Healthiest Drive Thru Food Options

When we think of drive thru food, we tend to think of food that’s easy to grab when we’re in a rush, or not in the mood to cook, that’s not very nutritious, but satisfies our cravings nonetheless. However, contrary to popular belief, not all drive thru food is bad for you. In fact, there are actually some healthy drive thru food options available at your favorite places (some more healthy than others), so I’ve rounded up a few that will allow you to enjoy the convenience of fast food, without all the guilt.

McDonald’s

• Premium Caesar Salad with Grilled Chicken, low-fat balsamic vinaigrette, and a Fruit ‘n Yogurt Parfait: 375 calories, 9.5g fat (4g saturated)
• Grilled Honey Mustard Snack Wrap and small French Fries: 480 calories, 19g fat (5g saturated)
• Premium Grilled Chicken Sandwich: 350 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated)

Burger King

• Whopper Jr. (without mayonnaise) and value-size Onion Rings: 410 calories, 18g fat (5.5g saturated)
• Veggie Burger and Apple Slices: 440 calories, 16g fat (2.5g saturated)

Wendy’s

• Large Asian Chicken Salad with 1 packet of dressing: 335 calories, 11g fat (1g saturated)
• Large Chili and Garden Side Salad (without croutons) and fat-free french dressing: 375 calories, 9g fat (3.5g saturated)
• Ultimate Chicken Grill Sandwich with Apple Slices: 440 calories, 10g fat (1.5g saturated)

KFC

• 4 Hot Wings and Sweet Kernel Corn: 380 calories, 16.5g fat (4g saturated)
• Kentucky Grilled Chicken Breast and mashed potatoes (without gravy): 310 calories, 10g fat (2.5g saturated)

Taco Bell (my personal favorite fast food chain)

• A.M. Grilled Egg & Cheese Taco: 160 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated)
• Fresco Steak Burrito Supreme with Black Beans: 430 calories, 10.5g fat (3g saturated)
• Fresco Chicken Soft Taco with Pintos ‘n’ Cheese: 330 calories, 10.5g fat (4g saturated)

Chipotle

• Steak Burrito Bowl with Romaine, Fajita Vegetables, Black Beans and Green Tomatillo Salsa: 355 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated)
• 3 Barbacoa (braised beef) Tacos on soft corn tortillas with lettuce and tomato salsa: 405 calories, 10g fat (2.5g saturated)
• Vegetarian Burrito Bowl with brown rice, black beans, fajita vegetables, lettuce, and roasted chili-corn salsa: 385 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated)

Starbucks

• Spinach and Feta Breakfast Wrap (one of my favorites): 290 calories, 10g fat (3.5g saturated)
• Chicken & Hummus Bistro Box (hummus, grilled chicken, grape tomatoes, cucumber, and pita bread) and a banana: 380 calories, 7g fat (1.2g saturated)
• Zesty Chicken & Black Bean Salad Bowl (grilled chicken, black beans, roasted corn, jicama, tomatoes, feta, greens, and quinoa with chile vinaigrette) and Seasonal Harvest Fruit Blend: 450 calories, 15g fat (2.5g saturated)

Dunkin’ Donuts

• Egg White Veggie Wake-Up Wrap and Hash Browns: 350 calories, 18g fat (4.5g saturated)
• Tuna Salad Sandwich on an English Muffin: 390 calories, 23g fat (3.5g saturated)

Also, this month, Amy’s Kitchen launched Amy’s Drive Thru in Rohnert Park, CA, offering meat-free burgers, burritos, mac n’ cheese, pizza, salad, chili and fries, in addition to milkshakes and vegan non-dairy shakes. Each menu item can be ordered vegan or gluten-free, and all ingredients are non-GMO. More than 95 percent of the products are organic, and much of the ingredients are locally sourced. Also, for those with allergies, the menu is peanut- and egg-free. You can check out the full menu online. I’m not sure if the company has plans to expand Amy’s Drive Thru to other parts of the country, but I sure hope they come to New York City soon! I’m already craving the Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Burrito Bowl.

Have a nutritious and delicious weekend!