We’ve all been there: It’s mile 323 of a summer road trip. The kids are beginning to whine, your stomach is growling. Acute starvation is the general consensus and the oasis on the horizon is not a farmer’s market, but a rest stop with only fast-food restaurants.
You’d splurge—just this once—but didn’t you splurge earlier? It’s time to consider a healthy choice. Healthy? Where meals are “supersized?” Yep. Whether you’ve landed at Dunkin Donuts for breakfast, or McDonald’s for a midnight snack, we have an easy guide broken down by “good,” “better” and “best” for chains from Arby’s to Wendy’s.
In many cases it’s as simple as just sticking to the single burger (Do you really need layers of meat and cheese?).
In today’s fast-food courts, you can ferret out many happy surprises (KFC has grilled options now!).
Fast food? We’re lovin’ it.
Arby’sOriginally famous for its roast beef, Arby’s has expanded its menu considerably to include a lot of tasty options that pack an energizing protein punch.
But there are also a few things to watch out for in their menu options, particularly excess sodium and fat. For choices higher in sodium, drink lots of water and keep the recommended daily intake of tk mg in mind for your other meals of the day.
BETTER: Small chili, sour cream and chives baked potato, side salad w/ ½ pack fat free French dressing, large water or unsweetened iced tea
Calories: 580; Fat: 9.5 g; Cholesterol: 50 mg; Sodium: 990 mg
BEST: Mandarin Chicken Salad (no noodles; let the sweet oranges dress it), iced tea (unsweetened)
Calories: 310; Fat: 13 g; Cholesterol: 65 mg; Sodium: 700 mg; Fiber: 4 g; Protein: 29 g
