Several years ago, nobody would have thought that the words “healthy” and “fast food” belonged in the same sentence. However, a lot has changed over time and today many of these eating establishments fear that they will lose customers if they don’t offer at least some healthy alternatives.
Regardless of where you go, it is likely that you will be able to find a better choice than the traditional fast food staple of a burger and fries. In fact, in some cases, items from various restaurants have even turned up on health conscious websites and diet plans.
- McDonalds
- Burger King
- Taco Bell
- Wendy’s
- KFC
Although the golden arches haven’t always signified health food, there are some menu items available today that aren’t entirely bad for you either. Take for example the grilled ranch snack wrap. At only 270 calories and 10 grams of fat, even with the ranch dressing, this item is head and shoulders above the other more greasy offerings on the menu.
Having breakfast, lunch, or dinner with “the king” may not be as artery-clogging as it was a few years ago. In fact, this fast food giant has some items that may surprise you in terms of being healthier than others. For instance, opting for the Whopper Jr. sandwich will only gain you 260 calories and 0 grams of trans fat. It should be noted, though, that this version must be eaten minus the mayo.
Thanks to the vast array of items that feature lettuce and tomatoes, Taco Bell has a longer list of choices that come in at under 200 calories – especially when it comes to serving them fresco style. The top four include the Crunchy Taco at 150 calories and 7 grams of fat, the beef soft taco at 190 calories and 8 fat grams, the ranchero chicken soft taco for 170 calories and 4.5 grams of fat, and the grilled steak soft taco boasting 170 calories and only 5 grams of fat. The restaurant has a number of additional items that hover just above the 200 calorie mark as well.
Ever since we first heard the phrase, “Where’s the beef?” most of us have come to know Wendy’s as the place for big beefy burgers. But that’s the bad news, because most of the establishment’s hamburgers come in at way over 300 calories each.
The good news is that there are several smaller choices that consist of a much lower calorie count, such as the side salad at only 35 and the Caesar side salad at 70. Even if you add the home-style garlic croutons you will just barely reach the 140 calorie mark.
While it’s true that fried food items are not the best in terms or fat content or heart health, you would think that a restaurant originally named Kentucky Fried Chicken should be avoided at all costs. Yet, if you pick your items wisely, you can get a great meal and still score high marks on the health meter as well.
Thanks to KFC’s new grilled item choices, you can enjoy a 2 fat gram grilled filet and only give up 130 calories, or opt for the KFC original recipe filet for just 40 additional calories and 7 grams of fat. Either way, it’s still finger licking good!
For more information on these and other fast food restaurant items, check out Dr. Gourmet’s website at www.drgourmet.com/health/fastfood/ where you can find a fairly lengthy list of eating establishments along with information about their healthier menu choices.
Janet Lynch is a big proponent of healthy living and healthy diets. Her favorite way to stay fit these days is through the ease of delivery diet programs that send her the best food her body needs through the mail. This article was written by a guest author. Would you like to write for us?