Fast food may be convenient, but often comes with a high calorie total, particularly if you make poor choices. More fast food restaurants are including healthier selections on their menus, allowing you to stick to a lower calorie diet while hitting the drive through occasionally. Stay less than 500 calories with these fast food meal ideas. Knowing what to eat when you're eating on the run can help your diet stay on track, even on the busiest of days.
Sandwiches
Keep portions reasonable and skip high calorie condiments if you want a lower calorie fast food sandwich. A grilled chicken sandwich is a good option at your standard fast food restaurant, including McDonald's and Wendy's. A basic single patty burger is also a good choice for a lower calorie meal. Sub shops, including Subway, are a good choice. Opt for lean meats, a 6-inch sub and replace the cheese and mayo with extra vegetables and mustard or low-fat dressing.
Salads And Sides
You can add a side salad with low fat dressing to a meal to increase the fiber without adding many calories or opt for a meal-size salad for a low-calorie meal. Keep in mind that some salads may be high in fat and calories, particularly if they have cheese, chicken or high-fat dressings. Grilled chicken, black beans or lean steak are all good protein sources for a healthy fast food salad. Order a light dressing and have it on the side to keep calories in check.
Tacos And Burritos
If you're opting for south of the border cuisine, opt for your burrito in a bowl or your taco salad without the chips or shell to cut calories. Skip the cheese, guacamole and full fat sour cream. Portions may be huge, so consider cutting a burrito in half and saving the rest for the next day's lunch if you have your heart set on one. Order soft tacos with fresh vegetables and salsa as another light option at Mexican-style fast food restaurants. Chicken, steak, beans and grilled vegetables are all healthy choices, according to HelpGuide.org.
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