Happy Hump Day Dr. Tami!
Last week I shared with you some “Healthy Eating On The Go” tips to accommodate your busy lifestyle. I hope you found them helpful. When you’re away from home and unable to prepare food in your own kitchen, here are some of the healthiest options on fast-food menus you should know about (taken from MdLinx “Healthiest fast-food options” article):
Grilled nuggets at Chick-fil-A
These bite-sized pieces of boneless chicken breast are marinated with a proprietary blend of seasonings and grilled to be juicy and tender. This high-protein meal is much healthier than fried chicken nuggets and can be paired with a side of veggies.
Grilled chicken wrap at Wendy’s
This wrap consists of herb-marinated grilled chicken breast in a flour tortilla, with a crisp spring mix and shredded cheddar cheese. It is also prepared with smoky honey mustard. When paired with a small cup of chili or a small side salad, you can keep your calorie intake for the meal under 500 calories.
Grilled steak soft taco at Taco Bell
If you’re hankering for beef, the grilled steak soft taco is a good option. It features avocado ranch sauce, cheddar cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes.
Tuna salad sub at Subway
Sure, the deli meat subs at Subway are lower-calorie, but they’re also chock-full of preservatives. A 6-inch tuna salad sub is a healthier option, which you can pile high with low-calorie veggie toppings.
Steak burrito bowl at Chipotle
Here’s another beef option for those who’ve had their fill of chicken and salad. With the steak burrito bowl, opt for pinto beans, salsa, and veggies. Skip the calorie-packed rice, cheese, and guacamole.
Protein Style burger at In-N-Out
You can customize your order at In-N-Out by ordering off the Not-So-Secret menu. One option is to order a burger with lettuce in lieu of the bun. Ditching the bun with a Protein-Style burger will lower your intake of calories and carbs.
MorningStar Veggie Burger at Burger King
This veggie patty at Burger King is packed with protein and fiber. You can also pick up a bit more calcium by adding a slice of cheese. Try pairing the veggie burger with fruits and veggies to increase satiety.
Chicken & Quinoa Protein Bowl with Black Beans and Greens at Starbucks
This meal is packed with protein, as its name implies, but it also includes a healthy amount of fiber—not to mention fresh greens, tomatoes, roasted corn, and seasonings. And, unlike some other lower-calorie fast-food options, this protein bowl is probably enough to fill you up for lunch.
Egg McMuffin at McDonald’s
The nice thing about the eggs at McDonald’s is that they are 100% real and free of any added ingredients. The same can’t be said for all fast-food morning fare. In addition to egg, this meal comes with lean Canadian bacon, cheese, and butter.
Finally, keep in mind that many of these “healthier” fast-food options still contain a lot of salt and sodium, which contributes to heart disease and other chronic medical conditions. The American Heart Association recommends fewer than 1,500 mg of sodium per day and to never exceed 2,300 mg per day. Therefore, please make sure that you are reading food labels and nutritional values fully. Foods that are low in fat but high in sugar and sodium are just as bad as foods with high fat. Remember everything in moderation!
For more medical pearls and daily inspiration, please follow me on social media and also tune into my TV show, Health Tips with The Nation’s Bedside Doctor, on ClarkeTVNetwork every Thursday at 6:00 pm EST.
To your good health,
Tami M. Prince, M.D.
The Nation’s Bedside Doctor