Top Healthy Fast Food Options

   (Photo credit: Thrillist)

Most people believe fast food is a no-no especially when you're on a diet. Fast food restaurants produce a lot of "fake" beef and practically everything is ridden with fat and gluten. However, now that we're approaching 2021, many fast food chains have come a long way and even offer separate menus catered to those concerned about their health. You should still limit your dining at these restaurants but sometimes it's unavoidable. Here is a list of some of the best things you can eat at fast food places that won't derail your diet. 

Subway

Subway is my go-to fast food restaurant when I need something quick and convenient. You can make any sandwich as a salad avoiding the bread and extra carbs. I always ask for my salad dressing on the side and make it olive oil and vinegar. 

If you have to have a sandwich, the Veggie Delight is your best option. It's loaded with vegetables sans meat, and is only 230 calories for the whole sandwich. If you're not an all-veggie person, the Sweet Onion Chicken Teriyaki sandwich with fat-free dressing is a delicious choice at 269 calories. 

Taco Bell

This is my favorite fast food restaurant by far. I usually go to Taco Bell when I want to have a cheat day and it's simply not fair that they built a new one across the street from my house. My favorite is the Nachos Bellgrande which is one of the worst options on the menu. Fresco-style tacos are your best bet allowing you to even have two! They're made without the cheese and replaced with fresh tomatoes and onions. Each taco is only 150 calories, 13 carbs, and 9 grams of fat. 

Burger King

A grilled chicken sandwich can be just as scrumptious as a fried chicken sandwich. If you're dieting, you're going to have to get used to that fact. I'm not a big fan of burger king (I know, everyone calls me crazy). I do, however, like their plant-based Impossible Burger. Anyway, their grilled chicken sandwich is a no-brainer. Choosing this instead of the fried chicken, you shave off 130 calories. You get a flame-grilled breast, lettuce, and tomatoes on a toasted bun. Tell them to hold the honey mustard sauce and you're looking at 370 calories, a whopping 40 grams of protein, and only 6 grams of fat. 

Chipotle

You're truly lucky if you have a Chipotle near you. Everything is made fresh daily and you can customize your bowls to adhere to your dietary needs. An excellent low-calorie choice is a steak, fajita vegetables, pinto beans, lettuce, and fresh salsa bowl. It's only 330 calories, 30 grams of protein, and 7 grams of fat. Out of all the places you could go to go to Chipotle. I promise you, if you don't load up on guacamole or sour cream, it won't affect your diet. 

Buffalo Wild Wings

I can't frequent BWW often because of their tempting menu. I love going there though for the atmosphere and to watch sports and the UFC fights. With my splurges being on cocktails or light 16 ounce drafts, I have to stay away from the fried foods. There aren't very many options at your disposal if you want more than a side salad with low-fat dressing. You can opt for a small order of the traditional wings (with no sauce). Instead, ask for any one of the many delicious dry seasonings they offer. I never leave BWW without purchasing one of their sauces or dry rubs. 

Red Robin

I love a good burger from Red Robin and their tower of onion rings. To keep my diet on track, I order the lettuce wrap California Chicken Burger. Granted, you can make any burger low-carb and lower-calorie by replacing the bun with lettuce. However, that doesn't remove all of the fat. So always swap the beef patty for grilled chicken when you can. With the California Chicken Burger you can still have cheese, house-made guacamole, tomatoes, and pickles for only 550 calories.