Here Are Healthy (Well, Healthier) Things You Can Order At Every Major Fast Food Joint

If you need to grab a quick meal on the go but don't want to totally blow your healthy eating plan, it's still possible to hthe fast food drive-thru. Many fast food chains have improved their nutrition game in recent years, making good-for-you choices easier than ever. By introducing more veggie-forward and low-calorie meals like salads and bowls, these chain restaurants have started to think outside the typical cheeseburger-and-fries fare.
This is awesome for folks who are concerned about weight gain or are simply trying to make healthier choices, and provides better options for people who live in areas where fast food chains are the main affordable option--one study found that the higher percentage of Black people who live in an area, the easier their access to fast food, as compared with areas with proportionately fewer Black residents.

No matter where you are chowing down, start by loading your meal with as many healthy vegetables as possible, whether that means adding extra peppers to your pizza, asking for mushrooms on (or in place of!) your burger, or scooping some salsa onto your burrito bowl. Some chains even have ordering hacks that can help you further lighten up your meal. For example, ask for your Taco Bell order "fresco" to nix the calorie-laden dressings, cheese, and sour cream. Strategizing the best items to order before you get to the register or ordering window can help you make smarter choices. Next time they only nearby option is fast food, or you simply get a craving for your guilty pleasure of choice, we'll help you order with confidence. These low-cal breakfast, lunch, and dinner options all get the stamp of approval from a registered dietitian.
Arby 's: Roast Turkey Farmhouse SaladWho would've thought the same people who coined "we have the meats" also offer a light and delicious salad? With roasted turkey and diced bacon, it's got all of the indulgence of a sandwich, without the bun.
Total Calories: 240
Total Fat: 13 grams
Au Bon Pain: Vegetarian Deluxe SaladGet your strive-for-five servings of veggies with this vegetarian salad. It's full of greens, peppers, kalamata olives, feta, chickpeas, and other veggies to give your body the nutrition it needs.
Total Calories: 260
Total Fat: 13 grams
Boston Market: Rotisserie Chicken BowlSkip the gravy and go for a double portion of fresh steamed vegetables and green beans over the mashed potatoes and corn. You can pass on the potatoes and go for double veggies for an even healthier option.
Total Calories: 330
Total Fat: 13 grams
Chipotle: Burrito BowlGo for fajita steak and pinto beans, plus all the salsa and veggies your heart desires, to get plenty of protein without a lot of extra fat. Say "no thank you" to calorie-heavy rice, guacamole, and cheese and opt for pico de gallo for flavor, instead.
Total Calories: 330
Total Fat: 8 grams
Culver 's: Beef Pot Roast SandwichJust because you're watching your meat intake doesn't mean you have to stick to salads. Braised chuck roast piled on a bun makes this a decent choice for carnivores. Skip the pickle to lower your salt intake and give the the fries a miss.
Total Calories: 410
Total Fat: 13 grams
Culver 's: Beef Pot Roast SandwichJust because you're watching your meat intake doesn't mean you have to stick to salads. Braised chuck roast piled on a bun makes this a decent choice for carnivores. Skip the pickle to lower your salt intake and give the the fries a miss.
Total Calories: 410
Total Fat: 13 grams
Dairy Queen: Small ConeA person sometimes just needs her ice cream! When a sweet craving hits, go for a small soft serve. It has less fat than other options, and just enough sugar hit the spot. A kids cone is even better.
Total Calories: 230
Total Fat: 7 grams
Dunkin' Donuts: Wake-Up WrapStart your day off right by ordering the ham, egg, and cheese version of Dunkin's wake-up wrap. It has less sodium and saturated fat than other options, and tastes great too.
Total Calories: 190
Total Fat: 11 grams
Einstein Bros.: Egg and Cheese BagelIf you've got a hankerin' for a bagel sandwich, ditch the bacon and go strictly egg and cheese. It's a little high in sodium, so try to limit your salt intake elsewhere that day.
Total Calories: 410
Total Fat: 15 grams
Five Guys: Little HamburgerA burger with the bun with run you about 500 calories, but it also weighs in at a nice 25 grams of protein to keep you satisfied. Load that baby up with all the lettuce, green peppers, grilled mushrooms, onions, and tomatoes your heart desires — they're all free, and will add veggies and fiber to your meal!
Total Calories: 540
Total Fat: 26 grams
Hardee 's: Low Carb Charbroiled BBQ Chicken SandwichSince bread is one of the top sources of salt in the diet (who knew?) switch out the bun for a lettuce wrap and you'll save both carbs and sodium.
Total Calories: 190
Total Fat: 4 grams
In-N-Out Burger: Protein Style HamburgerA burger in a lettuce wrap is the way to go if you're carb-conscious. Order it with or without onions. (And skip the fries and sugary soda, even though we know it's super tempting.)
Total Calories: 275
Total Fat: 17 grams
Jack in the Box: Grilled Chicken SaladSliced chicken, cheddar cheese, grape tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, and croutons, plus a low-fat balsamic add up to one tasty bowl of greens.
Total Calories: 370
Total Fat: 15 grams
Jimmy John 's: Slim 2 Roast BeefAsk for extra lettuce, tomato, cucumber, and other veggies as added toppings. If you're watching your salt intake, order it as an "unwich" (translation: lettuce wrap) to lower the sodium content.
Total Calories: 480
Total Fat: 6 grams
KFC: Extra Crispy TendersIn no universe are fried chicken strips truly healthy, but if you're at KFC, these are one of the better options, clocking in at respectable 260 calories for two. And for your daily serving of veggies, don't forget to round out your meal with a side of green beans and coleslaw for a veggie fix.
Total Calories: 260
Total Fat: 14 grams
McDonald 's: Classic CheeseburgerIt may come as a surprise, but our resident nutritionist, Jaclyn London, MS, RD, CDN, recommends the cheeseburger because of its right-on-the-mark portion size. Add pickles, onions, mustard, ketchup, or BBQ sauce to flavor it up.
Total Calories: 300
Total Fat: 12 grams
Moe's Southwest Grill: Burrito BowlIf you have a craving for a good old burrito bowl, you can build yours with chicken, pinto beans, cheese (ask them to sprinkle it on light), and top with all the guac (filled with healthy fats) and salsa you want.
Total Calories: 357
Total Fat: 17 grams
Panda Express: Broccoli BeefWhen it comes to fast food Asian fare, simple is often healthiest: broccoli and beef tossed in a ginger soy sauce. Bulk it up with the side of mixed veggies and steamed brown rice.
Total Calories: 150
Total Fat: 7 grams
Panera Bread: Fuji Apple Salad With ChickenThere are lots of good, healthy options to consider at Panera, but for tasty small meal, go for a half salad and add the white balsamic vinaigrette for a sweet, light finish.
Total Calories: 280
Total Fat: 17 grams
Pizza Hut: Veggie Lover's SliceRather than get your own personal pizza, split a medium one with friends. Go for a slice of veggie lover's (bonus points for ordering with extra veggies) and pair it with a huge salad on the side.
Total Calories: 230
Total Fat: 9 grams
Potbelly: Mediterranean SandwichHummus, feta, artichoke hearts, cucumbers, and roasted red peppers create a tasty filling veggie sammie — all for just 470 calories.
Total Calories: 470
Total Fat: 12 grams
Sonic Drive-In: Jr. BurgerDefinitely order from the kids' menu when you head here—the portions are right-sized. The Jr. Burger is one of the best bets, especially when paired with a container of applesauce.
Total Calories: 330
Total Fat: 16 grams
Starbucks: Sous Vide Egg BitesThe egg white and red pepper variety offers up a nice amount of protein — 13 grams — and also provides a good source of calcium. Pair with a latte or misto (without added sugar!) and a piece of fruit.
Total Calories: 170
Total Fat: 8 grams
Subway: Roast Beef SandwichA 6-inch sub on whole wheat (more fiber!) without dressing will run you about 300 calories, says London. Ask for it with extra veggies like cucumbers, green peppers, lettuce, onions, spinach, and tomatoes.
Total Calories: 290
Total Fat: 4.5 grams
Taco Bell: Crunchy Taco Fresco StyleOrder a crunchy taco over soft to save on sodium. In fact, for 170 calories per beef taco, go ahead and order two.
Total Calories: 340
Total Fat: 18 grams
Whataburger: Apple and Cranberry Chicken SaladDried cranberries, apples, cheddar cheese, and grilled chicken make for a flavorful salad.
Total Calories: 385
Total Fat: 12 grams
Wendy 's: Apple Pecan Chicken SaladLondon recommends going halfsies on this fruit and nut-packed salad (you can save half for tomorrow or split it with a friend) and then adding a side of apple slices.
Total Calories: 340
Total Fat: 17 grams