Photo credit: Getty Images/Lew Robertson
NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — Healthy fast food falls into the “not perfect, but better” category. Fast food is usually high in sodium and has a long ingredient list that you won’t find in your kitchen, so it’s not something to add to your diet if you’re not currently eating it. But if you’re in a hurry and want some quick and convenient nutrition, here are six fast food options to consider.
Best Salad: Chick-Fil-A | Grilled Market Salad
Grilled chicken, blueberries, strawberries, red and green apples, and mixed greens with blue cheese. Per salad (includes granola and roasted nut blend, but no dressing): 460 calories, 20 g fat, 3.5 g saturated fat, 595 mg sodium, 38 g carbohydrates, 6 g fiber, sugar (mostly naturally derived) ) 17g, 30g protein
Best Grilled Chicken: Chick-Fil-A Grilled Nuggets
Grilled nuggets, nothing else. Available in packs of 5, 8 and 12. Per 8 pieces: 130 calories, 3 grams fat, 0.5 grams saturated fat, 440 mg sodium, 1 gram carbohydrate, 0 grams fiber, zero sugar, 25 grams protein.
Best Fried Chicken: Popeyes | Black End Tenders
Best Bowl: Chipotle | Healthy Lifestyle Bowl
Made with super greens, chicken, fajita veggies, fresh tomato salsa, and walnuts, our Wholesome Bowl is perfect for paleo, grain-free, gluten-free, and keto diets. Per bowl: 460 calories, 29 grams fat, 18 grams carbohydrates, 35 grams protein
Best Smoothie: Smoothie King Gladiator
Choose from chocolate, vanilla, or strawberry gladiator protein and two add-ins. Sugar-free and low-sugar add-in options include sugar-free whole fruits and vegetables such as almonds, peanut butter, matcha, raspberries, blueberries, mango, pineapple, bananas, spinach, kale, carrots, and ginger. Per 20 oz smoothie (with almond butter): 400 calories, 5 g carbohydrates, 3 g fiber, 2 g sugar, 54 g protein
Best Blended Coffee Drink: PJ’s Coffee | Eat Fit Certified Protein Velvet Ice
PJ’s Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate is blended with protein powder and milk. Per medium 16-ounce serving: 250 calories, 6 grams fat, 4.5 grams saturated fat, 230 milligrams sodium, 23 grams carbohydrates, 2 grams fiber, 8 grams sugar (less than 2 grams sugar), 26 grams protein.
FUELED Wellness + Nutrition is powered by evamor. For more information, please visit evamor.com.
Molly Kimball, CSSD, R.D., is a New Orleans registered dietitian and nutrition journalist and founder of the nonprofit restaurant initiative Ochsner Eat Fit. Listen to her podcast, “FUELED |.” Check out Wellness + Nutrition and follow @MollyKimballRD on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. See more of Molly’s articles and TV segments at www.mollykimball.com. And sign up here for the Eat Fit Wellness Bites weekly newsletter.
Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and subscribing to the WGNO newsletter.
