Finding time to eat three healthy meals a day can be challenging. Even if you're committed to preparing healthy meals ahead of time, there may be days when you don't have time. Sometimes, you may find yourself running late for work and just want a quick meal. That's where fast food chains like McDonald's, Chick-fil-A and Dunkin' come in. Unfortunately, as you probably already know, fast food chains are far from the healthiest options. This is because fast food is often full of unhealthy chemicals and synthetic ingredients. They're also high in calories, rich in flavor and poor in nutrition.
The good news is that you can make healthy choices even when dining at your favorite fast food restaurant. To find out more, we spoke to Mary-Ellen Sabat, Nutritionist and ACE Certified Trainer for BodyDesigns by Mary. She argues that while it's best to prepare fresh food and pack it on the go, you can still replace some of your fast food choices with healthier options that contain the nutrients your body needs. Learn more below!
McDonald's Big Mac, French Fries and Coke
Big Mac – One of McDonald's most popular products. While a Big Mac is delicious, it's not the healthiest meal. Thankfully, there are still healthy swaps available the next time you find yourself in the golden arches. “At McDonald's, a healthier alternative to a Big Mac, fries and Coke (910 calories) is the Grilled Chicken Wrap with Salad and Water (390 calories),” Sabat explains. The meal tastes better because it contains more fresh vegetables and lean protein, she says. Plus, grilled chicken tacos are low in calories. It's a win-win!
Wendy's Bacon, Chips and Coke
Unfortunately, bacon is one food that promotes heart disease. That's why, Sabat says, you should trade your Wendy's Baconator for something healthier. “At Wendy's, instead of ordering bacon with fries and a Coke (1,380 calories),” she advises, “a weight-friendly meal could be a grilled chicken sandwich with salad and water (425 calories).” Wendy's Grilled Chicken Sandwich is better than a bacon sandwich because it's lower in calories like the McWrap and has more fresh vegetables and lean protein.
Chick-fil-A Original Chicken Sandwich, Fries and Coke
“At Chick-fil-A, a weight-friendly meal might be a grilled chicken sandwich with [a] fruit cup and water (320 calories) instead of the plain sandwich with medium fries and a Coke (1,090 calories),” explains Sabat. A grilled chicken sandwich is better for you in the long run because the grilled chicken loses weight during cooking. Lose a lot of unwanted fat. Or, try Chick-fil-A's Cauliflower Sandwich!
Domino's Big Cheese Pizza and Coke
Who doesn't love a good cheese pizza? They're delicious, but unfortunately, the cheese pizzas that fast food pizzerias like Domino's make are loaded with calories and saturated fat. Instead, Sabat has a healthy exchange proposal. “At Domino's, a great way to substitute Coca-Cola (2,299 calories) for a large cheese pizza is a thin-crust pizza with veggies, light cheese and side salad (650 calories),” she says. This thin-crust vegan cheese pizza is healthier than regular cheese pizza because it has more fresh vegetables and lighter cheese, so it's lower in saturated fat.
Sometimes you just need a quick meal on the go! Whether you're at the airport, on a road trip, or booked into the office on your lunch break, it might be easy to grab a bite of the chain — but it's rarely the healthiest choice. Thankfully, you don't have to sacrifice nutrition for convenience. So try these healthy swaps next time you're at the drive-thru!
