America's Healthiest Fast-Food Breakfasts

Times have changed
Used to be, when you grabbed breakfast on the go, it was a diet disaster: nothing but fat-and-calorie bombs like butter-soaked croissants and jumbo muffins. Now, it’s much easier to do right by your body: Fast-food legends like McDonald’s and IHOP, as well as newbies like Cosi and Panera Bread, offer surprisingly healthy options that are filling, light, and much easier on your arteries.

Choose wisely
The key to finding a healthy breakfast, says Christine Gerbstadt, MD, RD, spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association, is finding a good-for-you mix of complex carbs (like whole grains), protein, and healthy fats to keep you satisfied. So with that in mind, we asked our team of experts to choose and rank the best a.m. grub. Here, the standouts—and why each one made the cut.

Healthiest Fast Food Choices

Fast food has become a routine part of the average American diet, and is not a good thing. Obesity is always high, and the fast food industry deserves much of the blame. The fact that the Americans more than $ 140 billion a year to spend on fast food! There are over 25,000 fast-food in the United States (an increase of more than 1000% since 1970). Quickly spent $ 294 million in marketing and advertising to children in 2007. The Happy Meal cheeseburger with fries and a Sprite at McDonald had 640 calories and 24 grams of fat. It is more than half of total calories that many children have to eat in a day!

Fast food is like any other business, turn to more money for shareholders is to please you. The best way to get people to buy more of their products and do well. The average size of serving burgers, fries and soft drinks more than tripled since 1970! The popular Burger King Whopper has 670 calories and 39 grams of fat. Add a large fries with your order and another 500 calories, 28 grams of fat and 6 grams of trans fats clog arteries. Playing in a big knot, and add 290 calories and 79 grams of sugar. The total cost of this "value meal?" 1,460 calories and 67 grams of fat!

Healthiest Fast Food Meals

For those of you with a busy lifestlye it can be hard to eat healthy when your on the go. Whether you go to a quick sit down restaurant or drive through it is possible to stick to your diet and still feel full and satisfied. If you are looking for some healthy food fast, try these popular choices when dining out.

Applebees:

Grilled Chicken Dijon with Portobello- 450 calories and 16 grams of fat.

Asiago Peppercorn Steak- 390 calories and 14 grams of fat.

When dining out look for grilled, broiled, steamed. These cooking methods will save you a lot of calories.

Eating Healthiest Fast Food - Really Possible?

While fast food does not offer healthier options that many people eat fast food once in a while. It is a choice between skipping meals and eating. So how can you enjoy a fast-food meals without piling on the calories and fat? Below we will see how to benefit health fast food, without completely destroying your diet plan to eat. The good news is that many fast food restaurants are now producing more healthy menu options to choose from.

In fact, many fast food restaurants, it sends the nutrition information on their websites and in their food on their menu. It may be useful for some of these sites ahead of the best places to eat in a hurry to decide to consult. It is easier for you to decide what you can and you should ask before you go. If you choose healthy at the door, you will be able to avoid the less nutritious high-calorie options.

Healthy eating fast food as a choice but to pay attention to any changes in the menu or requires new elements. Restaurants more attention to what customers want. No doubt the news about obesity in children and evidence of guilt, often at their door. They are under pressure to add healthier options to their menus.

Surprisingly Healthiest Fast Food Options

Let's face it - there are times when going to a fast food restaurant. Desperate times call for desperate measures have been my motto. Sometimes you have no choice, but the culture of fast food fast we live in today. If you are traveling in a race, or if there are other alternatives and must pass one of those moments. Many of us prefer not to eat fast-food fame, but a polygraph test, if we can prove it.

If you are absolutely forced to stop a drive-through, there are healthy options available. You just need to know what they are. Of course, nothing fried or size to do something to your life. I studied what is healthy and what to avoid in a number of major fast food. The institution called fast food, the girl with red braids, probably one of the healthiest food is fast. Try foods with 300 calories per serving of boneless chicken breast grilled mayonnaise salad, or a small chili and a loaded baked potato, choose to stop the test.

Burger King Healthiest Fast Food Choices

Alarmingly, many fast food restaurants have begun to reduce trans fats from the menu, Burger King still uses the artery clogging trans fat in many of their food. They also have a "Triple Whopper" sandwich contains about 1230 calories and the audacity to present it as "a manly meal." Burger King, however, are few good options in the menu that does not go directly to the belt and below . usually account for the grilled chicken and salad.

Race Grill Chicken Sandwich (without mayonnaise): 280 calories, 9 g fat, sodium, 2 g saturated fat, 1130mg

BK Veggie Burger (no mayo, no cheese): 340 calories, 8 g fat, 1030mg sodium 1 g Saturated fat

Salad w / ranch dressing Free: 75 calories, 0 g fat, sodium, 740mg 0g Saturated fat (fat sesame ginger sauce adds low 90 calories, 2.5 g fat, 790mg sodium)

Race BBQ Chicken Salad w / ranch dressing free: 240 calories, 9 g Saturated fat, fat 3.5 g Sodium 1460mg

Ham Omelet Sandwich: 290 calories, 12 g Saturated fat (sandwich not healthy for the usual standards, but is much healthier breakfast) 4.5 g of sodium, 870mg

Conclusion: Burger King does not have many healthy choices to choose from. This is one of the last change to fast food as healthy as the elimination of trans fats and offer healthier menu options. Many of their meals are still full of calories, saturated fat and trans fats and salt. You need to find healthier alternatives to fast food if possible.

KFC Healthiest Fast Food Options

Kentucky Fried Chicken (aka KFC) ... The name of this type is the abundance of fried foods, junk food, but you may be surprised to learn that the new KFC grilled chicken options, you can actually get a bit of a meal "diet" healthy is much better than his more fast food today.

Discover some of the healthier menu options:

• Grilled chicken salad with Caesar dressing Fat Free Ranch (without croutons): 315 calories, 6 g fat, 3 grams saturated sodium, fat 940MG
• Italian salad dressing light house: 25 calories, 0.5 g fat, 0 g saturated sodium, fat, fat, 520 mg
• KFC Snacker (Honey BBQ): 210 calories, 32g carbohydrates, 3g fat, sat fat 1 g Sodium 470mg
• 2 grilled chicken wings: 160 calories, 8 g fat, 2 g Sat sodium, 320 mg of fat
• A grilled chicken: 180 calories, 4 g fat, 1 g Sat Sodium 440 mg
• 2 sticks of grilled chicken: 140 calories, 8 g fat, 2 g Sat sodium, fat, 400mg
• The grilled chicken legs: 4 calories, 9 g fat, 2.5 g Sat sodium, 320 mg
• Beans side: 25 calories, 0g fat, 0g Sat sodium, 380 mg of fat
• Side by Verdi average: 30 calories, 0g fat, 0g Sat sodium, 400 mg of fat
• 3-Bean Side Salad: 70 calories, 0 g fat, sodium, Sat Fat 0g 170mg

Bottom Line: KFC has made great strides with the new features grilled chicken, the chicken has fewer calories and fewer grams of fat and sodium than the original recipe. Sure, KFC has a lot of fried foods, fatty foods, but they already offer healthier menu selections enough to avoid fried chicken with mashed potatoes. All-in-all, if you choose the options and choose low-fat dressing or grilled vegetables such as beans, KFC is one of the best fast food options.

Healthiest Fast Food Videos P3

Healthiest Fast Food Videos

Eat a Healthiest Fast Food Breakfast

Fast food in general, is not synonymous with a healthy diet, but that does not mean you start the day with a nutritious food drive-through. They have a filling and healthy breakfast has a positive tone for the rest of their days, where a meal is not healthy, you feel lethargic and hungry for business. They offer levels of fatty fast food. With a little research and some small changes, you can enjoy the benefits of healthy eating for breakfast on the go.

Avoid fat crackers and bread to rise. Instead, opt for English muffins, bagels or whole wheat tortillas. Egg bacon sausage and fat, increase lean ham and cheese to keep the side.

Best Fast-food oatmeal with fruit and nuts instead of sugar. The oat fiber and protein and healthy fats in nuts help complete meal.

Healthiest Fast Food: Questions & Ideas (Part 2)

What's the healthiest fast-food restaurant?

Must be Subway. I live in a small-ish college town (15,000) and there are FOUR Subways in my town now. We were just talking about this today, wondering how in the world they can afford to open so many. I guess a lot more people are eating there since the Jared commercials.

What is the healthiest fast food?

Well really any of them can be healthy. If I were you, I would go onto their websites and look at their menus and see the nutritional facts. Places like Carl's Jr. I know offer Low Carb Burgers so they're really healthy, but I'm not sure about those places.

What is the healthiest fast food breakfast?

If you're talking about actual "fast food" then i'd say either mcdonald's fruit n' walnut salad, fruit n' yogurt parfait, or an egg mcmuffin. If you're talking about fast food to make at home then I'd say a smoothies made with either juice or milk, yogurt, banana, and berries, a wrap made with a whole wheat tortilla, 1 tbsp peanut butter, and 1 banana, or a wrap made with scrambled eggs, turkey bacon, mixed veggies and salsa, etc. That kind of stuff :)

McDonalds Healthiest Fast Food Options

McDonalds is the giant of fast food and many consider them and make their "Supersize" ways for most of the current obesity epidemic is responsible. For years, McDonald has his food with salt, corn syrup and fructose rich in trans fatty acids. But they began to change their habits?

Fortunately, McDonald made some progress in recent years, so that the trans fats from their diet and increase the amount of healthy choices. Here are some healthy alternatives:

Premium grilled chicken sandwich: 420 calories, 10 g fat, 2 g saturated fat, sodium 1190mg

Grilled Honey Mustard Wrap: 260 calories, 9 g Sat Fat, fat 3.5 g Sodium 800 mg

Chipotle BBQ Grill Wrap: 260 calories, 9 g Sat Fat, 3.5 g of sodium, 830MG

Asian salad with grilled chicken price: 300 calories, 10 g fat, 1 g sodium Sat, 890mg fat (Ginger dressing low fat Sesame adds 90 calories, 2.5g fat, 790mg sodium)

Healthiest Fast Food

Although the "fast food" and "healthy" two words that do not necessarily go hand in hand, to find fast food that is good for you. You have a basic understanding of what food is healthy and unhealthy, and you should know how to find healthy alternatives to fast food menus. This includes knowing how to do something healthy from unhealthy intelligent decisions about how to do it is made and served.

Since the typical fast food unhealthy?

Fast food, but convenient and tasty, usually is not healthy, because the ingredients used and the amount per serving, as the food is ready and "extra" Fast is usually prepared and served later.

For example, we know that red meat is consumed in large quantities, is not healthy because of the amount of saturated fat. But red meat is one of the most popular protein on the menu at fast-food --- hamburgers, tacos, roast beef and more.

The way food is prepared quickly leads also to its unhealthiness. Fried foods are cooked with the fat and calories of food loaded or steamed, fried, but the most common method is to cook the food faster.

Another major reason why fast food is unhealthy because they often served as a tree with extra high-calorie sauces and spices.

Healthiest Fast Food Options

Fast food has become a staple in the average American diet, and is not a good thing. Obesity has reached record levels and fast-food restaurants is largely responsible. Consider this: Americans spend more than $ 140 billion a year fast food! Now there are more than 25,000 fast-food in the United States (an increase of more than 1000% since 1970). Fast food has spent 294 million dollars in advertising to children in 2007. The Happy Meal cheeseburger with fries and a Sprite at McDonald had 640 calories and 24 grams of fat. It is more than half of total calories that many children have to eat in a day!

Fast food is like any other company aims to increase shareholder value. The best way to get people to buy more of their products and they do a good job of that goal. The average size of serving burgers, fries and soft drinks more than tripled since 1970! The popular Burger King Whopper has 670 calories and 39 grams of fat. Add a large fries with your order and another 500 calories, 28 grams of fat and 6 grams of trans fats clog arteries. Playing in a big knot, and add 290 calories and 79 grams of sugar. The total cost of this "value meal?" 1,460 calories and 67 grams of fat!

A study by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute funded found that those who eat fast food more than twice a week at least once a week had grown five pounds and had an increase greater than twice the resistance, "insulin compared with a risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Since the average American eats fast food twice a week on average, it is no wonder that 1 in 3 Americans fall into the category of "overweight".

Despite all the flaws of fast food, we have added healthier menu options, due to pressure from consumers, doctors, nutritionists and public interest groups. Some states require restaurants to post nutritional information, and is a crucial step for the people who eat alone. To write your state legislators to support the labeling of the menu, click the link below for the Center for Science in the Public Interest website ... It only takes a minute and was a world of difference.

Healthiest Fast Food Pictures (Part 2)

Healthiest Fast Food Breakfasts

Next time you’re in a hurry, fuel up with these quick yet healthy fast food breakfast options. You’ll be pleasantly surprised. By: Karen Ansel, RD

Breakfast On-the-Go

Breakfast may be the most important meal of the day, but it’s also the one we have the least time for. But before you go without – or grab an oversized bagel or donut – check out the latest fast food offerings. Many are actually good for you and slimming too.

Starbucks: Protein Plate

When it comes to breakfast on the run, it can be hard to find one with plenty of protein that’s not also oozing with saturated fat. Enter Starbucks’ Protein Plate, an energizing combo of fruit, peanut butter, a hard cooked egg, and a mini bagel. Together these deliver the perfect balance of protein, complex carbs and healthy fats to help you power through your morning. One serving provides 370 calories, 5 grams of fiber, 17 grams each of protein and fat, and 5 grams of saturated fat. Pair it with a cup of green tea for an added antioxidant boost.

Healthiest Fast Food Alternatives in Las Vegas, Nevada

You're hungry and in a hurry; if you're like most Americans McDonalds or Jack in the Box is starting to look really good and most importantly convenient. Afterall there aren't many alternatives and fast food places have value meals to save money. The truth is fast food restaurants have food that is full of fat that you just don't need and even though you may pay less now you'll pay more in the future when you realize the full consequences of your unhealthy food choices. I gave up fast food two years ago and have been trying to prepare all my meals at home in order to ensure the freshest ingredients and the healthiest preparation possible. But sometimes I just need to go out for a burger or a burrito. In situations like that I want to eat the healthiest fast food possible. I had to do a little research in my area to find them but here are the top three healthy alternatives to fast food in the Las Vegas area.

Zaba's Mexican Grill

Zaba's is the healthy alternative to Taco Bell, Del Taco, and even Chipotle. Their menu offers a delicious and freshly prepared tacos, burritos, salads, and Zaba bowls. Unlike some Mexican grills, they offer you the choice of whole wheat tortillas, brown rice and sweet potatoes in lieu of their white counterparts. You can choose from lean chicken, steak, or shredded beef. For condiments they have an array of freshly made salsas and guacamole; adding veggies and good fats from avocado. Skipping cheese and sour cream help keep your meal healthy and they offer not only diet coke but diet sprite. On average it takes 6 minutes for you to get your meal and be on your way. How's that for fast food? I've gone to Zaba's more times then I can count and I have never been disappointed by the food or the friendly and fast service. Recently they began offering a breakfast menu from 700-1030 featuring eggs or egg whites. It's the little options like that show how important it is for them to emphasize healthy alternatives to fast food.

America's Top 10 Healthiest Fast Food Restaurants

Health magazine rates the top 10 healthiest fast food restaurants in America based on their efforts to provide nutritious fare.

Who hasn’t unwrapped a sandwich while driving down the highway or pulled a hard U-turn into a fast-food joint on the way home from a late meeting or soccer game? We practically live in our cars, so we need quick food, and please, we’d like it to be healthy.

Well, guess what: We surveyed the nation’s 100 largest fast-food chains, as defined by the number of locations, and found many are creating menus that look more and more like what we’d cook ourselves (if we had the time)—from nutritious soups and healthy salads to fresh whole grains and sensible desserts. Even better: They’re offering good-news Mexican, Asian, and Mediterranean fare.

Using criteria that was created with the help of our expert panel, we scored the chains on such factors as the use of healthy fats and preparations, healthy sodium counts in entrees, availability of nutritional information, and the use of organic produce to determine the 10 highest-ranking restaurants.

One big surprise: A traditional fast-food chain, McDonald’s, cracked our top 10. Sure, it’s the home of the Big Mac, but did you know it also serves a mean yogurt-and-granola parfait? Here, the standouts that are making grabbed food healthy food.

Healthiest Fast Food Videos P2

Healthiest Fast Food Videos

10 healthiest fast food burgers and sandwiches

These grab-and-go bites are the ultimate convenience foods, but choose wisely to avoid a diet downfall.

Think your turkey sandwich is a better bet than a burger? Not necessarily. Often filled with too much meat, extra cheese, and fatty spreads, sandwiches and burgers aren't always what they seem. Done right, they're packed with good-for-you ingredients like lean protein, complex carbs, and fiber. On the flip side, they can be calorie, sodium, and fat nightmares. Our top picks show you how to get between the bread - the healthy way.

Starbucks Roasted Chicken Breast with Cranberries and Tarragon Dressing on Whole Wheat Bread

Finally, a chicken salad sandwich without all the fat. How does Starbucks do it? Their secret is swapping fresh tarragon dressing for mayo. That trade doesn't just cut the fat and saturated fat (each sandwich has less than 1.5 grams), it pumps up the flavor as well as tart dried cranberries and crunchy lettuce and celery. A bonus 6 grams of fiber and 32 grams of protein guarantees you'll stay satisfied for hours.

Stats: 420 calories, 13 grams fat, 1,000 milligrams sodium

Don't Ruin Your Diet: Get a Healthy Fast-Food Breakfast

You're short on time, but you still need breakfast. Buttery and salty fast-food sandwiches don't sound too healthy. Health magazine has come to the rescue. It has compiled a list of the healthiest and most nutritious fast-food breakfast options. Check out some of the magazine's top picks.

Subway's Western Egg White & Cheese Muffin Melt

This delicious sandwich contains egg whites, black forest ham, green peppers, American and Monterey Jack cheeses and red onion. Needless to say, it doesn't taste like a diet breakfast.

Calories 160; Fat 4g (sat 1.5g); Protein 15g; Carbohydrate 19g; Fiber 5g; Sodium 680mg

Dunkin' Donuts' Egg White Turkey Sausage Wake-Up Wrap

Wake up with this tasty breakfast wrap. Dunkin' Donuts' takes on your favorite egg sandwich, offering all the taste with a fraction of the calories.

Calories 150; Fat 5g (sat 2.5g); Protein 11g; Carbohydrate 14g; Fiber 1g; Sodium 400mg

7 Practical Healthiest Fast Food Choices For People On The Go

It’s no secret that dining out isn’t usually as healthy as eating at home, and trying to find healthy fast food choices may sound like a bit of an oxymoron.  But as much as we may want to avoid it, the reality is that we’re are going to eat out.  All of us have hectic lives, and spending a couple of hours each day – every day – in the kitchen just isn’t practical.  The trend toward dining out been going on for a long time, and that trend extends to other countries as well.  So understanding your healthy fast food options is paramount to understanding how to lose belly fat, as well as long-term success with weight loss.

Healthiest Fast Food Choices

A recent study by the sociology department at the University of Houston highlighted the changing landscape, with respect to America’s dining habits.  It’s probably no surprise that households where both parents work outside the home make greater use of fast food outlets.  Families that spend more time in the car also eat out more.  Both of these are logical, sound conclusions.  One item researchers found somewhat striking was a surprisingly strong influence of the father’s behavior of the dining habits of kids, with respect to the amount of fast food families consume.

Healthiest Fast Food: Questions & Ideas (Part 1)

What is the in general healthiest fast food place to eat at?

I am thinking that. I think that "healthy" and "fast food" is an oxymoron. For that matter, I don't even think that most of those places even sell food. On the rare occasions that I have to do fast food or go hungry, it's either Burger King for the veggie burger (though it's still on white bread and automatically comes with mayo and cheese unless otherwise requested), Subway for their pathetic salad on a white bun (their wheat bread is not whole wheat), However, Subway's "healthy" sandwiches are full of sodium and nitrates from the deli meat. Taco Bell is okay as I can get things with beans instead of meat and with no cheese, Wendy's because they do have a baked potato (ironically, I own about five shares of Wendy's stock, purchased long before I cared about what I put into my body and from where it came; Now, financially, I'm better off keeping it) and Tim Horton's which also has a veggie sandwich (and some yummy fat free muffins and coffee). (I also own Tim Horton's stock which I acquired when the two companies split. Even better, I receive dividend checks for about a dollar periodically and I didn't buy the stock but acquired it when Wendy's bought TH's. I digress.)

The best is Panera, which has several vegetarian choices that can be easily made vegan. They offer whole wheat bread and apples in lieu of their baked chips. I used to get hummus sandwich there, but now I get hummus and pitas from the local Mid-East restaurant or from Trader Joe's and some whole wheat pitas as well.

I avoid McDonald's. They're pure evil. I noticed that they started to add "healthy" options after people began to question the "healthfulness" of their food. I think the "healthy" Happy Meals are a joke. Sure, they offer apples, but their skinless, most of the fiber and nutrients are in the skin, so what's the point?

Anyway, I hope this has been of some help.

Healthiest fast food: Drive thru choices that won't crash your diet

If you're like us, those new year's resolutions have long since seemed like an unbearable cramping of your lifestyle. Who can save money when there are so many sales? How can one workout after work when it means missing happy hour?

Inevitably our high-minded ideas fall to the wayside.

But if your resolution was a diet, you've got a shot. Eating healthy is important, but on those days when you just can't handle any more quinoa, it's OK to give a little — without the wagon-crashing guilt.

Yes, even on a diet you can indulge in a little drive-thru delight. We've gathered some of the best options from the most popular fast food chains, all with around 400 calories, the amount nutritionists say keeps you satisfied, for when your brain says "healthy" and your stomach says "cheeseburger."

The Healthiest Fast-Food Oatmeals

Yes, Mark Bittman’s smackdown on McDonald’s oatmeal in his recent New York Times Opinionator column, “How to Make Oatmeal…Wrong,” introduced some valid points. Making your own oatmeal at home can be—and often is—healthier. (Click here for some quick and easy recipes for cooking every kind of oats.) And although its name implies it contains maple syrup, it doesn’t—it’s “natural flavor” and caramel coloring.

But as a registered dietitian and nutrition editor for EatingWell Magazine, I was disappointed by Bittman’s nutrition analysis. He only looked at the calories in McDonald’s oatmeal when he compared it to the Egg McMuffin. Sure, the Fruit & Maple Oatmeal doesn’t look so healthy when you call out the fact that it’s only 10 calories less than an Egg McMuffin. But the oatmeal looks like a much healthier choice when you see that it delivers less than half the total fat and saturated fat at 4.5 and 1.5 grams, respectively, compared to 12 and 5 in the McMuffin. In fact, the oatmeal contains the least amount of fat of any other item on the McDonald’s breakfast menu. You also get 3 more grams of fiber and 660 milligrams less sodium from the oatmeal.

And beyond all that, Bittman made no mention that oats are healthy whole grains—something that most Americans don’t eat often enough. Or that oatmeal is fiber-rich and contains protein—two key nutrients that will help keep you feeling full and satisfied until lunch. And no matter what type you choose, quick-cooking, steel-cut and rolled oats are equally healthy nutrition-wise—and can take mere minutes to cook.

Abs Diet Healthiest Fast Food Options

You've probably already figured out that the grilled-chicken sandwich is the default option when you don't know what else to order. But even the greasiest of junk food Valhallas offers more healthy choices than you might suspect. And even if nothing on the menu qualifies as a health food, you can still cut down on empty calories and saturated fat by ordering smartly. The goal is to stick to the plan, not bore yourself off it.

One fast-food burger now and then won't kill you. Just beware of special sauces, dips, and salad dressings. They're often loaded with calories and fat. Stick to ketchup, mustard, or barbecue sauce. And when given the choice, a second burger is usually better than the side of fries.

10 Healthiest Fast Food Joints in the US

We have often heard that junk food is bad for us, but that rarely stops us from pulling over at one such restaurant for a quick snack on our way to work or when we’re simply not in the mood to cook. With this in mind, Health Magazine set out to find the top 10 healthiest fast food restaurants in the US, to at least offer Americans the option of staying healthy if it’s impossible for them to stay away from fast food.

The chains who made the cut were judged according to a strict set of criteria ranging from portion sizes and use of organic ingredients, to whether they included plenty of vegetables or calorie-counts on their menus. They were first of all included in the cut according to the number of locations nationwide. The biggest surprise of this survey was that a traditional fast food chain, often criticized for oversizing, McDonald’s also made it at number 8.

The conclusion of the survey is that fast food restaurants can, and do, offer a variety of foods that can often be as good as anything that we might cook at home. From nutritious soups to sensible deserts and plenty of fruit, these ten chains that Health magazine “investigated” have it all. They also include menus ideal for children because they’re healthy and, at the same time, delicious.

Healthiest Fast Food Pictures

Healthiest Fast Food Options

A last-minute emergency comes up at work. Your daughter’s dance practice ends late. Your commute is derailed by snarls of traffic. We don’t plan to eat at fast-food restaurants, but sometimes it’s tough to avoid. Despite your best intentions, you might find yourself with only drive-through options in-between the endless obligations that fill up your day.Although fast food should only be an occasional meal on your medical weight loss plan, there are ways to make it healthier. Let’s take a look at some fast food choices you can make that you can live with.

   1. Look for hidden buzzwords. ‘Crispy,’ ‘crunchy,’ ‘creamy,’ ‘smothered,’ ‘breaded,’ and ‘double’ or ‘triple’ anything spells trouble. Avoid fast food selections with these descriptions. Also, it’s nearly impossible to find a ‘fish filet’ that’s not fried, so avoid those as well, unless you know it’s been prepared without added fat. Healthier words to look for include ‘grilled,’ ‘steamed,’, ‘broiled,’ or ‘baked.’  
   2. ‘Unpack’ your food. Even fast foods with ‘healthy’ sounding words can have condiments or toppings that pile on the fat and calories. For example, many grilled chicken sandwiches include mayonnaise, and that baked potato may be loaded with sour cream and butter. Get rid of sauces, cheese, bacon, and other toppings that add lots of fat and calories to your sandwich. The same goes for salads: Many will have cheese, crispy tortillas, and dressing on them, so request them without these items, with a low-calorie dressing on the side.

24 Surprisingly Healthiest Fast Foods

Burgers, tacos, pizza -- find out which of your fast-food favorites aren't so bad after all. Our list includes picks from KFC, McDonald's, Taco Bell, and more, plus healthy fast-food desserts.

Is the drive-thru the fast lane to a heart attack? On the one hand, it's true: One slipup ("okay, sure, I'll take the large fries and apple pie with that") and you can add more than 800 high-in-saturated-fat calories to your takeout. But there is good news. Some of the burgers, sides, sandwiches, and even desserts aren't as bad for you as you might think. In fact, some are downright light! Here are 24 fast-food picks that are all figure-friendly -- unless of course you order them all at once.

20 Healthiest Fast Foods

New Year’s resolutions to slim down don’t mean that you can’t eat fast. The Daily Beast pores over fast-food menus, and uncovers the 20 healthiest options—no salads required.

But there are options out there. Some burgers, chicken sandwiches, and pizza provide at least a healthier alternative to, say, the gut-busting Baconator Triple from Wendy’s. In fact, turns out that two of the better-for-you items on this list are from Wendy’s.

Healthiest Fast Food Videos

Healthiest Fast Food Videos

5 Healthiest Fast Food Chains

Today we would like to discuss a topic slightly contradictory to our nature. Let me preface this by saying that I am not endorsing these as everyday options. We feel that home cooking with fresh, organic produce is always the most beneficial way to eat, but there are times when you may need to know just which fast food chain to choose. Here is your answer.

Health.com’s panel of experts recently conducted a study of the top 100 fast food chains. Among other factors, they took into account healthy preparations, use of healthy fats, healthy sodium counts, use of organic produce and availability of nutritional information.

Our main complaints with this study are that it seems chains were scored based primarily on the healthy items in their menu, not taking into account the unhealthy options. In addition, each of the top 5 chains features offerings loaded with various breads and grains. We typically advocate a diet consisting primarily of protein, vegetables, fruits and healthy fats but do recognize that most of the major fast food chains offer this outside the context of a salad. That said, lets get to the list.

What Are The Healthiest Fast Food Options?

Sometimes, we end up in a situation where fast food – despite never exactly being the healthiest option – is the only option! If you are on the road a lot, or if it makes more sense for the job you work to eat fast food rather than packing a lunch, you might sometimes have no choice but to eat fast food. And if this is the case, you should make sure you know what the best options are for eating healthy fast food.

One of the toughest things about being stuck eating fast food all the time is that you will also be in a position where you are at the mercy of a consensus decision as to where this fast food will come from. If you are ever in this position, be aware that you can get salads at such fast food establishments as Wendy’s and McDonald’s. Of course, you are not getting organic ingredients (or even ingredients that are necessarily fresh) when you buy salads from these places, but it is better than many of the alternatives!

Healthiest Fast Food

Is now more common nowadays since people are thinking healthier everyday. Dietary restrictions and preferences have a big impact on your overall experience when dining out of the home.  Getting your dietary needs met can make or break any experience.  More and more friends and family members I know are vegetarian, vegan, lactose intolerant, gluten free, raw foodists, and more.  When you are at home with your own kitchen and your own local eateries in your own city, your dietary needs are likely to be met and met well.  Out on the road, or out in new territory, or attending a festival like Coachella, however, and your nutritional needs can me more difficult to fulfill.

Coachella is one of the biggest music festivals and gatherings of the year, and it takes a lot of food to sustain a drug and alcohol induced crowd of that magnitude for 3 days in the California desert.  This may be a place where it may be difficult to find the healthiest fast food available. Enter the food truck craze.  Luckily for the allergic, the restrictive, and the plain picky, there is a food truck catered to almost any diet.   From vegan cuisine to a large organic presence, there is something for everyone to be satisfied and full.  Working or even going to Coachella, you are on the fair grounds for a full day three days in a row- you want to make sure you keep your energy levels humming well.

Which Healthiest Fast Food Chain Is?

Believe it or not, Taco Bell and Chick-Fil-A are considered two of America's healthiest restaurants.

66 chain restaurants were put to the test.

Experts with "Eat this, Not that" calculated the total number of calories per entree, looked at serving size and looked at side-dish choices.

Restaurants were penalized for excessive amounts of trans-fat and gut-busting desserts.

Check out those restaurants that scored a B+ or higher:

The Healthiest Fast Food Meals at The Drive-Thru

It’s National Drive Thru day today and for those of you who enjoy the convenience of fast food but worry about expanding waist lines, here are 9 lower-calorie fast food items to choose from!  With many chain stores doling out healthier options, it’s easier than ever to choose meals more wisely.

Granted, taking into account the sodium content and portion size of these meals, you still shouldn’t be having them every day, but they’re just about as guilt-free as fast food gets!

McDonalds Grilled Chicken Snack Wrap (w/ Honey Mustard or Chipotle BBQ Sauce)
260 calories, 8 grams of fat, and 820 mg of sodium
As lovingly described by McDonalds, these snack wraps consist of “plump and juicy grilled chicken, bathed in the deep heat of chipotle BBQ sauce, held in the tight embrace of a flour tortilla.” You might feel guilty reading its description, but you’ll feel just fine eating it.

5 Healthy Fast Food Alternatives

You’re always on the go and may not have time to come home and cook every night – I get it! But the mistake many busy Americans’ make is rushing through the unhealthiest fast-food drives. There are nutritious alternatives to fast service rather than a quick quarter-pounder and 5-piece nugget. Here is my list of New Jersey’s 5 healthiest fast-food stops:

Muscle Maker Grill – You see the Jersey shore cast members frequently dine here, because it offers the same quick, convenient benefits of fast food, but without all of the unwanted fats, oils and carbohydrates. The menu offers healthy alternatives of American, Asian, Cajun, Italian, Mexican and Southwestern dishes.

Energy Kitchen – Has a menu full of tasty high-protein, high-fiber meals and smoothies that are all made within minutes. Most of these fantastic fast-food locations are in Manhattan, but they are quickly spreading to the garden state including the opening of the Hoboken location (96 Hudson Street).

Fast-Food French Fries: Which Are Healthiest Fast Food?

There's no doubt: french fries are one of America's favorite foods. French-fried potatoes are the featured side dish at nearly all fast-food chains, and at many sit-down restaurants as well. And the selection of types of frozen french fries at your typical supermarket is mind boggling.

French fries are thought to have originated in 19th century Belgium, spreading later into France and later still into the greater part of the Western world. But you can credit American fast-food chains for making french fries a fixture in casual cuisine.

Of course, french fries are by nature pretty high in calories and fat. We are talking about deep-fried potato strips, after all. But in the wonderful world of fast-food fries, there's a big difference in how much calories, fat, and "bad fats" (saturated and trans) you'll find in a serving of french fries, based on where you buy them.

Subway tops list of healthiest fast food kids' menus, Dairy Queen ranks worst

When it comes to healthy eating, not all kids' meals are created equally.

In a recent tally of calorie values at 10 popular fast food restaurants, Subway took top honors for being the healthiest fast-food option, with its average children's meal - consisting of a 3-inch sandwich, apple slices and low-fat milk - coming in at 372 calories.

Burger King, whose newly revamped kids' meal includes healthier options like apple fries and juice, came in No. 2 behind the sandwich chain, with the average kids' meal counting in at 390 calories.

Dairy Queen was found to be the worst offender when it comes to serving up high-calorie options to young diners, according to the Daily Meal.

Ten Healthiest Fast Food Chains

This economy makes it tough to ignore fast food: It's inexpensive, and satisfying.

With people looking to save every penny, it's tough to say "no" to a meal for $6 that fills you up.

Trouble is, for decades now, fast food has been written off as ultimately unhealthy and fattening. So much of it is fried, processed, or both.

But in its March issue, Health magazine tells about the top ten healthiest fast food chains in the country.

It examines why they're healthy, what the healthiest meals are to eat there, and what to avoid. The chains were scored and ranked on such factors as the use of healthy fats and preparations, healthy sodium counts in entrees, availability of nutrition information, and the use of organic produce.

One big surprise: A traditional fast-food chain, McDonald's, cracked the top 10.

On The Early Show and on the show's Saturday Edition, Health's senior food and nutrition editor, Frances Largeman-Roth, discussed several of the top ten, and what you can order at those eateries to keep your meal as healthy as possible.

Top 10 Healthiest Fast Food Restaurants

The website Health.com has come out with a list of the 10 healthiest fast food restaurants.

They created the list after surveying the nation’s 100 largest fast food chains.

The restaurants were rated on factors such 'as the use of healthy fats and preparations, healthy sodium counts in entrées, availability of nutritional information, and the use of organic produce."

Four of the top ten fast food restaurants on the list can be found in our state.  Panera Bread, Chipotle, McDonald’s and Taco Del Mar all made the top 10.

If you're surprised to see McDonalds on the list, Health.com says despite the unhealthy burgers and fries, the fast food giant also serves a mean yogurt-and-granola parfait as well as other healthy alternatives.

Healthiest Fast Food Breakfasts

With options like sausage, egg and cheese biscuits and fried hash brown potatoes, finding a healthy breakfast on-the-go can be a challenge. But a handful of healthy options can be found at fast food outlets, CBS News reported.

Nutritionist Tanya Zuckerbrot, contributor to Cooking Light magazine, gave viewers of "The Early Show" on CBS the lowdown on eating a healthy breakfast on the run.

If you're getting your caffeine fix at Starbucks, go for the Protein Plate: a combo of fruit, peanut butter, a hard boiled egg and a mini bagel that totals 370 calories, 5 grams of fiber and 17 grams each of protein and fat, CBS reported.

Five Healthiest Fast-Food Options

Face it, you can't always eat healthy.

Now don't argue. There are times when you can't hit up the specialty market to make the gourmet salad. Next option? McDonald's!

But there are things you can eat to make sure you don't completely overload on lard.

The problem is that your food's nutritional content isn't always provided. That's why "The Health Colonel" offered to help us out.

So here are what he says are the five healthiest fast-food options.

5 Healthiest Fast Food Wraps

Fast food restaurants are trying to offer something for everyone. Many offer wraps as a healthier alternative to popular meal selections. If you ever get tired of having leftovers for lunch, or you want fast food, but not the greasy burger, try one of these wraps.

1. Blimpie 3”Turkey Wrap
Calories: 190
Total Fat: 2g
Sodium: 600mg
Cholesterol: 10mg

2. Dairy Queen Grilled Chicken Wrap
Calories: 200
Total Fat: 13g
Sodium: 450mg
Cholesterol: 35mg

Top 10 Healthiest Fast Food Restaurants

Because many of us are so time deprived, we don't always have time to shop, cook and consume a healthy meal.  Fast food fare has become a viable option because it is convenient, affordable and stimulates our taste buds.  Unfortunately, a lot of these eat and run dining experiences are not always the healthiest choice.  If you are always on the go, please take advantage of my top 10 list of the healthiest fast food restaurants.

After surveying the nation's 100 largest fast-food chains, the staff at Health Magazine scored the chains on such factors as the use of healthy fats and preparations, healthy sodium counts in entrées, availability of nutritional information and the use of organic produce to determine the 10 highest-ranking healthy restaurants.

Each year Health Magazine rates the top healthiest restaurants in the US.  I have analyzed their list, added my comments and made a few menu recommendations.

Your healthiest fast food choices

Toby Amidor remembers well -- but not fondly -- her child's meltdown over a bottle of Yoo-hoo.

Amidor, a mother of three, was making her order at a pizza restaurant, when her son, Schoen, who was then around 4 years old, proceeded to have a fit because she wanted him to drink water with his meal and he wanted a Yoo-hoo. His friend was with them, and his mom was letting him order a Yoo-hoo -- why couldn't he have one, too?

"He really had a major breakdown," says Amidor. "It was embarrassing. People were starting to look at us."

But a temper tantrum didn't deter Amidor. A registered dietitian and nutrition expert for the Food Network, she was not about to be bullied by a preschooler.

"I took him outside and gave him a stern talking to," says Amidor, who says she's not crazy about the sugar content of the chocolate-flavored drink. "I told him if he wanted to stay with his friend, he'd have to stop having a fit."

Baltimore’s Healthiest FAST Food

Who hasn’t pulled into a drive thru because they haven’t eaten all day; ate their meal while driving because they are running late for their next meeting, and still needs to figure out what they are going to do for dinner? Let’s face it, we can’t eat in every day, every meal, 24/7.  Who would want to anyways? Fast food isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Being able to know what to order is going to be key when trying to keep the waistline thin.

What really bothers me is all the marketing scams these restaurants are doing to mislead what is healthy and what is not.  Dunkin’ Donuts’ menu can be deceiving: a multigrain bagel sounds healthier than a donut, but add cream cheese and you’re looking at more calories than a Big Mac. A glazed donut has much fewer calories than the seemingly “healthy” items and all other donuts on the menu

Eating out can be a make or break when trying to lose weight.  Think about it, if you go to the gym 5 days a week and burn 500 calories every time…that is 2500 calories burned in a week (there are 3,500 calories in a pound of fat).  Now, it is Saturday afternoon and you decide to go to Quiznos and order a Tuna Melt.   Eating this sandwich is the caloric equivalent to eating one whole bag of Chewy Chips Ahoy! Cookies, which makes it one of the absolute worst sandwiches in the country. Even if you order it without chips, you’re looking at 1740 calories and 27 grams of saturated fat. No thanks.

Healthiest Fast Food Breakfasts: 10 Best Picks

Times have changed. It used to be, when you grabbed breakfast on the go, it was a diet disaster: nothing but fat-and-calorie bombs like butter-soaked croissants and jumbo muffins.

Now, it's much easier to do right by your body: Fast-food legends like McDonald's and IHOP, as well as newbies like Cosi and Panera Bread, offer surprisingly healthy options that are filling, light, and much easier on your arteries.

The key to finding a healthy breakfast, says Dr. Christine Gerbstadt, spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association, is finding a good-for-you mix of complex carbs (like whole grains), protein, and healthy fats to keep you satisfied. So with that in mind, we asked our team of experts to choose and rank the best a.m. grub. Here, from our friends at Health.com, are America's healthiest fast-food breakfasts.

Healthiest Fast Food Snacks

Some fast food restaurants are worse than others when it comes to serving high-fat, high-calorie items. According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, Burger King has some of the worst fast-food items in the market, including the Burger King Old Fashioned Ice Cream Shake, which you might consider for a quick snack. The large shake contains 1,200 calories and 42g of saturated fat. When it comes to choosing good fast food snacks, don't rely on your instinct. Sometimes the most innocent-looking foods pack the most calories.

Fast Food Restaurants Snacks

Yogurt parfaits are usually a better choice than milkshakes. For example, McDonald's Fruit 'n Yogurt Parfait contains 160 calories and 2g of saturated fat. Its Strawberry McCafe Shake, however, has 570 calories and 17g of fat. With the parfait, you're also getting probiotics, healthy bacteria to help you keep your digestive system working properly. Another way to make a fast food snack healthy is to buy it without extras. For example, order your pancakes plain and then add a side of fruits or yogurt. This is much lower in fat, calories and sodium than the average pancakes with sausage patties or bacon and cheese. Or, snack on a plain English muffin instead of a sweet treat like cookies and pies.

US's Top 10 Healthiest Fast Food Restaurants

Yes, that is a McDonald's logo because, believe it or not, it made the list!

We know everyone loves fast food. EVERYONE! We're a fast food nation, so instead of denying it, lets just embrace it and try to find the healthiest options.

Ranked on factors such as the use of healthy fats and preparations, healthy sodium counts in entrées, availability of nutritional information, and the use of organic produce, a panel of experts has determined the top 10 healthiest fast food restaurants in America!

The panel surveyed the nation’s 100 largest fast food chains, as defined by the number of locations, and here is what they found:

Tips for Making Healthier Fast Food Choices

Fast food is cheap, convenient, filling, and to many of us it tastes good.  If you are eating out, a fast food restaurant is often the cheapest option, but unfortunately not a healthy one.  Eating just one fast food meal can pack enough calories, sodium and fat for an entire day or more. Eating fast food on a regular basis can lead to a host of different health problems, both physical and psychological.

Still, in a bad economy the quick-and-cheap temptation can often be hard to resist. As an informed customer, though, you can make healthier choices and still enjoy the price and convenience of fast food restaurants.

When is it healthy to eat fast food?

The short answer is: rarely. Typically, fast food is low in nutrition and high in trans fat, saturated fat, sodium, and calories. Some examples:

Healthiest Fast Food Choices

Eating on the run doesn't have to be disastrous to your health. Though most fast foods are higher in fat, calories and sugar than home-prepared foods, there are many healthier fast food choices. Try some of the fast foods listed below when your on the go. Nutritional data for calories, fat percentage, protein and carbohydrates are supplied.