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[Malyse]

True story: fast food isn’t healthy. It’s just not. But it is convenient, inexpensive, and tasty, so if you fall into the almost 50% of Americans who eat at fast-food restaurants at least once a week, at least you know you’re in good company.

And given that fast-food consumption is practically woven into the fabric of our society, you don’t need to give up your drive-thru habit completely — or pretend you’ll just order a salad (who are you kidding, really?) — you just need to make healthier choices. And by “healthier,” we mean avoiding those 2,000 calorie fat-bombs like triple-decker cheeseburgers and jumbo-sized fries.

The trick to ordering wisely is to watch your portion sizes, avoid trans fats and excessive saturated fat, and try to come away with some sort of nutritional value in the form of high-quality protein, fiber, or vitamins and minerals. Oh, and to select a meal large enough it’ll actually keep you full and satisfied. To that end, we’ve compiled this list of “healthier” entrees and sides from 22 of the most popular fast-food joints in the country. And believe it or not, there’s not a side of apple slices or a “junior” item in the bunch. You’re welcome.

https://www.thrillist.com/eat/nation/healthiest-fast-food-orders

Burger King

• Grilled chicken sandwich without mayo: 370 calories, 7 grams fat, 2 grams saturated, 6 grams fiber, 36 grams protein
• Value-sized onion rings: 150 calories, 8 grams fat, 1.5 grams saturated, 1 gram fiber, 1 gram protein

Carl's Jr./Hardee's

• All-natural charbroiled BBQ chicken sandwich: 370 calories, 5 grams fat, 1 gram saturated, 3 grams fiber, 33 grams protein
• Garden side salad with low-fat balsamic vinaigrette dressing: 160 calories, 8 grams fat, 2.5 grams saturated, 2 grams fiber, 6 grams protein

Sonic

• Grilled chicken wrap: 440 calories, 15 grams fat, 3.5 grams saturated, 2 grams fiber, 32 grams protein
• Small fries: 250 calories, 12 grams fat, 2 grams saturated, 3 grams fiber, 3 grams protein

Taco Bell

• Two fresco soft tacos with steak: 280 calories, 8 grams of fat, 3 grams saturated, 2 grams fiber, 20 grams protein
• Black beans & rice: 190 calories, 3.5 grams fat, 0 grams saturated, 6 grams fiber, 6 grams protein

KFC

• Kentucky grilled chicken breast: 210 calories, 7 grams fat, 2 grams saturated, 38 grams protein
• Green beans: 25 calories, 0 gram fat, 2 grams fiber, 1 gram protein

A&W

• Three-piece hand-breaded chicken tenders: 260 calories, 9 grams fat, 2.5 grams saturated, 1 gram fiber, 40 grams protein
• Small fries: 201 calories, 8 grams fat, 2 grams saturated, 3 grams fiber, 2 grams protein

Chick-fil-A

• Eight-count grilled chicken nuggets with barbecue dipping sauce: 185 calories, 3.5 grams fat, 1 gram saturated, 25 grams protein
• Superfood side salad: 140 calories, 7 grams fat, 1 gram saturated, 2 grams fiber, 3 grams protein

Arby's

• Chopped Farmhouse salad with roast turkey and light Italian dressing: 250 calories, 14 grams fat, 7 grams saturated, 2 grams fiber, 22 grams protein
• Two potato cakes: 250 calories, 14 grams fat, 2 grams saturated, 2 grams fiber, 2 grams protein

Popeyes

• Three-piece blackened chicken tenders: 170 calories, 2 grams fat, 0 grams saturated, 0 grams fiber, 26 grams protein
• Regular green beans: 55 calories, 2 grams fat, 0 grams saturated, 2 grams fiber, 3 grams protein

Jack in the Box

• Grilled chicken salad with croutons and low-fat balsamic vinaigrette: 345 calories, 13.5 grams fat, 4.5 grams saturated, 5 grams fiber, 31 grams protein
• One egg roll: 150 calories, 7 grams fat, 1.5 grams saturated, 2 grams fiber, 5 grams protein

Culver's

• Garden Fresco with grilled chicken salad and raspberry vinaigrette dressing: 405 calories, 14 grams fat, 5.5 grams saturated, 2 grams fiber, 44 grams protein
• Chicken noodle soup: 110 calories, 2 grams fat, .5 grams saturated, 1 gram fiber, 7 grams protein

Steak 'n Shake

• Two BBQ Steakburger shooters: 280 calories, 14 grams fat, 5 grams saturated, 0 grams fiber, 12 grams protein
• Cup of vegetable soup: 70 calories, 1.5 grams fat, 0 grams saturated, 2 grams fiber, 2 grams protein

Five Guys

• Veggie sandwich: 440 calories, 15 grams fat, 3.5 grams saturated, 2 grams fiber, 7 grams protein
• Little fry: 528 calories, 23 grams fat, 4 grams saturated, 8 grams fiber, 8 grams protein

McDonald's

• Regular hamburger: 250 calories, 8 grams fat, 3 grams saturated, 2 grams fiber, 13 grams protein
• Side salad with Newman's Own low-fat balsamic vinaigrette: 50 calories, 1.5 grams fat, 1 gram fiber, 1 gram protein

Dairy Queen

• Grilled chicken BLT salad: 270 calories, 11 grams fat, 5 grams saturated, 3 grams fiber, 35 grams protein
• Oven-Baked Lay's Original Potato Crisps: 130 calories, 2 grams fat, 0 grams saturated, 2 grams fiber, 2 grams protein

Wendy's

• Power Mediterranean chicken salad, half size: 250 calories, 9 grams fat, 2.5 grams saturated, 5 grams fiber, 5 grams protein
• Small chili: 170 calories, 5 grams fat, 2 grams saturated, 4 grams fiber, 15 grams protein

In-N-Out

• Protein-style hamburger with onions: 240 calories, 17 grams fat, 4 grams saturated, 3 grams fiber, 13 grams protein
• French fries: 395 calories, 18 grams fat, 5 grams saturated, 2 grams fiber, 7 grams protein

Whataburger

• Apple and cranberry chicken salad with low-fat herb vinaigrette: 390 calories, 13 grams fat, 7 grams saturated, 8 grams fiber, 34 grams protein
• Small French fry: 280 calories, 14 grams fat, 2 grams saturated, 3 grams fiber, 3 grams protein

White Castle

• Two Original Sliders: 280 calories, 12 grams fat, 5 grams saturated, 2 grams fiber, 14 grams protein
• Small Clam Strips: 210 calories, 17 grams fat, 2.5 grams saturated, 0 grams fiber, 8 grams protein

Subway

• Veggie Delite salad: 60 calories, 1 gram fat, 0 grams saturated, 4 grams fiber, 3 grams protein
• Eight-ounce homestyle chicken noodle soup: 110 calories, 3 grams fat, 1.5 grams saturated, 1 gram fiber, 8 grams protein

Shake Shack

• Chicken-Dog: 320 calories, 13 grams fat, 4 grams saturated, 4 grams fiber, 20 grams protein
• Regular fries: 420 calories, 19 grams fat, 3 grams saturated, 5 grams fiber, 5 grams protein

Chipotle

• Chicken salad with black beans, fajita vegetables, and extra salsa: 410 calories, 8.5 grams fat, 3 grams saturated, 11 grams fiber, 42 grams protein
• Guacamole: 230 calories, 22 grams fat, 3.5 grams saturated, 6 grams fiber, 2 grams protein

 

[The_White_Rose]

Neat

 

[robotrock]

What is this, fear factor?

 

[cress2000]

I like how it leaves keto people in the dust.

 

[blackflag]

Why on earth would they list fiber but not total carbs or sugar???

 

[Zoe]

I'm sensing a trend here.

 

[Kayhan]

McDonald's
Regular hamburger: 250 calories, 8 grams fat, 3 grams saturated, 2 grams fiber, 13 grams protein


Eat 12 of these per day and you get enough protein and calories for solid gains. And 24 grams of fiber.

CHAMPION FOOD.

Why was I not aware of this wonder diet before? I shall call it the SuperSize Me diet.

 

[slit]

I never noticed any blackened chicken tenders at Popeye's.

 

[shnurgleton]

I like how it leaves keto people in the dust.

Yeah dude give me those carb numbers
"Healthy" my patoot

 

[MrChocolate]

McDonald's
Regular hamburger: 250 calories, 8 grams fat, 3 grams saturated, 2 grams fiber, 13 grams protein


Is this Hamburger, Lettuce, Mayo and Cheese? If that is so... wow, I'll just eat this at mornings.

 

[shira]

if you fall into the almost 50% of Americans who eat at fast-food restaurants at least once a week

How bout skipping fast food instead of eating the "healthiest" fast food

 

[- J - D -]

Cool now I'll know what to avoid. If I'm eating fast food I want to make the unhealthiest choices possible. That's why I'm eating fast food.

 

[5taquitos]

McDonald's
Regular hamburger: 250 calories, 8 grams fat, 3 grams saturated, 2 grams fiber, 13 grams protein


Is this Hamburger, Lettuce, Mayo and Cheese? If that is so... wow, I'll just eat this at mornings.

A McDonalds hamburger does not come with lettuce, mayo, or cheese.

 

[CHC]

WHAT ABOUT THE SODIUM!?

AND THE SUGAR!?

 

[Sibersk Esto]

5 guy's veggie burger is a joke.

 

[John Rabbit]

Seems odd to leave out the sodium content.

 

[Robdraggoo]

McDonald's
Regular hamburger: 250 calories, 8 grams fat, 3 grams saturated, 2 grams fiber, 13 grams protein


Is this Hamburger, Lettuce, Mayo and Cheese? If that is so... wow, I'll just eat this at mornings.

Im pretty sure its the tiny hamburger with ketchup, mustard, onion and pickle.

 

[geomon]

A cup of water.

 

[HStallion]

McDonald's
Regular hamburger: 250 calories, 8 grams fat, 3 grams saturated, 2 grams fiber, 13 grams protein


Eat 12 of these per day and you get enough protein and calories for solid gains. And 24 grams of fiber.

CHAMPION FOOD.

Why was I not aware of this wonder diet before? I shall call it the SuperSize Me diet.

You might be joking but I know some big lifters from my gym that love going to McDonald's to gorge on their cheap burgers.

 

[Moose Biscuits]

I think they might be missing the point of eating fast food.

 

[Hashmal_Bringer_of_Order]

I like how it leaves keto people in the dust.

As it should. You don't need keto to be healthy.

 

[BibiMaghoo]

I will never understand why someone would go to McDonalds and order a salad.

 

[Lombax]

this is rad! might come in handy when I am at an airport thank you.

 

[sixteen-bit]

A cup of water.

don't risk cross-contamination and go with the bottled water

 

[shnurgleton]

As it should. You don't need keto to be healthy.

RIght, because every person is the same.

 

[Septimius]

Healthiest order, or smallest order in amount of calories?

 

[Hashmal_Bringer_of_Order]

RIght, because every person is the same.

Realistically everyone should always give you all the numbers all the time but shitting on fad-diets is just too fun.

 

[slit]

Healthiest order, or smallest order in amount of calories?

You got a point there. McD regular hamburger is like 3 bites.

 

[dreams]

I never noticed any blackened chicken tenders at Popeye's.

Lmao that's what stood out to me, too. I would totally get those if they had them at the Popeye's here...

 

[MrChocolate]

A McDonalds hamburger does not come with lettuce, mayo, or cheese.

Sorry, not a McDonald user

Im pretty sure its the tiny hamburger with ketchup, mustard, onion and pickle.

Is that right? Cool. Might go for it.

 

[Ripenen]

Realistically everyone should always give you all the numbers all the time but shitting on fad-diets is just too fun.

Is low-carb even a fad anymore? Seems like it's been around quite awhile now.

 

[Agent_ShortBus]

Cool now I know what to pick up if I'm ever hungry and in a hurry. 💪

 

[blackflag]

Might need to hit up Popeyes and check out these tenders.

 

[Deleted member 284]

Lmao that's what stood out to me, too. I would totally get those if they had them at the Popeye's here...

Some of them have it, though I noticed all of the Brooklyn locations stopped selling them...

 

[Randolph Freelander]

Give me the 1200 calorie stuff, thanks.

Got to hit those macro goals.

 

[Boss X]

Wendy's Power Mediterranean chicken salad 😍

 

[thesuperfunk]

McDonald's
Regular hamburger: 250 calories, 8 grams fat, 3 grams saturated, 2 grams fiber, 13 grams protein


Eat 12 of these per day and you get enough protein and calories for solid gains. And 24 grams of fiber.

CHAMPION FOOD.

Why was I not aware of this wonder diet before? I shall call it the SuperSize Me diet.

I purchased 2 double hamburgers last week and stacked all 4 burgers between 2 buns, much more satisfying than a quarter pounder.

 

[Syder]

I always get a regular plain hamburger, small fries, large Coke Zero at McDonald's

I eat it on cheat days and it isn't even that bad for you

 

[Tom Nook]

Taco Bell
Two fresco soft tacos with steak: 280 calories, 8 grams of fat, 3 grams saturated, 2 grams fiber, 20 grams protein
Black beans & rice: 190 calories, 3.5 grams fat, 0 grams saturated, 6 grams fiber, 6 grams protein

 

[PixelatedBookake]

Sorry, not a McDonald user

Lmao a "McDonald user?" Fast food restaurants aren't stands, bro.

...or are they?

 

[KorrZ]

So McDonalds meal is 300 calories and Shake Shack's is 740...is that just the lowest they could go there or?

 

[Guerrillas in the Mist]

KFC has started doing under 500 calorie Ricebox meals here that were surprisingly decent.

 

[LucidMomentum]

Might need to hit up Popeyes and check out these tenders.

Oh they're good. Get some Sweet Heat and LIVE

 

[Aselith]

I used to get a grilled chicken wrap and chives and sour cream baked potato from Wendys which is pretty good

Just a baked potato by itself is pretty filling

 

[Ravensmash]

Only using a UK perspective but how can a hamburger be healthier than say... chicken nuggets?

 

[Aselith]

Only using a UK perspective but how can a hamburger be healthier than say... chicken nuggets?

Chicken nuggets are dunked in a fry tank

 

[Deleted member 17706]

I like how it leaves keto people in the dust.

It's just following the traditional dogma that has failed everyone yet people stick to it out of habit. Fear of fat and low calorie = healthy, etc. Bunch of hogwash.

 

[Walter White Walker]

Don't see sodium listed. Don't see added sugar listed. Seems like a half-assed list to me.

 

[Katori]

Only using a UK perspective but how can a hamburger be healthier than say... chicken nuggets?

In the short term, beef isn't any less healthy for you than chicken. It has more fat (which isn't a bad thing) so you need to adjust your diet accordingly. But a grilled/griddled patty is actually going to be better for you than some nuggets because breading and because your body needs fat to survive.

In the long term it gives you cancer but that's not what you asked. 😛

 

[GiantBeagle]

None of that stuff sounds good, though.

Why am I going to go to McDonald's and get a regular cheeseburger and salad. Get the fuck out of here with that shit. I'm there to eat the worst possible thing and then hate myself for the rest of the evening. That's how this works.