You may not need to feel guilty for eating occasionally at Arby's, especially if you make wise eating decisions. According to MayoClinic.com in the article "Fast Food: 5 Ways to Healthier Meals," eating the occasional meal at a fast food restaurant can still be part of a healthy diet plan. Consult your doctor before making any changes in your eating habits, especially if you have allergies or health problems.
History
In 1990, Arby's removed monosodium glutamate, or MSG, from every food on its menu. In 1991, Arby's introduced lighter menu options by offering three sandwiches and four salads that were under 300 calories per serving and 94 percent fat free, according to Arbys.com in the article "The History of the Arby's Brand." In 2010, two salads -- the Turkey and Ham Chopped Farmhouse Salad and the Chopped Farmhouse Chicken Salad-Roast contain less than 300 calories per serving if they are eaten without salad dressing. As of 2010, all sandwiches contain over 300 calories per serving.
Identification
The Arby's Chopped Farmhouse Salad-Turkey and Ham is the main dish with the lowest number of calories on the menu, with 250 calories per serving, 130 calories from fat per serving, 14g of total fat per serving and 7g of saturated fat per serving. The item with the highest number of total calories on the menu is the Ultimate BLT Sandwich with 850 calories per serving, 410 calories from fat per serving, 46g of total fat per serving and 10g of saturated fat per serving.
Features
Adding side dishes to your meal may increase your total calorie intake. Adding dressing to a salad, for example, may increase the total caloric value of the salad. The Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing contains 130 calories, 110 calories from fat, 12g total fat and 2 g saturated fat per serving. The Dijon Honey Mustard Dressing contains 180 calories, 150 calories from fat, 16g of fat and 2.5g of saturated fat. The Buttermilk Ranch Dressing contains 210 calories, 200 calories from fat, 23g of fat and 3.5g of saturated fat.
Considerations
Ordering from the Arby's Value Menu, which contains smaller portions for lower prices, may help to keep your calorie count down because it features items with lower calories than full-sized meals. The Jr. Ham and Cheddar Melt contains 200 calories, 45 calories from fat, 5g of total fat and 1.5g saturated fat. The Jr. Roast Beef Sandwich contains 200 calories, 60 calories from fat, 7g total fat and 2.5g saturated fat.
Expert Insight
To reduce calories from your meal, MayoClinic.com recommends drinking water instead of soda or shakes. Adding fries to a meal may pack on additional calories and fat, so eat a small side salad with no dressing or cheese instead. If you must use dressing, order it on the side so you can add only a very small amount.
Member Comments