We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Fast food healthiest teriyaki sauce to buy a reputation for being unhealthy and high in calories, salt and fat.
Although many fast foods have been processed, refined or deep-fried, some fast food restaurants now offer healthy options. To make a healthier selection, look for items that include vegetables, lean sources of protein or whole grains. Additionally, opting for foods that are grilled or baked rather than fried can significantly reduce the calories and fat in your meal. Here are 18 healthy fast foods that you can enjoy guilt-free. Some restaurants have more healthy options than others, so these will appear more than once.
This salad features a wide assortment of vegetables that are high in fiber, including kale, butternut squash and Brussels sprouts. Fiber moves slowly through the body undigested. Top this salad with your choice of vinaigrette dressing to keep it light yet delicious. This salad is low in calories, sodium and fat, but high in protein and fiber. It also contains a variety of fruits and vegetables, which provides vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. These include romaine lettuce, mandarin oranges, blueberries, strawberries and pineapple.
Panera offers this salad in a whole or half serving. A half serving makes a perfect side dish when paired with a soup or sandwich, while a whole serving can be a filling meal on its own. Superstar ingredients in this nutrient-packed meal include chargrilled chicken, maple miso sweet potatoes, avocado, pomegranates and a seed mix over spinach, brown rice, chickpeas and red quinoa. This meal meets the criteria for a healthy fast food, as it’s high in protein and fiber, low in calories and includes a good mix of whole grains, vegetables and healthy fats. The coconut chicken, chickpeas and quinoa bump the protein up to 30 grams per serving. Meanwhile, avocado delivers some heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. This is the nutrient content for one 14.
If you’re looking for a nutritious breakfast on the go, these egg bites are a healthy and delicious option. Sous vide is a cooking technique in which foods are vacuum-sealed in a pouch and then cooked in a water bath to achieve a precise level of doneness. In addition to egg whites, these bites contain Monterey Jack cheese, spinach and fire-roasted red peppers. Each serving squeezes in 13 grams of protein. Some studies have found that a high-protein breakfast may help with weight loss. A 2015 study compared 57 young adults who either skipped breakfast or ate a high- or normal-protein breakfast. Enjoy these egg bites on their own for a light breakfast, or pair them with another healthy breakfast food, like Greek yogurt or oatmeal, for a protein-packed meal.