When you think of fast food, “healthy” likely isn’t one of the first words that pops into your head. But while you definitely shouldn’t be eating a large double cheeseburger meal from McDonald’s on a regular basis if you’re trying to take care of your body, there are certainly healthy fast food meals out there.
To discover the absolute best fast food options for those who are prioritizing their health, we asked Registered Nutritionist Jay Cowin of ASYSTEM to rank his top three recommendations. If you’re looking to stay healthy on the go, read on for his full list!
#3: Double Double Cheeseburger Protein Style (In N' Out)
Great news for burger lovers and those residing on the West Coast! Cowin says there's one In N' Out menu item that makes the cut for his list of the healthiest fast food meals: a double double cheeseburger ordered protein-style.
"When you order your burger served protein-style, In N' Out swaps out the bun for lettuce," he explains. What a great healthy option! This burger will pack in the protein with two beef patties. It also includes two slices of cheese, two slices of tomato, spread, and onions (if you'd like them).
Cowin says this is a great fast food option because it's "healthy, high in protein, and very filling." As he points out, "the only downside is that it can be a little messy to eat!" Hey, we don't mind stocking up on some extra napkins to help us out!
#2: Chicken Power Bowl (Taco Bell)
Taco Bell offers some of the best options around for health-conscious fast food consumers. Cowin says one great meal to consider from this restaurant is the Chicken Power Bowl, noting that it's "a great food hack for Taco Bell lovers who are trying to eat more healthily."
Here's the catch: you should order your bowl with no beans and no rice. "You'll still be left with a filling lunch option consisting of chicken, shredded cheese, guacamole, lettuce, sour cream, tomatoes, and an avocado-ranch sauce," Cowin raves. Yum!
"This is the second item on the list because it's pretty balanced in terms of macros, low in calories, and it's a quick and easy meal option when I'm on the go," he concludes. Sounds perfect to us.
#1: Half-serving of Southwest Avocado Chicken Salad (Wendy's)
It's time to introduce Cowin's recommendation for the healthiest fast food meal around: Wendy's Southwest Avocado Chicken Salad, which he suggests ordering as a half-serving.
"A half-serving of Wendy's Southwest Avocado Chicken Salad only has 9g of carbs and 300 calories—dressing included!" he notes. Nice! That's not bad at all. Plus, it's delicious. "This is a perfect, zesty choice for people who are cutting back on carbs but also want a tasty, filling meal," Cowin suggests.
This salad is packed with tons of nutritious ingredients like lettuce, pepper jack cheese, diced tomatoes, avocado, bacon, grilled chicken breast, and ranch dressing. Our mouths are watering at the thought! Cowin says all of these toppings offer "the macros you need for a balanced meal," which is why it reached the top of his list.
The best part? "It doesn't leave you with that gross, greasy feeling you usually get when eating a fast food meal." Love that!
At the end of the day, no one is seeking out fast food because it's the healthiest thing around. However, there are definitely ways to stay health-conscious while stopping at the drive through. Whether you're craving a burger or a light, zesty salad, Cowin's recommendations are great places to start.
