Here's a number to remember: 36.6. That's the percentage of calories you consume at fast-food restaurants each year, according to a report fromCenters for Disease Control and Prevention(CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION).
So if you try or keeplose weightSo plan ahead, be extremely attentive, and choose the healthiest fast food dish you can find, which, as we know, isn't always easy in a restaurant. Researchers attribute this to the so-called "special occasion mentality" that occurs every time we eat at the local restaurant.mc donaldsor Arbys. If we only ate in restaurants once in a while, the extravagance would have minimal repercussions, but that's not the world we live in. Most Americans eat at restaurants every day or two. In fact, in our most recent survey, one in three respondents said that they had eaten at a restaurant in the last 24 hours. This makes eating out just as "special" as showering.
To help you get in shape, we've reviewed the nutrition facts for all your favorite fast food restaurants. To make sure our suggestions truly are the best of the best for your waistline and overall health, we look beyond the calorie and fat counts and look at each menu item holistically. Are you ready to have your burger (and taco and pizza) and eat it too? Read on to find out how, and check out our list for more healthy eating tips.The 21 Best Healthy Cooking Hacks of All Time.
1
Arbys

Roasted Turkey Farmer's Salad with ½ package Honey Dijon Mustard Dressing
330 calories, 21 g fat (8 g saturated), 1055 mg sodium, 9 g carbs (3 g fiber, 5 g sugar), 23 g protein
Get your dose of chicken plus 23 grams of muscle gainprotein- minus the trans fats and starchy bread that accompanies most other menu items. This is Arby's healthiest fast food order and one of the tastiest. And also, it has bacon! It doesn't get much better!
Here you are.
2
king of burgers

Hamburger
240 calories, 10 g fat (3.5 g saturated fat, 0.5 g trans fat), 380 mg sodium, 26 g carbs (<1 g fiber, 6 g sugar), 13 g protein
It may be hard to believe, but one of the best applications forking of burgersIt is served between two fluffy buns. Low in calories, fat and sodium, King's Classic Burger is a safe and satisfying option for anyone trying to maintain a flat stomach. In fact, compared to the competition, the sandwich is so healthy, it's one of them.Burger King Expert Approved Diet Recipes.
3
Carl´s Jr.

Famous star of Carl's Jr. Trim It
430 calories, 18g fat (8g saturated), 610mg sodium, 46g carbs (3g fiber, 10g sugar), 24g protein
Carl´s Jr.. It may have the toughest hype in fast-food land, but some of its offerings are downright respectable, starting with the Best for You options. For a low-calorie nutritional profile of classic Carl's Jr., you can stick with Famous Star's classic as long as it says "Cut It Out," which means they include the high-calorie mayonnaise. (It's also drenched in their special sauce, so you won't even miss it!) Whatever you order, be sure to stay away from the chain menu item, which makes our list the best.Worst "Healthy" Fast Food in America.
4
Chick-Fil-A

grilled chicken sandwich
320 calories, 6 g fat (1 g saturated), 680 mg sodium, 41 g carbs (4 g fiber, 9 g sugar), 28 g protein
Choosing this low-calorie, high-protein sandwich over the chain's chicken salad variant saves you over 100 calories and 10 grams of fat, and leaves plenty of room for one.healthy dessertIf you're still hungry, we recommend consuming a 50-calorie cup of fruit to fill your tummy and adding immune-boosting vitamin C to your meal. Find more healthy menu options from the fast food chain hereThe best Chic-Fil-A menu items.

Chicken, pinto beans, fresh tomato sauce and vegetable salad
375 calories, 8.5 g fat (3 g saturated), 1,370 mg sodium, 35 g carbs (11 g fiber, 6 g sugar), 42 g protein
"When I eat a salad, I take the opportunity to get some carbs out of the beans.chipotle] I ask for twice as many vegetables to be completely satisfied and get as many nutrients as possible”, says the nutritionist and personal trainer.jim white, RD, ACSM. To recreate White's favorite order, order a romaine lettuce base with a scoop of chicken, 2 scoops of fajita, a scoop of beans and tomato sauce.
6
domino

2 slices of Grilled Chicken Jalapeño Pizza on a Large 14-inch Brooklyn-Style Crust
540 calories, 20 g fat (10 g saturated), 1640 mg sodium, 58 g carbs (4 g fiber, 6 g sugar), 30 g protein
Indulging in a slice or two doesn't have to come with guilt. In fact, we give you permission to eat not one, but two slices of this do-it-yourself cake. Grilled chicken is the leanest meat on the menu, and toppings like jalapenos add a fiery, metabolism-boosting flavor without the provolone-sized calories. And to discover the health factor of all your favorite dishes, take a look at our exclusiveCombine all the menu items at Domino's!
7
Springteufel

PITA Chicken Fajita
330 calories, 9 g fat (4.5 g sat), 790 mg sodium, 35 g carbs (4 g fiber, 4 g sugar), 27 g protein
This fajita pita is one of the best appetizers in the entire fast food universe. Low in calories and packed with protein and fiber, this is one meal that's hard to beat, even in your own kitchen.
8
KFC

Grilled Kentucky Chicken Breasts with Sweet Corn and Green Beans
320 calories, 8 g fat (970 mg sodium, 24 g carbs (4 g fiber, 3 g sugars), 44 g protein
A Kentucky Grilled Chicken Breast is a solid go-to option when at KFC. Enjoy a side of green beans and corn along with the chicken for a light, low-calorie meal that will keep you full for hours without interrupting your workout.weightlossefforts
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9
hard

Trim It 1/4 lb Low Carb Little Thickburger
220 calories, 15g fat (6g saturated), 590mg sodium, 6g carbs (3g fiber, 4g sugar), 15g protein
When it comes to fast food burgers, it doesn't get much healthier—or lower carb—than here. To make this delicious creation, Hardee's takes a Black Angus beef burger and wraps it in iceberg lettuce along with pickles, onions, tomatoes, ketchup and mustard. If you don't see this deal on the menu at your local restaurant, fear not. Just ask your server for the “1/4 lb. Low-Carb Little Thickburger” on the “Trim It” menu and it will catch your eye. You can find more low-calorie grab-and-go meals in our guideFast food burgers under 300 calories.
10
Panda Express

Broccoli meat with mixed vegetables
150 calories, 7 g fat (1.5 g saturated), 520 mg sodium, 13 g carbs (2 g fiber, 7 g sugar), 9 g protein
In fact, Panda Express has several options with reasonable amounts of calories. as with everyoneChinese Food, the key is to skip the greasy hill of fried rice and an oily mess of noodles. Combine a low-calorie main course like broccoli meat with a side of vegetables and you have a highly nutritious meal that is high in protein to keep you full.
11
mc donalds

Egg McMuffins
290 calories, 11 g fat (5 g saturated), 760 mg sodium, 29 g carbs (2 g fiber, 3 g sugar), 16 g protein
Thanks to the chain's new all-day breakfast initiative, you can now get this low-calorie, high-protein dish from the comfort of your home 24 hours a day.McDonald's breakfast menu. While you might assume the egg white version is the better option, the whole egg sandwich is packed with carotenoids, essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, making it a smarter choice, the nutritionist explains.Cristina M. Palumbo, MBA, RDN, FAND. The yellow center also contains choline, a nutrient that speeds up metabolism. Find more ways to increase your calorie burn here.The best ways to speed up your metabolism..
12
Panera

Asian sesame chicken salad
430 calories, 23 g fat (3 g saturated, 0 g trans), 720 mg sodium, 29 g carbs (6 g fiber, 7 g sugar), 31 g protein
This simple yet delicious salad has a near perfect balance of calories, fat, carbs, and protein, making it the healthiest fast food option in the world.Panera.
"This powerhouse salad is hands down the best without the need for change recommendations," says the registered dietitian at Telehealth in New York City.jonathan valdez, RDN, CDN. "You can even use the whole sauce because it's only 410 calories." If you want a little more substance beyond a salad, follow the advice ofIlyse Schapiro, MS, RD: "Sometimes when I'm really hungry, I'll wash it down with an apple or a whole wheat bagel that you can order instead of fries."
13
from papa john

Thinly Sliced Garden Fresh Slice
190 calories, 6 g fat (2.5 g saturated, 0 g trans fat), 450 mg sodium, 26 g carbs (1 g fiber, 3 g sugar), 7 g protein
We usually fret when we use "garden" and "pizza" in the same sentence, but this slice, packed with onions, green peppers, portobello, and olives, transforms a nutrient desert at Papa John's. If you tend to overdo it, invite a friend to make half seeds with you to keep the meal under 500 calories, even if he decides to go for the second (or third) serving.
14
papayas

Stuffed Chicken Wrap
310 calories, 12 g fat (5 g saturated), 790 mg sodium, 35 g carbs (3 g fiber, 0 g sugar), 14 g protein
This wrap is the best of both worlds: fried chicken and the chain's signature red beans and rice all rolled into one. In fact, it's hard to believe that it's only 310 calories and still packs 14 grams of protein and 3 grams of filling fiber. Thinking of adding a diet soda to your order? read about itBest Diet Sodas - Ranking!
15
Schall-

Classic Grilled Chicken Sandwich
470 calories, 22 g fat (4 g saturated), 1,340 mg sodium, 39 g carbs (3 g fiber, 10 g sugar), 30 g protein
A soft ciabatta bread and breaded chicken combine with a variety of vegetables and light mayonnaise to create this flavorful and diet-friendly order. If you're looking for something less in the salt department, don't miss this oneLow Sodium Fast Food Orders.
sixteen
starbucks

Low-Fat Bacon Turkey Breakfast Sandwich
230 calories, 5g fat (2.5g saturated), 550mg sodium, 28g carbs (3g fiber, 2g sugar), 17g protein
The lean protein of bacon and egg white finds its perfect accompaniment in the Relativlow carbEnglish muffin. That's a huge nutritional hit for just 210 calories. This is another all day breakfast item that we are proud to leave behind.
17
Steak'n Shake

Individual Steak Burger, no fries
310 calories, 14 g fat (5 g saturated), 830 mg sodium, 32 g carbs (3 g fiber, 6 g sugar), 15 g protein
In the restaurant world, "specialty" means excess calories and fat, and this rule certainly applies toSteak'n Shake. Skip the chain's Specialty Steakburgers, the options seasoned with extra ingredients, and order the Single Steakburger. It is the only burger on the menu that does not contain trans fats. One word of warning: make sure your server has cheese. That's where the trans fats seem to be hiding.
18
Subterraneo

6" turkey breast on 9-grain bun with lettuce, tomato, onion, green pepper
250 calories, 2.5g fat (0.5g saturated), 730mg sodium, 41g carbs (5g fiber, 7g sugar), 20g protein
The halo of health aroundSubterraneoIt's a boon for the sandwich chain, but it's pretty troublesome for everyone else. The numbers Subway advertises are for a 6-inch sub only and do not include cheese, mayonnaise, olive oil, or other extras most people get on their sub. Order a 12-inch sandwich with a few extras, and your "healthy" sandwich suddenly becomes a diet-guzzling 800-calorie torpedo. To be fair, there are plenty of nutritious sandwich combos at Subway, and this is one of them. Just be sure to use 6-inch (not 12), mustard (no mayonnaise), and take advantage of Subway's best option: unlimited veggies.
19
Taco Bell

Chipotle Loaded Grilled Chicken
340 calories, 16 g fat (4.5 g saturated), 770 mg sodium, 36 g carbs (2 g fiber, 3 g sugar), 14 g protein
Meet the best burrito at Taco Bell that has the fewest calories, carbs, and salt, and 14 gramsprotein.
20
wendys

grilled chicken sandwich
360 calories, 9 g fat (1.5 g saturated), 780 mg sodium, 35 g carbs (2 g fiber, 2 g sugar), 34 g protein
Going to Wendy's Drive-Thru doesn't mean throwing the meal plan out the car window, just stick with the grilled chicken sandwich and skip the ever-tempting fries and sundaes. Wendy's Healthiest Fast Food Sandwich features grilled chicken breast, tomato, lettuce, and a little honey mustard—a combination that's rich in flavor and protein, but low in fat. And better news? Wendy's cut the amount of sugar in its honey mustard sauce from 11 grams to just 8 grams.
RELATED:Recipes without added sugarYou will look forward to the food.
This article was originally published on October 17, 2015 and has since been updated to reflect current nutritional information.
FAQs
What are the top 10 healthiest fast foods? ›
...
1. Chipotle
- Chipotle.
- Chick-fil-A.
- Panera Bread.
- Wendy's.
- KFC.
- Sweetgreen.
- Dunkin'
- Starbucks.
...
The Best Fast Foods To Order If You Are On A Weight Loss Diet
- Subway. ...
- Bhelpuri. ...
- Whole Wheat Veg Pizza. ...
- Whole Wheat Pasta. ...
- Veggie Taco Bowl.
- STARBUCKS' SPINACH AND FETA BREAKFAST WRAP* ...
- SUBWAY'S 6″ OVEN ROASTED CHICKEN SUB. ...
- CHIPOTLE'S STEAK BURRITO BOWL WITH ROMAINE, FAJITA VEGETABLES, BLACK BEANS AND GREEN TOMATILLO SALSA* ...
- MCDONALD'S ARTISAN GRILLED CHICKEN SANDWICH* ...
- QUIZNOS' 4″ TUNA SUB WITH CHEESE*
- Wendy's Baked Potato.
- Chick-fil-A Yogurt Parfait.
- Subway No-Bready Bowls.
- McDonald's Egg McMuffin.
- Taco Bell Black Bean Taco.
- Chipotle Sofritos Tacos.
- Chick-fil-A Grilled Chicken Nuggets.
- Wendy's Junior Hamburger.
- Reduced sodium across the menu by 15 percent since 2008, with a push to have a total 25 percent reduction by 2025.
- Removed artificial flavors and colors and replaced them with natural alternatives.
Subway offers a better variety of healthy meal options than many other fast food restaurants. In general, Subway's meals are low in sugar and a decent source of fiber and protein, however, many are also loaded with fat and sodium. Part of Subway's appeal is that you can customize your meal.
How can I get healthy fast? ›- Take an Evening Walk After Dinner.
- Combine Complex Carbs with Protein.
- Hydrate.
- Make Vegetables the Star of Your Plate.
- Listen to Your Hunger Cues.
- Be Physically Active Throughout the Day.
- Eat More Plant Proteins than Animal Proteins.
- Ditch Processed, Convenience Foods.
Fast food consumption is linked to weight gain, obesity, and health risks. Still, you can eat fast food and lose weight. Small portion sizes are key. You can also make healthier choices when ordering fast food.
What food can I order to lose weight? ›- Whole eggs. ...
- Leafy greens. ...
- Salmon. ...
- Cruciferous vegetables. ...
- Chicken breast and some lean meats. ...
- Potatoes and other root vegetables. ...
- Tuna. ...
- Beans and legumes.
The problem with fast food tends to be the high amounts of sodium and fat. While it is possible, it is not optimal. If you limit your portion sizes and chose meals with low fat proteins and vegetables as opposed to loaded with fat and carbohydrates you could still create a calorie deficit and lose weight.
Is Panda Express healthy food? ›
Chinese fast food isn't known for being healthy, and Panda Express is no exception. However, the next time you order Chinese fast food, keep these better-for-you choices in mind. This dish (available regionally) consists of wonton wrappers filled with cream cheese and served with sweet and sour sauce.
What are the healthiest foods to order? ›- Summer Rolls. ...
- Chicken Satay. ...
- Green Papaya Salad. ...
- Go for Tomato-based Sauces. ...
- Choose Thin-crust. ...
- Add Protein to Your Meals. ...
- Order Brown Rice Over White Rice. ...
- Steamed Dumplings.
Most traditional Chinese dishes are actually quite healthy for you, but Americanized Chinese restaurants tend to serve up fried and unhealthier options. While it may be okay to have this food every once in a while, your body can suffer some serious consequences later in life if you eat it too often.
Is Chick-fil-A healthy fast-food? ›Chicken is a great source of protein, and Chick-fil-A does offer more healthy options than several other fast food restaurants. However, the restaurant's food is still highly processed, so consider having it only occasionally for optimal health.
Is pizza the healthiest fast-food? ›Pizza isn't considered health food—and for good reason. It's high in calories and typically loaded with fatty meats and cheese with little nutritional value. Two slices can easily add up to 600 calories and more than a full day's worth of sodium.
What fast foods are heart healthy? ›- CHIPOTLE BURRITO BOWL.
- WENDY'S BAKED POTATO.
- TACO BELL BEAN BURRITO.
- BURGER KING'S IMPOSSIBLE WHOPPER.
- DUNKIN DONUTS BEYOND SAUSAGE.
- Egg McMuffin.
- Fruit & Maple Oatmeal.
- Filet-O-Fish.
- Apple Slices.
- Fruit 'N Yogurt Parfait.
- Southwest Grilled Chicken Salad.
- McChicken.
- Artisan Grilled Chicken Sandwich.
- Fried food. ...
- Potato chips. ...
- Added sugars. ...
- Processed oils. ...
- Hydrogenated fats. ...
- Refined carbohydrates. ...
- Breakfast sausages. ...
- Processed meat. Even though it's been explained that processed meats like breakfast sausage, bacon and turkey bacon are horrible for your health, this category of food is unhealthy as a whole.
- Processed Meats. Foods such as bacon, sausages and some deli meats are not only high in calories and sodium, but also in saturated fat as well as some nitrates and nitrites. ...
- Sugary Coffee Drinks. Gottfried recommends omitting sugary coffee drinks from your diet. ...
- Sugary Cereals.
If you're looking for a healthy taco option, we recommend getting lean chicken tacos or seafood tacos. These protein options have less fat than red meats, but they're packed with protein. Fish and shrimp also have vital nutrients, such as vitamin D and omega 3 fatty acids.
Which fast-food nuggets are healthiest? ›
- Chick-fil-A's Grilled Nuggets.
- Popeyes Blackened Chicken Tenders.
- Buffalo Wild Wings' Naked Tenders.
- A&W Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders.
- McDonald's Chicken McNuggets.
Good sandwich choices include sliced deli or rotisserie chicken, turkey, ham, lean roast beef, canned salmon or tuna, nut butter, grilled tempeh or tofu, smashed cooked beans, and reduced-fat cheese. Unsure about serving size?
Are Italian subs healthy? ›Italian. “The only redeeming quality is the presence of olive oil, spices, and veggies,” says Shapiro. But the cheese and the different types of processed meat can't win. “There just isn't a healthy salami.”
How healthy is KFC? ›Eating KFC Regularly Makes You fat
The dishes of KFC are mostly deep-fried and are made using tons of oil. So, the regular consumption of KFC can make you gain weight. Therefore, continuous consumption of fast food, chicken, and meat that too with excess oil can lead to heart and fat-related issues.
- Base your meals on higher fibre starchy carbohydrates. ...
- Eat lots of fruit and veg. ...
- Eat more fish, including a portion of oily fish. ...
- Cut down on saturated fat and sugar. ...
- Eat less salt: no more than 6g a day for adults. ...
- Get active and be a healthy weight. ...
- Do not get thirsty. ...
- Do not skip breakfast.
- Switch up the Order of Eating Your Meal. ...
- Drink Tons of Water. ...
- Be as Active as Possible Throughout Your Day. ...
- Make Sure You Know What a Real Portion Is. ...
- Aim for 7-8 Hours of Sleep Every Night. ...
- Snack on Healthy Foods.
Even though it's better to form healthier habits early, as the research study and patient story shows, it's never too late to make dietary changes that can lead to a healthier life.
Is it OK to eat junk food once a week? ›A review of studies on fast food and heart health found having fast food more than once a week was linked to a higher risk of obesity, while eating fast food more than twice a week was associated with a higher risk of metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes and death from coronary heart disease.
How many times should you eat fast-food a week? ›A review of studies on fast food and heart health found having fast food more than once a week was linked to a higher risk of obesity, while eating fast food more than twice a week was associated with a higher risk of metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes and death from coronary heart disease.
Can I eat french fries on a diet? ›French fries and potato chips are high in calories and fat, which could contribute to weight gain if consumed in excess. Therefore, it's best to enjoy these foods in moderation.
How to lose 2 pounds a week? ›
Generally to lose 1 to 2 pounds a week, you need to burn 500 to 1,000 calories more than you consume each day, through a lower calorie diet and regular physical activity. Depending on your weight, 5% of your current weight may be a realistic goal, at least for an initial goal.
What are the 5 foods that burn fat? ›- Greek Yogurt. 1/26. Greek yogurt has almost twice as much protein as other yogurts. ...
- Quinoa. 2/26. Quinoa (pronounced keen-wa) is a nutritional all-star that belongs in your weight loss plan. ...
- Cinnamon. 3/26. ...
- Hot Peppers. 4/26. ...
- Green Tea. 5/26. ...
- Grapefruit. 6/26. ...
- Watermelon. 7/26. ...
- Pears and Apples. 8/26.
Skipping meals is not an effective weight loss strategy and is a behavior that can lead to overeating. Instead, consume balanced meals and healthful snacks, including fruits and vegetables throughout your day to prevent extreme hunger and to keep your metabolism going.
Can you eat fast food and still get in shape? ›Yes. You can eat junk food and get in shape provided you monitor your calorie intake and meet your essential protein and fatty acids needs. Junk food should never make up the bulk of your diet, even if the food choices fit your calorie needs. Junk food isn't filling and may leave you feeling hungry.
What should your plate look like to lose weight? ›While there are many versions of the “healthy plate” method, most recommend making at least half your plate fruits and vegetables. For weight loss, focus on making half your plate non-starchy vegetables. Non-starchy vegetables are lower in calories and carbohydrates compared to starchy vegetables and fruit.
What is the number 1 fast-food in the world? ›Rank | Fast Food Chain | Number of Stores |
---|---|---|
1 | Starbucks | 28,218 |
2 | McDonald's | 37,855 |
3 | Subway | 43,600 |
4 | Yum China | 8,484 |
McDonald's is by far the most popular fast food chain in the United States. It has about 13,500 locations in the U.S., 40,000 worldwide, and it operates in 118 countries.
What is the healthiest McDonald's order? ›- Filet-O-Fish.
- Apple Slices.
- Fruit 'N Yogurt Parfait.
- Southwest Grilled Chicken Salad.
- McChicken.
- Artisan Grilled Chicken Sandwich.
- Hamburger.
- Six Piece Chicken McNuggets.
(CNN) - Chick-fil-A remains the head of the pack not only in the fast food industry, but of all restaurants when it comes to customer service satisfaction.
What is the 2 most popular fast food restaurant? ›Rank | Company | Systemwide Sales (2021) |
---|---|---|
#1 | McDonald's | $46.0 billion |
#2 | Starbucks | $24.3 billion |
#3 | Chick-fil-A | $16.7 billion |
#4 | Taco Bell | $12.6 billion |
What is the best fast food in America? ›
rank | company | category |
---|---|---|
1 | McDonald's | Burger |
2 | Starbucks* | Snack |
3 | Subway* | Sandwich |
4 | Taco Bell | Global |
This shouldn't be much of a surprise, the United States is the biggest fast-food consumer in the world. The study carried out by CEOWORLD magazine revealed that the US ranks as the world's most fast-food-obsessed country. The United Kingdom is second to only the United States.
Why Chick-fil-A is so good? ›The bright salty flavor and extra tender meat that result from brining are consistent with what we expect from this chicken-focused fast food chain! We also expect excellent service! It's no wonder that Chick-fil-A has the best customer service in America.
Is Chick-fil-A better than McDonald's? ›My pleasure: Chick-fil-A rated America's top fast-food restaurant, McDonald's ranked last. The American Customer Satisfaction Index released its list of best fast-food restaurants, and Chick-fil-A took the top title for the seventh straight year.
What is the least unhealthy thing at McDonald's? ›- Hamburger. A plain hamburger at McDonald's contains 250 calories, which means it's one of the lowest-calorie items on the menu. ...
- Six-piece Chicken McNuggets. With 250 calories per serving, the six-piece Chicken McNuggets from McDonald's can be a good option if you're trying to lose or maintain weight.
Chick-fil-A won a blue ribbon for being the cleanest fast-food restaurant in America.
Which fast food restaurant messes up orders the most? ›These Chains Make the Most Drive-Through Mistakes
"A recent survey conducted by Mashed found that consumers believe one brand, in particular, messes up more than the rest. Out of 599 respondents, 181 people, or 30.22%, pegged McDonald's as the fast-food chain that gets orders wrong the most," the website shared.
The middle class consumes more fast food than the poorest and the wealthiest cross sections of society, according to this study. The idea is the more hours you work, the less leisure time you have and the more likely you are to turn to convenience for eating.