In this article, we discuss some of the best low calorie fast food options at your favorite fast food restaurants. This blog is strictly targeted to fast food menu items that won’t blow your calorie budget. Whether you are in a rush or have a craving for fast food, we will help you satisfy your fast food desire without expanding your waistline. Many of these items are also healthier fast food options–providing fiber, protein, or other micronutrients.
Chipotle
Chipotle has some of the healthiest fast food. With simple to pronounce ingredients and meals that contain satiating fiber and protein, Chipotle is sure to fill your fast food fix. Three tacos with rice, meat and an abundance of fresh salsa will set you back about 500-700 calories. Even burrito bowls can be a good option when you want a lower calorie meal (600-800 calories). Just limit the cheese, sauce and guacamole to keep the calorie counts reasonable at this fast food chain. Also, realize that the calorie counts of your Chipotle meals could vary greatly based on how generous your staff is with portion sizes.
McDonalds
As one of the most popular and ubiquitous fast food chains in America, nearly everyone has eaten at McDonalds. They are famous for their French fries and decadent hamburgers. However, many high calorie and high fat items at McDonalds will threaten to expand your waistline. Fortunately, it’s pretty easy to limit your calories at McDonalds by choosing the right menu items and practicing restraint.
A simple hamburger without cheese and small French fry plus a diet soda will set you back just about 500 calories. To round out the meal, add a small homemade garden salad to provide fiber and micronutrients.
Burger King
Who doesn’t love a Whopper hamburger once in a while? However, a double or triple whopper can set you back over 1,000 calories and over 60 grams of fat, plus your entire saturated fat allowance for a day. Order the Junior Whopper and a small French fry for a classic Burger King meal that contains just 630 calories.
Taco Bell
Taco Bell is one of the most ubiquitous Mexican fast food restaurants in America. While many of the menu items are loaded with fat and calories, it is possible to eat at Taco Bell without blowing your calorie budget. Three crunchy or soft tacos will clock in just over 500 calories. Or, a bean burrito will set you back just 360 calories plus contain fiber and plant based protein.
Wendy’s
Wendy’s is famous for their iconic fries that rival those at McDonald’s plus their delectable Frosty dairy treats. If you are looking to satisfy your sweet tooth only, one medium chocolate Frosty will set you back just 460 calories. However, if you are looking for a more well balanced meal, a small chili and a baked potato will add up to about 500 calories with a meal that contains protein, fiber and carbohydrates for sustained energy.
Dunkin Donuts
Looking to satisfy your sweet tooth at America’s favorite donut chain? A simple frosted donut or chocolate frosted donut will only set you back about 260-270 calories. Looking for a healthier breakfast option to grab before work? An egg and cheese over English muffin will set you back just 340 calories and contain over 14 grams of protein for sustained energy. Add a coffee with a splash of skim milk to help you wake up on your morning commute for around 50 extra calories.
Subway
Subway has long hailed an impressive selection of moderate calorie sandwiches and healthier fast food subs for its more calorie conscious patrons. Order any of their special six subs for a quick protein rich meal under 400 calories. Add fiber to your meal by adding an unlimited amount of green veggies to your sandwich.
Dairy Queen
We all know Dairy Queen is not one of the healthiest fast food restaurant options. However, sometimes you just need a sweet treat to get you through the day. Keep in mind that many of the delicious flurries at Dairy Queen deliver over 1,000 calories. However, you can keep your calorie totals modest by choosing mini size flurries and shakes. You really can have your Dairy Queen and eat it too.
Starbucks
Many people love Starbucks for their special coffee flavors and breakfast sandwiches. However, you can easily slurp down the calories at this popular coffee chain if you aren’t careful. A tall skinny vanilla latte with skim milk will only set you back about 100 calories. Their ready made and fresh breakfast sandwiches aren’t too terribly caloric, however you may want to stick to their Spinach, Feta and Egg white wrap if you want to keep your calorie intake under 300-400 for a filling breakfast.
Crumbl Cookie
Crumbl cookie is a popular cookie chain that delivers made to order, fresh hot cookies in different flavors each week. While Crumbl cookies are popular, they are also high in calories. What’s worse, many of the calorie totals listed are for just 1/4 of a whole cookie. You may want to split your next Crumbl Cookie with a friend or two to keep the calorie counts below 200-300 per treat.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully this list gave you some good low calorie fast food options in case you are in a rush or have a craving for fast food. In truth, you can easily eat fast food once in a while without blowing your calorie or macro budgets for the day. Today’s fast food chains have catered to customer demand for lower calorie options and healthier fast food options for nearly every appetite.
