Summer time is here and we’re all going somewhere. Keep these best fast food options when traveling in mind before you head out on the road.
Follow on Instagram!
In a perfect world, all of our meals would be planned and prepped and we would never resort to fast food. Our meals would be “clean” and “skinny”, or at the very least have a balanced ratio of protein/carbs/fat. But it’s not a perfect world and sometimes it’s unavoidable to eat fast food. It can be especially hard to stay away during the summer when you’re on the road more often. When faced with drive-thrus and quick meals, keep some of these tips in mind.
Best Fast Food Options When Traveling
McDonald’s
At the golden arches go for a Happy Meal and choose apple slices instead of fries. If you have to have the fries, get a small at only 230 calories. The Grilled Chicken Classic sandwich and wraps are healthy choices, but skip the sauces. At breakfast, an Egg McMuffin is only 300 calories. There’s always Fruit ‘N Yogurt Parfait too. I might order this + the Egg McMuffin and throw out the muffin part for a well rounded meal. When it comes to salads, gravitate toward “grilled” as opposed to “crispy”.
Chick-Fil-A
Chick-Fil-A offers a variety of healthier fast food options–however it’s always a struggle for me to avoid their waffle fries. Even their fried nuggets come out leaps and bounds ahead of other fast food places. They also have grilled nuggets! Additionally, the Chargrilled Chicken Sandwich (without sauce) with a fruit cup is 400 calories. The Chick-Fil-A Chargrilled Chicken Cool Wrap with fat free honey mustard is 470 calories. Also–props to Chick-Fil-A for putting their calorie count right on the menu where everyone can see it!
Related: 7 Hotel Room Workouts Using Little to No Equipment
Wendy’s
If you want to mix up your standard burger or chicken sandwich, go to Wendy’s. A plain baked potato and a small chili. It’s not the ideal meal to have while driving, but it’s got half a day’s worth of fiber and 460 calories. I’m also a big fan of their salads!
Subway
Is Subway still everyone’s favorite “healthy” fast food choice? You can make just about any sandwich at Subway healthy (or healthier) as long as you watch your condiments. Another tip I’ve heard is to ask them to scoop out your bread, leaving just a little on the tops and bottoms. This is great for when you’re trying to watch your macros. A 6-inch Veggie Delite with Fire-Roasted Tomato Orzo soup is only 360 calories. But in the interest of full disclosure, I always get a Spicy Italian and may or may not ask for Ranch dressing with it. 😉
Taco Bell
Taco Bell is doing a better job of becoming “aware” of healthy choices. Well, with the exception of those Doritos taco things. I still don’t understand that. The Chicken Fresco Burrito Supreme and Pintos n Cheese has a lot of protein and fiber so it’s one of the better choices. Their Cantina Power Bowls are a good option as well (if you divide it into two servings). When we were still living in our tiny hometown, I would order that anytime I had a Chipotle craving… As there was no Chipotle within 90 miles of our house.
Related: Flashback Friday: Disney Dreaming
Jason’s Deli
I do like Jason’s Deli a lot and much of their menu is organic, if that’s something that concerns you. I usually get the salad bar here with a cup of Tomato Basil Soup. The soup is great, but there are definitely lower carb options on the menu.
Chipotle
At Chipotle you have complete control over whatever is put on your burrito, bowl, taco or salad. I usually get a bowl, and eat half at lunch and then the rest later. I recently learned you can ask for a tortilla on the side and turn the other half of your bowl into a burrito!
Cait at The Macro Experiment also put A LOT of effort into creating The IIFYM Fast Food Restaurant Master List, as well as the The IIFYM Chain Restaurant Master List. Her resources are fantastic and detailed whether you’re counting macros or not.
Question: How do you make mindful nutrition choices when traveling?
I have a challenge when traveling bc there are not too many vegtetarian options in fast foods. I do best at Jason’s or Chipotle where I can customize more.
It’s hard to beat the salad bar at Jason’s!
We love Chick-Fil-A and Chipotle…they are THE best!!!
xo, Lily
Beauty With Lily
Yes! I agree with you 100%!
Great post! I usually stick with Subway – skip the cheese and no sauce, but I might have to give Wendy’s a try next time. I love chili!
You’re a stronger woman than I to skip the cheese! I love my cheese!
Great suggestions! I started ordering the egg mcmuffin with no cheese + extra egg round and then tossing the muffin. It is one of my go to breakfast for sure if I’m eating out. Also finding breakfast tacos I can grab in a bowl instead of a tortilla. Chick-fil-a is probably my fave for on the go and I almost always grab a 12 pack of grilled nuggets with a side salad instead of fries. Oh…and chicken chili from Jasons….yum-o!!
Ok, why have I never tried the chicken chili from Jason’s?! I love Jason’s!!
Usually I will pack a lunch but there are times when we’ve had to stop at Wendy’s and I usually opt for the baked potato 🙂
I do love a good baked potato!! 🙂
Great tips! I get salads at subway, which are decent. The salads at Chipotle are also a great option. 7-11 also has some great healthy options, such as hard boiled eggs and fruit salads 🙂
That is true! I love that many convenient stores are beginning to stock more healthful options!
This post is fantastic! And I (almost) always go for the Grilled Chicken Sandwich at Chick Fila!
Yes, yes! Love me some Chickfila!!