Healthiest Fast Food

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The Healthiest Fast Food

Fast food used to be synonymous with junk food. Now... not so much. As we Americans have become more conscious of our health, our options for healthy eating on the go have expanded considerably. If you know where to look and how to order, you can now find many good-for-you options at most fast food emporiums. For advice on where and how, I turned to nutritionist JJ Virgin, CNS, president of the National Association of Nutrition Professionals and former nutrition consultant for the Dr. Phil Ultimate Weight Loss Challenge.

WHERE TO GO?

Of course we all know about the salads at Mc’s and Burger King by now, but what else is out there? Virgin told me that nutritionists are enthusiastic about new upscale Mexican fast/casual eateries like Baja Fresh, Rubio’s Fresh Mexican Grill, Chipotle Mexican Grill and even El Pollo Loco. "Depending on the restaurant, you usually get lettuce, peppers, onions, salsa, guacamole, black beans and grilled chicken," she told me. She advises taking a pass on the fried tortilla "bowl" and the sour cream -- and asking for a half-portion of cheese. This way, she notes, "you get a perfect meal -- high-fiber carbs, healthy fat, loads of vegetables and some spices to kick up your metabolism." Virgin told me her personal favorite is Chipotle Mexican Grill, which even has gluten-free options.

Then there’s Subway -- you see them practically everywhere you go nowadays. To minimize calories and optimize nutrition, Virgin suggests asking the server to remove the doughy part of the roll before making the sandwich. "Have turkey or roast beef, loaded up with veggies," she advised, adding that you should never choose the 12-inch size. Honey-oat or wheat rolls are a better choice than Italian, and for dressings, choose either mustard or vinegar and oil (Subway uses a healthy mix of extra virgin olive oil and canola oil). She notes that another secret to healthy ordering at Subway is to ask for everything they put on a sandwich in a salad instead, eliminating the bread entirely.

Other good fast-food choices? Virgin likes the romaine salad at Quiznos with the balsamic vinaigrette -- hold the flatbread. The Taco Bell "Fresco Menu" is lower in both fat and calories than its other selections.

You may be surprised to hear that Starbucks, of all places, has some good-for-you choices for eating on the go. At under 270 calories, Virgin considers the feta, spinach and egg wrap "a home run," for instance. Also healthy: Starbucks offers a delicious, convenient high-protein meal-to-go, consisting of a hard-boiled egg, some grapes, apple slices, a cube of cheese and a mini-whole grain bagel with peanut butter. Total calories: 370, with 17 grams of protein, 5 grams of fiber and 17 grams of fat.

Note: Nutritional information should be available at all these establishments, but you may have to ask to see it.

WHAT NOT TO EAT One seemingly healthy option that may not be as good as you’d guess is a fruit smoothie from Jamba Juice or one of the many other smoothie shops. Virgin calls them "desserts disguised as good for you." While you do get some healthy fruit, the whole package is "very high in sugar and calories, and will send your blood sugar 'through the roof'," she says. Case in point: The "Banana Berry" smoothie with a whopping 300 calories and 63 grams of sugar. On the other hand -- it’s probably a better choice than a banana split!

Source(s): JJ Virgin, CNS, President, National Association of Nutrition Professionals, Rancho Mirage, California.

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