Close
Photo: Getty / Lisovskaya
Getty / Lisovskaya
Whether you’re delayed at the airport, on a road trip, or in a pinch due last-minute schedule changes, we’ve all found ourselves needing a meal, but fast food is the only option. And while there are lots of less healthy fast food items to skip, there are also plenty of smarter options that can be incorporated into any healthy, balanced diet.
To prove this (as well as the fact that even dietitians sometimes find themselves eating fast food), I asked some of my colleagues to share what they order when needing a quick meal to keep them fueled and satisfied. The answers include items from fast-food classics like McDonald’s and Taco Bell, as well as items from quick-service restaurants where you can quickly order food to-go.
Here’s what nutritionists order from some of the most popular fast-food or quick-service restaurants.
McDonald’s
No matter where you are, there’s usually a McDonald’s within a few miles, so it never hurts to have a few healthier options in your back pocket.
Taco Bell
The ability to customize your order makes Taco Bell a popular option among dietitians.
Chick-fil-A
It wasn’t surprising to get several meal recommendations from dietitians at Chick-fil-A, but here are a few fan-favorites.
Wendy’s
If you’re looking for variety, Wendy’s has several healthier options to choose from-ranging from salads to chili to baked potatoes.
Subway
Sub sandwich meals can be healthy, but they can also end up heavy in fat and carbs depending on the size, sauces, and the sides. Here’s how two dietitians navigate Subway.
Starbucks
The coffeehouse isn’t the first restaurant that comes to mind when talking fast food, yet today Starbucks is as prevalent as McDonald’s (and just as quick!)
Chipotle, Moe’s Southwest Grill, or Qdoba
Finding a build-your-own burrito or burrito bowl is a top choice for many dietitians I polled because it allows you to customize your meal, yet it’s also quick and can be taken on-the-go. Some of these restaurants even have a drive-thru!
Panera
Popular for both breakfast and lunch, Panera gets high ratings for food quality, but also for the restaurant’s ability to customize based on diet needs.
Jimmy John’s Sandwiches, Pizza Hut, and In-N-Out
Depending on location and what you’re craving, these suggestions might be good ones too.
Carolyn Williams, PhD, RD, is author to the new cookbook,Meals That Heal: 100+ Everyday Anti-InflammatoryRecipes in 30 Minutes or Less, and a culinary nutrition expert known for ability to simplify food and nutrition information. She also received a 2017 James Beard Journalism award. You can follow her on Instagram@realfoodreallife_rdor oncarolynwilliamsrd.com.
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!Tell us why!OtherSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Tell us why!OtherSubmit
Tell us why!
