Eating healthily at fast-food places presents challenges, but it’s achievable. A list of nutritious fast-food meals recently surfaced on The Takeout website. Items on this list are lower in calories or have more vitamins and minerals than typical menu choices.
Dr. Kristin Struble, a functional medicine pediatrician in Arizona, cautioned that the term ‘nutritious’ might be overstated concerning these meals. According to Struble, many options involve processed ingredients with preservatives, potentially causing gut inflammation.
Taco Bell’s Veggie Mexican Pizza
This item topped the list but isn’t without drawbacks. Dr. Struble sees issues with the processed flour tortilla, which lacks significant protein. This might leave you hungry soon after consuming it. Chick-fil-A’s grilled nuggets with a Kale Crunch Salad and Fruit Cup offer a better alternative, according to Dr. Lauren Powell, a healthcare professional in Georgia. Despite being a healthier option, the kale salad dressing contains ingredients like soybean oil and preservatives, raising concerns.
Consider Less Processed Options
Eating a burger without the bun is one sensible choice, as it avoids highly processed carbs present in bread and fries. Notably, burgers from McDonald’s, Five Guys, and In-N-Out without buns ranked well on the list. They provide protein and fat with a touch of lettuce, making them reasonable options.
Wendy’s baked potato is also considered a less risky choice because it’s straightforward—mainly just a baked potato.
Choosing Salads with Caution
Dr. Powell suggests selecting salads when dining out while being aware of dressings. She advises using olive oil and simple seasonings like sea salt and black pepper as alternatives to pre-packaged dressings. Chipotle is a standout for balanced macronutrients, offering protein-rich meals with options to include fiber from beans and healthy fats from guacamole. Avoiding processed carbohydrates such as tortillas and chips is recommended.
Travel Tips for Healthier Eating
For those on the move, Dr. Powell recommends grocery stores over fast-food spots as they provide healthier choices and a chance for a bit of exercise. Many ‘healthy’ products are deceptive, filled with sugars and chemical additives. Nuts are a quick, nutritious option found at many convenience stores. Dr. Struble notes that protein shakes often have high sugar content and are heavily processed.
Planning and preparing food beforehand can help sidestep impulsive fast-food purchases. If consuming fast food, view it as an occasional convenience rather than a regular habit.
Chick-fil-A, Chipotle, and Taco Bell were contacted for comments on these observations. Teresa Mull, who writes for Fox News Digital’s Lifestyle team, contributed to reporting.
Leave a Reply