Many fast food restaurants are marketing their breakfast menus in response to the increased emphasis on eating a morning meal because of its health benefits. Indeed, eating a healthy breakfast has been linked to better concentration, weight control, lower cholesterol readings and more vitamin and mineral intake, reports MayoClinic.com. However, many of the offerings at fast food restaurants don't constitute a healthy breakfast because they are high in fat and calories. Fortunately, several healthier choices are available.
Dunkin' Donuts Ham, Egg & Cheese Wake-Up Wrap
Most people wouldn't consider Dunkin' Donuts as a place to find healthy breakfast fare, but according to ShopSmart magazine, the Ham, Egg & Cheese Wake-Up Wrap has only 200 calories. In contrast to the Sausage, Egg & Cheese Croissant, which weighs in at 640 calories, this wrap falls within a healthy calorie range and contributes some protein and fiber to the meal. Adding a piece of fruit rounds out the breakfast.
Starbucks Protein Plate
According to Karen Ansel, RD, writing for the Delish website, the protein plate on the Starbucks breakfast menu constitutes a healthy morning meal because it contains fruit, peanut butter, a mini bagel and a hard-boiled egg, all for 370 calories. This healthy choice contributes protein and vitamins as well as some fiber, which to help you stay full until you eat again. This meal is also low in saturated fat and sodium and is a quick and easy option for a busy morning.
McDonald's Fruit 'N Yogurt Parfait
The Big Breakfast with Hotcakes at McDonald's packs a whopping 1,150 calories, reports ShopSmart magazine, making it definitely something to skip at this popular fast food chain. However, McDonald's has made an effort to provide healthier options for people who want to lose weight or place a priority on nutritious meals. At 130 calories, the Fruit 'N Yogurt Parfait contains fruit, nuts and yogurt for a healthy combination of nutrients. According to FastFoodNutrition.org, McDonald's Sausage McMuffin has 370 calories, which is reasonable as long as you skip the hash browns on the side. Many of the meals at McDonald's are high in sodium, so don't eat them every day.
Subway's Western Egg White and Cheese Muffin Melt
An English muffin is a lower-calorie choice than the biscuits many fast food restaurants offer for breakfast, and the website Delish reports that Subway's Western Egg White and Cheese sandwich weighs in at a healthy 160 calories and only 4 g of fat. In addition, it offers a good dose of protein, fiber and calcium. You can choose vegetables to top your breakfast sandwich to increase nutrient intake as well as flavor. This breakfast sandwich at Subway is a much better option than its similar counterpart at Burger King, which contains 650 calories and 46 g of fat, reports FastFoodNutrition.org. Going for the healthier sandwich leaves room for a glass of juice on the side.
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