What Is the Healthiest Fast Food Chain?
It’s not easy to eat healthy when you’re in a time crunch. But, it’s not impossible, either. So, what is the healthiest fast food chain?
The good news is that there are actually several fast food chains that offer healthy food choices. We’re going to give you some advice on the best spots to stop when you’re hungry and in a pinch. Read on for of the healthiest fast food restaurant options, plus our personal No. 1 pick. Eat up!
1. Panera Bread
We’re ranking Panera Bread as the healthiest fast food restaurant out there, because they simply have so many healthy options. The chain was founded back in the 1980s, and at the time, it was an extremely novel idea. Why not has “fast food” that’s healthy, specializing in gourmet salads, sandwiches and soups? Today, Panera has more than 2,000 locations, all of which are in the United States and Canada. This bakery-café-based eatery offers plenty of nutritious options, including organic yogurt, fruit side dishes and sandwiches on whole-grain bread.
2. Chipotle
If you want healthy food, the most important thing is for you to have control over how that food is prepared. At Chipotle, the customer has total control over their burrito, taco or salad, giving the customer to freedom to make it as healthy, or unhealthy, as possible. Plus, Chipolte uses super fresh ingredients and hormone and antibiotic-free meats and produce. Score! We suggest to add plenty of plain beans, veggies and salsa to your burrito for a filling and healthy meal.
3. Noodles and Company
Noodles and Company offers tasty Asian food, and they go above and beyond to make it as healthy as possible. For example, Noodles and Company uses healthy soybean oil when sautéing, which adds a superfoods touch. It’s not just Asian food, either, as the chain offers Asian, Mediterranean or American dishes and noodle bowl options. We’re especially fond of the whole-grain pasta, which is much better for you than the white variety.
4. Taco Bell
Yes, believe it or not, Taco Bell is on our list of the healthiest fast food restaurant options. Recently, the chain has updated its menu with some healthy changes, including reducing sodium content by 15 percent, eliminating high fructose corn syrup and getting rid of artificial flavors and colors, according to the chain. Taco Bell’s Power Menu Bowl is a healthy option, with items that need to be under 510 calories and with at least 20 grams of protein. Let’s do it!
5. McDonald’s
Here’s another shocker. Yes, McDonald’s is one our list of the healthiest fast food restaurant chain options. Why? It’s simple. Over the years, McDonald’s has made it a point to add healthy options to their menu, alongside the not-so healthy stuff. For example, with Happy Meals, you can actually order a side of apple dippers instead of French fries and fruit juice or low-fat milk instead of pop. (Pop or soda? That’s a whole different debate!) McDonald’s also has low-fat ice cream, for a creamy, tasty dessert without all the fat. Did you know that a McDonald’s Vanilla Cone will only set you back 200 calories? Pretty good!