A Food Tip: Beat the Drive-thru
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Since we are only about 7 months out to our wedding, we are making a much needed trip to Charleston to take care of many wedding details. Although I’m super excited about this and can’t wait to get this stuff squared away, the 8-11 hour drive to get us there is not as alluring. It’s not because I hate the company I’m with [my lovely hubby-to-be and my 2 “kids”], I just hate sitting still for that long and the lack of healthy food options is enough to make me go ballistic. I don’t know about you, but if I don’t eat my 3 meals and 2 snacks a day, I get very cranky, but I’d rather be cranky than filling my arteries with cholesterol. So to avoid either of those extreme options, I’ve found some tasty and healthy fast food options that will keep my hunger and sanity satisfied.
McDonald’s
If you can’t forgo the fries, get a small to save calories!
America’s favorite golden arch is infamous for it’s greasy french fries and super-size value meals, however, as of late, they have really done well to fix their image. No, they haven’t gotten rid of the Big Mac, they’ve instead replaced it with a lower-fat, lower calorie wrap and feature delicious salads and snacks that harbor no guilt!
- If you can’t forgo your favorite sandwich, instead of ordering the original Big Mac, eat a Mac Wrap to save 200 calories and 10 grams of fat
- Instead of of the Grilled Chicken Classic, go for the Honey Mustard Snack Wrap to save 150 calories and 10 grams of fat
- To still satisfy your salty, potato craving, instead of ordering a large fry, settle for the small size to save over 270 calories and 14 grams of fat
- Instead of the 3-piece Chicken Selects Breast Strips, have the 4piece Chicken Nuggets to save 210 calories and 12 grams of fat [plus you get an extra nugget!]
- Chicken isn’t always the healthiest option, especially if it’s fried. Instead of the Premium Crispy Chicken salad, grab the Premium Grilled Chicken salad to shed 100 calories and 11 grams of fat
- If you can’t have your salad dry, try the Newman’s Own Low Fat Family Italian dressing instead of Newman’s Own Creamy Southwest dressing to save 40 calories and 3.5 grams of fat
For the nutritional information for their entire menu, visit http://nutrition.mcdonalds.com/nutritionexchange/nutritionfacts.pdf
Wendy’s
There’s more to Wendy’s than the standard burger and fries
Wendy’s isn’t exactly known for it’s healthy food, however, they have some real hidden gems underneath that fatty exterior. To be perfectly honest, when I have to chose a fast food joint, Wendy’s is my first choice. Why? They have a fantastic selection of premium, top-grade salads that are lower in calories and low in fat. They also have healthy side options when you can’t skip the burger, such as baked potatoes, side salads and apple crisps.
- Instead of the Spicy Chicken sandwich, opt for the Grilled Chicken sandwich to save 230 calories, 8 grams of fat and add 8 grams of protein! If you prefer the spice, as the server for the chicken buffalo style.
- If you are craving a burger, grab a Jr. Cheeseburger Deluxe instead of the Single 1/4lb burger to save yourself 170 calories and 7 grams of fat!
- Don’t let the word salad trick you, with all the dressings even the lightest can have more fat and calories than a burger! To save 120 calories, 10 grams of fat and to add 3 grams of protein, order the Apple Pecan Chicken salad instead of the Baja salad and only use 1 packet of dressing
- To fulfill your potato craving, instead of ordering the medium French fries, order a sour cream and chive baked potato to save yourself 90 calories, 15 grams of fat and add 4 grams of protein!
- Instead of ordering the Home style Chicken Go Wrap, save 140 calories and 4 grams of fat by ordering the kid’s 4 piece chicken nuggets.
- To satisfy your sweet tooth, order a Jr. size Frosty instead of the medium size to save yourself 250 calories and 7 grams of fat!
For the nutrition information for their entire menu, visit http://www.wendys.com/food/Nutrition.jsp
Taco Bell
Try their diet drive-thru menu for lighter takes on their popular items!
Taco Bell used to be a staple in my pre-wedding, pre-wedding diet, college days. I would eat it a few times a week and that would be that. Sure most of those times were immediately following a crazy night out, but I still found it to satisfy me [and my often hungover stature]. Well, now that I’m more conscious and my stomach is more mature, I am unable to scarf down a crunch wrap supreme or cheese chalupa. However, that doesn’t mean I haven’t found myself desperately hungry with only a Taco Bell to keep me from eating my arm. So to keep my diet in check and my stomach from fist pumping, I now go for their Fresco menu, which has half the fat and calories as their normal favorites.
- Instead of ordering the Beefy 5 Layer Burrito, opt for the Fresco Burrito Supreme to save 220 calories and 14 grams of fat! [But you keep all of the flavor!]
- If you love crunchy tacos, grab the Fresco Crunchy Taco instead of the Crunchy Taco Supreme to save 50 calories and 5 grams of fat
- Beware of the taco salad, the shell contains almost as much fat as five crunchy tacos! So instead of ordering the original Chipotle steak salad with the shell, ask for the salad Fresco style [served without the shell, dressing and sour cream] to save a whopping 680 calories and 50 grams of fat! That’s almost an entire’s day worth of fat in one meal!
- If Chalupas are what you are craving, order the Fresco style Baja Chicken Chalupa instead or the original [comes without Pepper Jack sauce and cheese] to shed 90 calories and 9 grams of fat off your meal
- If you must have dessert, trade the Caramel Apple Empanada for Cinnamon Twists to save yourself 140 calories and 8 grams of fat
- If you are a nacho phene [I’ll admit, I am!] pick up the Cheesy Nachos instead of the Triple-Layer Nachos to save 70 calories and 2 grams of fat
For the nutritional information on the entire menu, visit http://www.tacobell.com/nutrition/calculator/
The Drive-thru is not an ideal place to eat, but if you play your cards right, it doesn’t have to derail your diet if your starving on the road!
Claire
Tags:drive thru health menu, drive-thru, eat less, healthy eating on the road, less fat options, lose weight
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