The Bright Side of Fast Food

You might know that I love to work on meal planning with my clients. It’s one of my favorite things to do. But even with great planning skills, you might still find yourself at the drive-thru window occasionally, and that’s ok. Maybe you are even planning for fast food once a week.

Fast food and drive-thrus seem to have no room in a lifestyle focused on health and wellness, but that’s not entirely true. Sometimes you will have to compromise to keep your sanity.  Our lives are busy, and our schedules are tight. 
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Fortunately, you have choices when ordering from the drive-thru window that is on the healthier side.  

Let's explore:

Salads 
It may sound obvious, but ordering a salad on the go is one of the healthiest options. Salads can be found at nearly all drive-thru windows. Get your veggies in by ordering your salad as an entree. Be sure to pair it with enough protein to keep you satiated. If you are going straight home you can even switch the dressing to olive oil and balsamic vinegar and make it an extra healthy option. Some packaged dressings can be extremely high in sugar. 

Soups
If you're choosing a salad as your entree, pairing it with a cup of soup can help you to make it a more filling meal, especially on cold days. You might be surprised by how many drive-thru windows offer soups or stews. If you find this could be an option for you, try one of the protein-packed and veggie-filled soups to round out your meal.

Protein Bowls 
Protein bowls are becoming increasingly popular at fast-food restaurants as they offer a healthy alternative to burgers and fries. Protein bowls usually consist of lean proteins such as grilled chicken or fish, vegetables, and grains such as quinoa or brown rice. Many protein bowls also come with sauces or dressings that up-level the flavor. Many places allow you to mix and match to make your customized bowl. Be creative and enjoy!

Veggie Burgers 
If salads aren't enough to satisfy your hunger cravings, try a veggie burger. Veggie burgers are usually made from plant-based proteins such as beans and lentils. They are an excellent source of fiber and protein with minimal saturated fat and cholesterol. Most veggie burgers come in a lettuce wrap which is a great way to get extra vegetables into your meal.

Bento Boxes
You can find these grab-and-go options at convenience stores or even at Starbucks. These pre-made protein boxes have veggies, fruits, nuts, and a protein option. Often Starbucks gets overlooked when it comes to anything other than coffee. Maybe check out their grab-and-go selection next time you visit. 

Wraps 
Wraps are another great option if you are looking for a healthier alternative at the drive-thru window. Opt for wraps filled with lean proteins such as grilled chicken or turkey breast along with lots of veggies like lettuce, tomatoes, onions, peppers, etc.—this will ensure you get plenty of fiber and nutrients to stay satisfied until your next meal. 

Can you see how getting fast food does not necessarily mean that you are eating unhealthy? You have plenty of healthy options now that you know what to look for. Salads, soups, protein bowls, veggie burgers, bento boxes, and wraps are all great choices that offer plenty of nutrition without sacrificing taste—so next time you find yourself craving something from the drive-thru window, don't forget to consider these healthier alternatives.

If you are ready to lower your stress,  improve your diet and your life, then working with a health coach might be the perfect solution for you. During a strategy session we will discuss your goals and come up with a plan that is tailored specifically for you. If you are ready to take action and create the life you love, click here now to schedule your free call. 

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