It goes without saying that fast food restaurants aren’t the best place to find a healthy meal. Yet, when you’re in a pinch, a fast food joint can be a lifesaver. Maybe you’re stuck at the airport and don’t feel like dropping 25 bucks on a mediocre sandwich. Or, perhaps you’re driving in the middle of nowhere, and fast food is the only option. Or, maybe you simply want to “treat yo’ self.”
Things can get tricky when you’re doing the low-carb thing, though. From white bread to French fries, fast food restaurants are a mecca for refined carbs. One might argue that they’re also full of processed meats — which is true. But if you swap the meat patties for things like grilled chicken or steak, you can at least scale back on the ultra-processed stuff.
Now, in the midst of the low-carb craze, keep in mind that all carbs aren’t necessarily evil. Whole carbohydrates like quinoa and brown rice are full of good-for-you fiber, which increases satiety and keeps hunger at bay. (It helps control your cholesterol, too.) However, when you consider the (unsurprising) lack of whole grains at fast food restaurants, the next best thing you can do is choose one of these low-carb options. Bon appétit!
1. Bunless Anything
Ask for a sandwich without the bun. With this simple swap, you can instantly ditch a ton of refined carbs.
2. McDonald’s Sausage or Bacon and Eggs
You can’t beat this classic breakfast pairing.
3. Subway Rotisserie-Style Chicken Salad
Subway might be known for their foot-long subs, but they also have an array of salads. Just be sure to skip anything that’s breaded.
4. KFC Grilled Chicken
Pair KFC’s Grilled Chicken with a side of green beans and you’re good to go.
5. McDonald’s Southwest Grilled Chicken Salad
Again, choosing grilled chicken over fried is usually the best bet.
6. Wendy’s Chili
There’s nothing like a cup of hot chili on a cold day… even if it’s from a fast food restaurant!
7. Burger King Grilled Chicken Club Salad
Burger King isn’t known for its low-carb options, but at least there’s this grilled chicken club salad.
8. Chick-Fil-A Grilled Nuggets
When you need a quick bite to eat, consider grilled nuggets from Chick-Fil-A.
9. Chipotle Burrito Bowl
Chipotle is one of the few fast food joints where you can actually get brown rice. But if you choose to skip it, simply order a burrito bowl without the rice.
10. Five Guys Lettuce Wrap
Ask for your sandwich as a lettuce wrap or ditch the bun completely.
11. Wendy’s Caesar Side Salad
For another quick bite to eat, Wendy’s side salads will do the trick.
12. Chick-Fil-A Market Salad
For something a little different, try Chick-Fil-A’s Market Salad, which has fruits like strawberries and mandarin oranges.
13. Taco Bowl Steak Power Bowl
You can get a Power Bowl with or without rice, too.
