Healthy Menu Options At Popular Fast Food Chains

As the obesity crisis in the US has skyrocketed over recent decades, fast food chains have had to adapt to the demand for healthier menu items. With highly processed, low-quality ingredients giving these establishments an infamous reputation, more beneficial solutions and better consumer transparency, such as displayed nutritional guidelines, have paved the way in redefining fast food. In addition, this has been a game changer for individuals who need more finances or time to cook a healthy meal.

• Taco Bell's Fresco Crunchy Taco

Taco Bell sets the bar for healthy fast food options; the Fresco Crunchy Taco is calorie-friendly at just 150 total, is low-sodium at 370 milligrams, and is a waistline-friendly 8 grams of fat. If you want to stay in this optimum calorie range (compared to the much higher 170-300 range), opt for fresh, flavorful condiments like housemade salsa instead of high-calorie cream sauces and cheeses.

• Subway's Veggie Delite Sandwich

An excellent choice for busy vegetarians/vegans on the go, Subway's Veggie Delite Sandwich (6 inches) is a great pick-me-up that can keep you more sated than a snack yet won't leave you sluggish like a high-calorie full-sized meal. Before extra toppings, the Veggie Delite is an optimal 230 calories, only 280 milligrams of sodium, and an impressively low 3 grams of fat. For a protein-packed treat for meat eaters, add lean turkey slices and low-fat cheese of your choice.

• Jamba Juice's Vanilla Blue Sky Smoothie Bowl

If you've got a morning sweet tooth but don't want the guilt of eating a donut or sugary cereal, the Vanilla Blue Sky Smoothie bowl is a well-rounded breakfast option. The eye-catching lovely blue of this meal provides a morning pick-me-up thanks to the blue spirulina within it, known for managing inflammation. In addition, this smoothie bowl has several beloved fruit toppings, including strawberries, bananas, blueberries, and pineapple.

The Vanilla Blue Sky Smoothie Bowl is an excellent plant-based option and finishes with a flavorful touch of coconut and granola. It is created with no-sugar-added almond milk and vanilla coconut milk. In addition, non-vegans can up their protein intake by adding the "Whole Food Boost" of Gree yogurt, bulking up with 7 grams of protein and only 40 extra calories and 3 grams of carbs.

• Chick-Fil-A - Crunchy Kale Side Salad With 8 Grilled Nuggets & Medium Fruit Cup

If you're in the more for a variety of small samplers, this menu item at Chick-Fil-A is a healthy option to satisfy your appetite. You'll get your daily intake of each food group, besides dairy, for a well-rounded meal. Pack up on protein and keep the calories minimal yet delicious with a vinaigrette dressing flavored with apple cider and Dijon mustard.

For an after-meal sweet tooth, a side of delicious fruit (mandarin orange wedges, blueberries, strawberries, apples) will keep your fast food meal guilt-free. For additional dieting satisfaction, indulge in a serving of soft-serve ice milk, called vanilla "ice dream," for a mere 140 calories extra.