McDonald’s Hamburger Happy Meal
Take a trip down memory lane with a McDonald’s hamburger happy meal. Keep your portions just right with a small burger and fries (one of the most popular items on the menu) A happy meal contains about 470 calories and 62 grams of carbs, as opposed to a cheeseburger value meal that boasts 1,330 calories and 188 grams of carbs.
Wendy’s Southwest Avocado Chicken Salad
Skip the Frosty and treat yourself to one of Wendy’s vibrant and healthy salads. This one packs in the flavor with fresh ingredients like diced tomatoes, avocado and a sprinkle of pepper jack cheese. Try a half order for 310 calories, 22 grams of protein and 21 grams of fat.
Subway’s 6-inch Turkey Sub
If you’re visiting America’s largest fast food restaurant, keep it healthy with a fresh turkey sub on whole grain bread. Load up your sammie with your favorite veggies like lettuce, tomato, bell peppers and cucumbers just to name a few. Then go ahead and add a bag of baked chips; the entire meal is just 510 calories and 22 grams of fat.
Burger King’s MorningStar Veggie Burger
Did you know that fast food vegetarian options have gotten a lot better? Try the King’s veggie burger for that Whopper experience without the saturated fat. Get extra veggies like lettuce and tomato and be sure to hold the mayo. A veggie burger will only cost you 310 calories while filling you up with 5 grams of fiber and 21 grams of protein.
Taco Bell’s Fresco-Style Soft Tacos
This may shock you, but Taco Bell is actually one of the healthiest fast food options out there. Avoid the overflowing nachos and gooey quesadillas, though. An order of two fresco-style tacos with grilled chicken contains 300 calories and 2.5 grams of saturated fat. Load them up with lettuce, onions, tomato and a scoop of guac for a well-rounded meal.
Applebee’s Thai Shrimp Salad
Bursting with juicy flavor and healthy nutrients, this salad just may help you change your mind about Applebee’s. Skip happy hour specials and indulge in this Thai shrimp salad with protein-packed edamame and spicy cilantro. This salad will fill you up for only 370 calories. Try making your own at home with any of our fast food copycat recipes!
Red Robin’s Red’s Chili Chili
Well, bottomless steak fries are probably never a good idea, especially if you’re managing diabetes with a healthy diet. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your family’s night out at Red Robin. Opt for a cup of chili for just 220 calories and a full 15 grams of protein. Craving one of their crazy indulgent burgers? You’re better off making your own healthy hamburger at home.
Chick-fil-A’s Grilled Chicken Sandwich
Chick-fil-A may be known for their crispy fried chicken, but it’s time to give their grilled recipe a try. The grilled chicken sandwich with a side salad has just 245 calories, 7 grams of fat and 4 grams of carbs. That’s down from the fried meal with 1330 calories and 54 grams of fat. Craving that meal on a Sunday? Make your own with our Chick-fil-A copycat recipes!
Chipotle’s Veggie Burrito Bowl
This hearty burrito-in-a-bowl combines fresh fajita veggies, protein-packed beans, filling brown rice and even a scoop of guac for just 230 calories and 8 grams of carbs. Hold the cheese and sour cream to keep it a diabetes-friendly option. Or make your own at home with any of these Chipotle copycat recipes.
Starbucks Eggs & Cheese Protein Box
Skip the sugary Frappuccino and power up with a protein box at Starbucks. This breakfast or lunch on-the-go fills you up with hard-boiled eggs, white cheddar cheese, sliced apples, grapes, multigrain bread and honey peanut butter. The full meal has about 470 calories and 23 grams of protein. This is also easy to prepare at home as a Starbucks copycat recipe.
The post The Best Diabetic-Friendly Fast Food Options appeared first on Taste of Home.
Carrie Madormo, RN