Most of us live a fast-paced life and from time to time we find ourselves at the mercy of fast-food restaurants needing something quick to eat.
I always tell myself that I am fine as long as I don’t think about what is actually IN the food.
Don’t get me wrong, fast food tastes amazing but since my eyes have been open to the reality of what is actually IN most fast food and the process it takes to get to us,.. now I am a bit more choosy.
Ok, I’m a LOT more choosy in where I will eat and what I will put in my body from a fast food restaurant. Actually these days the kids and I have discovered the fun of local restaurants and juice bars so we don’t eat fast food all that often. BUT on the days when we are in a pinch and I can’t get out of the car and we have to grab and go… fast food is still the quickest and easiest.
Here are some of my favorite go-to’s when I am out and about and need something quick and must resort to fast food.
My Favorites for (Mostly) Healthy Eating on the Go
I say “mostly” healthy eating on the go because these are not perfect choices. But in my opinion they are the healthiest fast food and available in most states. Now if you’re not into fast food at all – I hear you mama. In that case it may be easier to plan ahead and bring snacks and pre-made meals.
This list is for the mom on the go that suddenly realizes her errands took longer than she intended and needs something NOW before the kids tear each other apart in the back seat.
Chick-fil-A
For Mom: grilled chicken wrap. It has grilled chicken versus fried. Not a lot of bread (made with a tortilla wrap) and has a lot of veggies in it. Bonus: it comes with no sauce! ?
For Kids: Their chicken nugget meal for kids is absolutely awesome. The meal includes a 4-count or 6-count of Chick-fil-A nuggets, plus your kid’s choice of a small Side Item (Cinnamon Apple Sauce, Waffle Potato Fries, or Fruit Cup), and kids drink. For a drink, your child can choose an Honest Kids Juice box, milk, chocolate milk, or lemonade.
Their fries are cooked in canola oil, which is low in saturated fat and high in unsaturated fats, including omega-3 fatty acids. The manufacturers call it the “world’s healthiest cooking oil” – although some experts disagree.
Chic-Fil-A also believes in Fresh Food Prep. Check it out on their Fresh Food Prep page.
Culvers
For Mom: Culver’s has a ton of diverse and fun salads. Check out their salad menu – it’s awesome.
For Kids: They have a variety of options for kids but the most healthy option we have discovered is the chicken strips and apple sauce. The best part is that my kids will actually eat it! I went to lunch at Culver’s with my mom and she remarked about how amazing it was for my 5-year-old to choose apple sauce over friends — APPLE SAUCE!!
Bonus: Two big bonuses with Culvers. First, get the Culver’s App. This app will legit save you money! The second big perk – your kiddos will get free custard with every kid’s meal. The custard is healthier than ice cream which your kids won’t know and you can use it as a bribe option to get them to eat their lunch. #genius
Jimmy John’s
For Mom: Yah Yah I know.. carbs carbs carbs. BUT here is the thing, Jimmy John’s uses REAL ingredients – Check it out – they are awesome. That gets some mega points in my opinion.
For Kids: My kids love the plan Slims sandwiches.
A bit less healthy…
Panera Bread: Fantastic salads there! Typically I choose a soup and/or salad over a sandwich. Remember: too many carbs at lunch will put you in the afternoon slump! ? For kids I find that mine will eat any of the sandwiches here. I don’t like the extra carbs in the sandwiches for the kids but it is better than traditional fried fast food.
Wendy’s: The salads are a better choice than the burgers. If you must order a sandwich of some sort, I suggest getting grilled chicken and asking them to put extra lettuce and tomato to get in some extra veg. ? My kids will eat a grilled chicken sandwhich from Wendy’s although there are not very good side options.
Subway: Chopped salad. You can pick all your veggies and add grilled chicken for protein. Just watch the dressing: sometimes they add a bit much? Keep in mind to ask for real chicken. Some locations use fake chicken.
Remember, meals made at home are better for you because you can choose the organic veggie varieties, limit the processed meats and you can control the types of dressings you have and the ingredients in those as well. (And choose water to drink!) ??
Let me know what your favorite healthier options are for on the go!
