Counting Calories but Craving Takeout?
If you find yourself in a difficult situation where you’re trying to keep up with a diet or eat at a calorie deficit but your mind is desperately craving fast food—then there’s a solution! By choosing fast food items that have some nutrients or are relatively low in calories, you can itch the junk food urge without the long-term consequences.
1. Chick-fil-A: Grilled Nuggets
Chick-fil-A knew what it was doing when it put grilled nuggets on its secret menu. You can enjoy a whole serving of delectable nuggets without worrying about the fried oil. Coming in at 300 calories with 29 grams of protein, this one’s a no-brainer.
2. Tim Hortons: Chili
For the Canadians out there, Tim Hortons is simply a convenient stop on any commute. Whether you want a healthy breakfast or lunch, one of the best choices is the chili, which comes in at 300 calories and is loaded with healthy ingredients like tomatoes, kidney beans, and more.
3. Chipotle: Salad Bowl
A salad may sound boring, but Chipotle has plenty of tricks and tips to make the most of it. You can start with a chicken or tofu base, then load up on your favorite veggies to get that filling feeling after. Just avoid the cheese, sour cream, and rice.
4. Popeyes: Blackened Chicken Tenders
Everyone knows that frying chicken isn’t good for you. Luckily, Popeyes' blackened chicken gets you that tasty flavor without the frying. One serving will only cost you 280 calories while providing 43 grams of protein!
5. Burger King: Cheeseburger
Despite what it may look like, a burger really isn’t all that crazy in terms of calories. Most burgers are only 300 to 500 calories, and you can get Burger King’s cheeseburger at only 301 calories.
6. Domino’s: Veggie Thin Crust
If you can’t resist the urge to indulge in some pizza, then a thin-crust veggie is exactly what you need. While the total calories depend on how many slices you eat, by minimizing the carbs with the crust and choosing healthy veggies as the topping, you’ll be doing your body a favor.
7. Krispy Kreme: Original Glazed Donut
Sometimes the craving for donuts is undeniable, and if you find yourself unable to resist, the least you can do is choose the original glaze. Unlike the coated and sprinkled variants, this donut only clocks in at 190 calories, making it a reasonable dessert.
8. Arby’s: Roast Beef Gyro
As one of the heftier items on this list, coming in at 540 calories, the roast beef gyro is certainly built to be enjoyed. Technically, you’re hitting all your healthy food groups, from protein to veggies, plus a little carb.
9. Taco Bell: Fresco Crunchy Taco
It might surprise you how heavy a taco can be, but luckily this classic from Taco Bell only comes in at 140 calories. Loaded with ground beef and healthy veggies, you can enjoy this snack mindfully as long as you limit the extra sauces.
10. Subway: Veggie Delite
A loaded sub may seem like the least healthy option out there, but you can get a 6-inch Veggie Delite at only 271 calories. You can even throw in some avocado to get that extra filling feeling.
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11. Dairy Queen: Dilly Bar
If you’re craving ice cream, instead of getting caught up in the often-expensive healthy ice cream pints that taste off and weird, just go ahead and get a Dilly Bar or even a small soft serve. The Dilly Bar, for instance, only comes in at 220 calories, making it a reasonable dessert in moderation.
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12. Dunkin’ Donuts: Wake-Up Wrap
If Dunkin’ is a convenient part of your morning routine, then feel free to grab a Wake-Up Wrap with your coffee. At only 180 calories, this breakfast item has 7 grams of protein and is only made up of egg, cheese, and a light pita.
13. Wendy’s: Apple Pecan Chicken Salad
Forgetting about the Baconator will surely be hard, but luckily Wendy’s has plenty of other interesting options to distract you. The chicken salad, for example, only comes in at 440 calories and is full of healthy fixings and a delectable raspberry vinaigrette dressing.
14. KFC: Chicken Caesar Salad
Going to KFC and not getting some fried chicken may seem sacrilegious, but everyone has to make sacrifices in the name of health. Your waistline will thank you later, and a Caesar salad with some yummy grilled chicken really doesn’t sound that bad. On the bright side, it only comes in at 190 calories.
15. Panera Bread: Turkey Chili
With only 300 calories, another place that offers delectable chili is Panera Bread. Despite being better known for sandwiches and salads, you can enjoy this delicious meal knowing you’re getting plenty of protein.
16. McDonald’s: Hamburger
If you’re craving McDonald’s, just go ahead and grab a hamburger—it really won’t hurt you that much in the long run. At only 250 calories, McDonald’s servings are quite small, so you can go ahead and have it.
17. Panda Express: Mushroom Chicken
Chinese food may get a bad reputation for its super saucy and fried flavors, but there are plenty of healthy options for mindful eating. For instance, the Mushroom Chicken only clocks in at 170 calories and is loaded with healthy veggies and high-protein chicken.
18. Shake Shack: Hamburger
If you just want a simple and classic hamburger, then Shake Shack has the fix for you. With their humble burger starting at only 370 calories, you can enjoy all those favorite flavors without the extra fuss. Plus, you can get it wrapped in lettuce for even fewer calories.
19. Culver’s: Chicken Noodle Soup
At only 130 calories, Culver’s chicken noodle soup is full of healthy broth, protein from the chicken, and feel-good veggies like carrots. Of course, you just have to be mindful of the salt content, which is quite high.
20. Starbucks: Spinach, Feta, and Egg White Wrap
Starbucks is actually full of healthy options, as long as you’re not talking about the drinks. One of the best choices is the egg white wrap, which has 20 grams of protein and only 290 calories.
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