in general; you don’t need to be drinking 20 ounces of sugar. You can always go for a Black Shaken Iced Tea as a healthy alternative with loads of caffeine; a grande (medium) sweetened is 80 calories and unsweetened it’s a whopping 0 calories. As for food, the Protein Bistro Box is great if you want a snack with substance.
Gas Stations
Sometimes there are no fast food restaurants in site on the road, only gas stations. Have no fear, you still have a few healthier snack options. Look for 100% juices such as Naked Juice as a meal replacement or go for fruits. Substitute salty chips for nuts or trail mixes, candies for dried fruit, and granola bars for donuts.
Other healthy fast food options:
- Wendy’s- Sour Cream & Chive Potato: 320 calories, 7g of fiber,3.5g of fat, 8g of protein
- Jack in the Box- Chicken Fajita Pita: 280 calories, 9g of fat, 2g of fiber, 21g of protein
- McDonald’s- Southwest Salad w/ Grilled Chicken: 320 calories, 9g of fat, 7g of fiber, 30g of protein
- Do some research! Websites like CalorieKing and mobile apps like Healthy Fast Food can provide you a quick reference for calories and nutrition values at fast food restaurants.
At the end of the day, the healthiest option is probably still a home-cooked meal, so make sure you check out these recipes for homemade meals and snacks for moving day.
Do you know any healthy fast food options that other people on the move should know about? Share in the comments below!
