You’ve probably seen headlines like this before. The subsequent list was probably filled with iceberg lettuce salads with dressing on the side, and veggie burgers wrapped in (more) lettuce…which probably left you thinking, “Okayyy, guess I’m not eating ANYTHING healthy at those places anytime soon.”
THIS IS NOT THAT LIST – DO NOT DESPAIR. That’s not our style. Because people should know how to be relatively healthy even at fast food joints and still come away from the experience feeling satisfied (not like you were just punished with a head of iceberg lettuce.)
So we’ve compiled this simple list of the relatively healthiest entrées and sides at a selection of national fast-food chains. Selection is based on calories and fat content, and in the case it’s close between two items, other factors like carbs and sodium levels helped to determine the “winner” here.
No “junior” or “mini” items were considered, nor were any breakfast items; we’re sticking to lunch and dinner here. Absolutely no apple slices were chosen as side options here (but that’s fine if you want to eat them.) Also, any serving of chicken nuggets under eight pieces was not considered (because four nuggets does not constitute an adult meal.)
(Now there may be OTHER reasons why you don’t want to eat at “Taco H*ll”…)
Two Fresco Soft Tacos with shredded chicken: 280 calories, 7g of fat, 39% daily value of sodium
The very foundation of Taco Bell’s Fresco menu is reduced calories — it concentrates on replacing heavier sauces with its pico de gallo, a move that pays off well when combined with a soft taco and shredded chicken: two of its lower-calorie ingredients.
Black beans & rice: 180 calories, 4g of fat, 18% daily value of sodium
Beans and rice are great together, but you can also just get the black beans if you’re trying to avoid starch overload.
Corn dog: 230 calories, 15g of fat, 24% daily value of sodium
Small Natural-Cut Fries: 280 calories, 13g of fat, 12% daily value of sodium
Many of Sonic’s menu items are region-specific, but not its corn dog, which is relatively low in sodium and arguably constitutes a full meal when paired with its… small natural-cut fries. Yeah. Sonic doesn’t have any salads.
Tendergrill Chicken Sandwich w/o mayo: 350 calories, 9g of fat, 25% daily value of sodium
Go for the Tendergrill Chicken Sandwich without the mayo, and while other places would recommend you order the apple slices as a side, we know that’s not going to satisfy anyone except people looking to avoid doctors.
Value-sized onion rings: 150 calories, 70 from fat, 8g of fat, 17% daily value of sodium
Go for the value-sized onion rings, which are comparable to its Satisfries but with fewer calories.
Charbroiled BBQ Chicken Sandwich: 390 calories, 7g of fat, 41% daily value of sodium
Going charbroiled is the key at Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s — stay away from the aptly named Thickburgers and even their turkey burgers, which have a tendency to go heavy on the condiments.
Garden side salad with low fat balsamic vinaigrette dressing: 145 calories, 6g of fat, 15% daily value of sodium
8-count Grilled Chicken Nuggets: 140 calories, 3g of fat, 22% daily value of sodium
If the chicken isn’t breaded at Chick-fil-A, is it still Chick-fil-A chicken? Well, yeah, technically! These grilled nuggets are the lowest-calorie entrée on its menu, and — of course — a side salad is its healthiest side. You won’t even miss the pickles.
Side salad: 80 calories, 4.5g of fat, 4% daily value of sodium