Fast food is a staple in American culture. It’s quick, convenient, and affordable, making it a popular choice for many people. However, fast food has a reputation for being unhealthy and contributing to a host of health problems, such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. Despite this, many fast-food restaurants have made efforts to offer healthier options on their menus. In this guide, we’ll take a look at the healthiest fast food options available in the US, helping you make informed choices the next time you find yourself craving some fast food.

1. Subway

Subway is a popular fast-food chain known for its “eat fresh” slogan. Their menu features a variety of sandwiches and salads, and they offer several healthy options. For instance, you can order a 6-inch Veggie Delite sandwich on 9-grain wheat bread, which contains just 230 calories and 2.5 grams of fat. Additionally, Subway offers several low-fat dressings, such as honey mustard and sweet onion, that you can add to your sandwich or salad.

2. Chipotle

Chipotle is a fast food chain that specializes in Mexican cuisine. They offer burritos, bowls, and salads, and their menu features several healthy options. For instance, you can order a salad with romaine lettuce, black beans, fajita vegetables, and steak, which contains just 270 calories and 7 grams of fat. Additionally, Chipotle offers several salsas that you can add to your meal for extra flavor, such as the mild tomato salsa or the spicy green chili salsa.

3. Panera Bread

Panera Bread is a fast-casual restaurant that offers a variety of sandwiches, soups, and salads. They pride themselves on using fresh ingredients and offering healthy options. For instance, you can order a Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich on whole grain bread, which contains just 450 calories and 20 grams of fat. Additionally, Panera Bread offers several soups that are low in calories and high in fiber, such as their black bean soup and vegetarian creamy tomato soup.

4. Taco Bell

Taco Bell is a popular fast food chain known for its Mexican-inspired menu. While many of their menu items are high in calories and fat, they do offer several healthier options. For instance, you can order a Veggie Power Bowl, which contains black beans, rice, guacamole, and pico de gallo, and has just 430 calories and 16 grams of fat. Additionally, Taco Bell offers several sauces that you can add to your meal for extra flavor, such as their mild and hot sauces.

5. Chick-fil-A

Chick-fil-A is a fast food chain that specializes in chicken sandwiches and nuggets. While many of their menu items are high in calories and fat, they offer several healthier options. For instance, you can order a Grilled Chicken Cool Wrap, which contains grilled chicken, lettuce, red cabbage, carrots, and cheese, and has just 350 calories and 13 grams of fat. Chick-fil-A also offers several low-fat dressings and sauces, such ashoney mustard dressing and barbecue sauce.

Conclusion

Fast food doesn’t have to be unhealthy. Many fast food restaurants offer healthy options that are low in calories and fat, and high in nutrients. By making informed choices and opting for healthier menu items, you can enjoy fast food without compromising your health. So, the next time you find yourself craving some fast food, try one of the options listed above and enjoy a delicious meal that won’t wreck your diet.