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Fast food used to be a big part of my relationship. My fiancé loves quick eats, especially the fast food chain CookOut, which is a exclusive only to North Carolina. It’s probably the cheapest food you can find, but definitely not the healthiest. My mom jokes that you can get your corn dog with a side of burger…because…well…that’s how it works.
For around $4.25 you can get a tray with 1 entrée (burger, chicken tenders, BBQ sandwich, etc) with two sides (fries, hush puppies, corn dog, chicken nuggets, chicken wraps, etc).
Wait, what? Chicken wraps as a side? I’m afraid so, my friends. I’m afraid so.
While that is completely disgusting and I’ve learned to eliminate those kinds of foods from my life completely (it
honestly wasn’t too terribly hard), being a college student on the run makes it really hard to find time to prepare every meal—even for someone who loves to cook like me.
Sometimes grabbing something quick is the only option. So, instead of flying blind on this, I did research to find the best options for me whenever those times come about so I’m not left at the drive thru panicking with my fiancé asking me my order.
Fast food chains have tried to be even healthier. Hardee’s just introduced a Men’s Health turkey burger that Addison and I went to try on Friday. It was ABSOLUTELY delicious. With condiments it was 460 calories, but without the mayo, it fit perfectly in my lunch calorie allotments. Addison decided to eat his with sweet potato fries, which, while not the healthiest option, cuts out a lot of the calories for the fry-lover (It’s about half the calories and 1/4 of the fat). I totally recommend the turkey burger. It made eating out not as dreadful as it used to be and Addison actually liked it (he’s a tough critic to change).
For other places, I listed some of the better options below besides the Jump Start Diet’s recommended Subway meal. Also check out SELF magazine’s fast food snacking guide if you’re ever in a pinch.
Wendy’s
This chain actually has a list of options under 510 calories on their website, and often feature don their menu. Check it out! They’re alos under 10 grams of fat:
· Ultimate Chicken Grill with side salad and fat free dressing
· Junior Hamburger deluxe without mayonnaise with a side salad and fat free dressing
· Large Chili with a side salad and fat free dressing
· Plain Baked Potato and small chili
Chick Fila
Chargrilled Chicken Salad: Without dressing or croutons, this meal is under 200 calories and comes in at 6 grams of fat. Pa
Chargrilled Chicken Sandwich: Under 300 calories and only 4 grams of fat, this chicken sandwich is better than most Subway 6-inch subs. I usually get this with a fruit bowl as a side.
McDonald’s
Grilled Snack Wraps: Coming in at 260 calories and 9 grams of fat, it’s not half bad for a meal on the run. Add the 100 calorie apple dippers and you’ve got a light lunch to get you through the day.