People in America prefer to eat out as often as they can. It is very common for eateries and restaurants to bloom faster. Therefore, fast food is common in this nation.
The reputation that fast food is high in sugar, carbohydrates, and saturated fat is very well deserved. The fast food chains currently present should definitely provide more health-conscious dishes as more consumers choose plant-based diets and the market for vegan and vegetarian alternatives rises.
For the health-conscious population, it could be a hassle to find out which restaurant caters to their needs and what to order. Don’t worry, we got you!
Let’s discover the top ten healthiest fast-food restaurants currently present in the U.S.A.
1. Chipotle
The restaurant chain Chipotle Mexican Grill has been famous for its tacos and burritos. The restaurant attempts to use only locally sourced, organic ingredients and meats from naturally reared animals. Whether you are vegetarian, lacto-vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, keto, gluten-free or carnivore, Chipotle can cater to multitude of diets.
The quantity of calories, fats, proteins, carbohydrates, and sodium that wind up in your food are completely up to you since they also let you try different food ingredients to your choice. Also, certain ingredients can help you prepare a meal that is healthier than others.
2. Chick-fil-A
Fast food restaurant chain Chick-fil-A is famous for its chicken sandwiches. They introduced a menu free of any trans fats into the American fast food sector for the first time. To improve the nutrient value of their dishes, they have made many efforts.
They provide fruit cups as well as milk on their kids’ menu certainly. Remember that this restaurant’s notable dressings and sauces can alter a meal’s nutritional worth if you are looking for healthier food. The traditional sauce at Chick-fil-A, for instance, contains 13 grams of fat and 140 calories per serving. In contrast, each serving of the Zesty Buffalo sauce contains 25 calories.
3. Taco Bell
Taco Bell has worked hard to offer customizable alternatives over their menu for their consumers who are health-conscious and has proven to be one of the healthiest fast food chains over the past few years. Low-calorie, gluten-free and vegetarian diets can now be satisfied by the food on their modified menu. More than 75 percent of their menu options have fewer than 500 calories.
The tiny bowl of rice and black beans from Taco Bell is the healthiest side dish available. Also, this dish is vegan-friendly for those who adhere to that diet can have it alongside a bean burrito without the sour cream and cheese.
4. Wendy’s
Wendy’s is the third largest chain of hamburger fast food restaurants worldwide. They have some healthy options present, despite the fact that the majority of their menu contains hamburgers, french fries, chicken sandwiches and much more.
If you’re watching your calories, Wendy’s Jr. Cheeseburger, which has fewer than 300 calories, is a fantastic choice. In order to make a full fast-food meal without the calorie-dense french fries, Wendy’s now sells side salads and baked potatoes.
5. Subway
Fast food chain Subway specializes in salads and customizable submarine sandwiches (subs). You can alternatively have a salad with a side of chicken breast and lots of veggies instead of bread.
Fresh Fit, a section of the menu that Subway dedicates exclusively to healthier options, has earned much praise. Compared to many fast food restaurants, Subway has a wider selection of healthy choices. Even though many of Subway’s dishes are laden with fat and sodium, they are generally low in sugar and good protein and fiber source.
6. Ruby Tuesday
There are several Ruby Tuesdays eateries located all over the globe. Their broad menu includes everything whether it be seafood, steak, salads, and even pasta. “Fit & Trim” is the term used to mark the healthier options on the menu.
In order to accommodate various dietary demands, like gluten intolerance, Ruby Tuesday provides many choices. Ruby Tuesday uses trans-fat-free soya bean oil to make meals.
7. Panera Bread
Panera Bread is a café, bakery, and fast food restaurant with options such as soups, salads, baked items, and sandwiches. However, health-conscious folks can find excellent choices to eat here.
Every ingredient is given utmost attention. They are dedicated to using only natural ingredients, removing any food that “contains artificial preservatives, colors, flavors, sweeteners”. A “No No List” of more than 85 ingredients has been banned from the menu, which includes lard, high fructose corn syrup, and many more.
8. The Cheesecake Factory
The whole menu of The Cheesecake offers small plate appetizers, breakfast, brunches and nice specialty foods. It is not simply about cheesecake there. Massive portion servings and high-calorie counts are features of The Cheesecake Factory.
There is now a “SkinnyLicious” menu with small servings and better ingredients, though, as a result of rising demand. With regards to calories and fats, the health-conscious menu offers a proposed view of different choices.
9. KFC
Kentucky Fried Chicken, also termed as KFC, is a famous fast-food restaurant chain. Their classic specialty is deep-fried chicken. Always keep in mind that for better health and fitness, deep-fried chicken won’t work.
But certain KFC franchises provide grilled chicken dishes, especially for health-conscious customers. Grilled chicken is low in fatty content. Their menu comprises french fries, beans, corn, and grilled chicken pieces that can be opted for while deciding to go for a healthier meal.
10. McDonald’s
McDonald’s is known to be one of the largest fast-food chains in the world. It is very well known for special burgers like Big Mac.
The majority of McDonald’s menu comprises unhealthy options. However, McDonald’s has expanded their menu and included many healthier options to choose from. You can discover many healthier options in McDonald’s that may help you stay fit while watching your calorie intake and have something yummy on the go!
In the End
Your health and fitness cannot be purchased with money. Therefore, it is up to you to select the right restaurants in this country and we have made it easier for you to do so!
You now have a better idea of where to go and what to order for searching for healthier choices with this listicle! Happy eating!
