Let’s be honest: fast food is fun to eat but they can be rough on the body. But what if you can still drop by your favorite fast food chains and still feel amazing afterward? Yup, we’re talking about delicious fast food swaps minus the guilt, grease, and regret. If you’re ready to eat healthy and happy, let’s dig in!
12. Panda Express’ Teriyaki Chicken + Veggies
Panda Express’ Teriyaki Chicken is grilled, making it a healthier option than the battered and deep-fried ones. But here’s the kicker: you have to let go of the teriyaki glaze because it can be high in sugar and sodium. To further add nutrition and volume to your plate, choose the steamed veggie mix as your side dish.
11. El Pollo Loco’s Double Chicken Avocado Salad
El Pollo Loco is known for its fire-grilled chicken, but they have loads of other delicious (and healthy) menu items, and these include the Double Chicken Avocado Salad. It has 51 grams of protein, primarily from chicken, and just 12 grams of carbs. The inclusion of avocado also offers monosaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health.
10. Wendy’s Potato Wedges + Chili
Here’s the fast food version of chili cheese fries without the grease and guilt! The hearty chili pairs beautifully with the wedges that are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, plus they’re among the most popular items at Wendy’s, so you know they’re reliable in terms of taste. Dip the wedges in the chili or pour the chili on top—either way, it would be satisfying and cozy!
9. Freddy’s Lettuce Wrap Burger
Fast food burgers are high in fat and calories partly because of the bun. So to keep your calories and carb count in check, Freddy’s offers sandwiches wrapped in lettuce. You can order a single steakburger (no cheese) and ask for it as a lettuce wrap. This gives you only 200 calories and 600 mg of sodium. If you’re looking for more protein, the Grilled Chicken Lettuce Wrap might be a better fit.
8. Chick-fil-A’s Grilled Chicken Sandwich
No swapping needed over at Chick-fil-A, because one of the healthiest items you can get from their menu is the Grilled Chicken Sandwich. This no-frills item packs 28 grams of protein and just 380 calories. The chicken is served on a multi-grain bun—better than a refined white bun because of the added fiber and nutrients. You also get a touch of freshness from the lettuce and tomato.
7. McDonald’s Egg McMuffin + Unsweetened Tea
McDonald’s Egg McMuffin isn’t exactly a health food, but it can be a filing fast food breakfast and a good source of protein. The Egg McMuffin alone only have 288 calories, so you can still pair it with a drink of your choice. To ensure you’re keeping on the healthy side, get an unsweetened, zero-calorie iced tea.
6. Wendy’s Salads
It’s easy to think that salads are healthy but the dressing can be a threat. For example, Wendy’s Caesar Chicken Salad without the dressing only have around 240 calories; it jumps to almost 600 calories with the dressing. To make your salads healthier, choose balsamic vinaigrette over creamy dressings. Another tip? Be cautious with adding high-calorie toppings like bacon.
5. Taco Bell’s “Make It Fresco” Option
Don’t sleep on Taco Bell if you’re dieting because almost every item on their menu is customizable. One of the best ways to modify an item is to “make it fresco.” The server will remove high-calorie ingredients like sour cream, cheese, and mayo-based sauces, and replace them with freshly diced tomatoes. This fast food swap is also ideal for those avoiding dairy products.
4. Chipotle’s Veggie Full Bowl
Chipotle is known for offering a bowl for every lifestyle, so you’ll find great options whether you’re going for Paleo, High Protein, or Vegetarian. Their Wholesome Bowl is one of the options with the lowest calorie amount, but still packed with veggies, plus supergreens, chicken, guac, and fresh tomato salsa. If you prefer a grain base, you can make it lower-carb by choosing cauliflower rice.
3. Chick-fil-A’s Grilled Nuggets + Fruit Cup
Grilled chicken gets a lot of love for not having the grease you usually find in a crispy deep-fried chicken. But if you want something bite-sized, head over to Chick-fil-A and order the grilled nuggets. You can get an order of 8 pieces, then pair it with a fruit cup on the side for a pretty filling meal. Another healthy way to enjoy these nuggs is to get them with the market salad.
2. Taco Bell’s Bean Burrito
We’re not kidding when we said Taco Bell is diet-friendly. Bean Burrito is a standard menu item and it’s a solid choice if you want to go meatless. It comes with 14 grams of protein (mainly from the beans) and 9 grams of fiber, so you can expect to hit that long-lasting satiety. Use the “make it fresco” trick and watch your burrito become a lower-calorie item once the cheese is removed.
1. À la carte Burger at Any Chain
Redditors who enjoy fast food but also love eating healthy swear by this simple hack: the next time you get a burger, order it à la carte. Skipping the combo meal (with fries and drink) also means avoiding unhealthy fats and added sugar. Just get the burger (single patty) to indulge in fast food without overdoing it. You can also remove or reduce the cheese or mayo and add extra veggies for a healthier swap!
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