From the moment you walk through the door, it’s safe to say you’re fighting a losing battle. Fast food chains are not known for their healthy options. however, there is much to get by with.
First things first, cut the tiles. They’re one of the highest sources of saturated fat out there, and you could stuff yourself with chicken and get better results. Fortunately, most chains offer substitution deals on their meals now—fries for beans or corn on the cob, for example. Right away, you’ve cut about 400 calories from your meal, and it only gets better from there.
Now, fried chicken is not healthy. Frying is unhealthy at the best of times, and most fast food outlets use so much oil that it might even be responsible for the fuel crisis. If you must eat fried chicken, choose a thigh. The prices are the same and they have a smaller surface area, which means less bad fry. A KFC drumstick is around 140 calories, with 8g fat, 2g saturated fat. It’s not good for you, but a couple of beans and corn might even leave you with less than 500 calories for a surprisingly filling meal. You’re not going to set any records in the field of healthy eating, but it’s better than nothing. Or it’s better than French fries, at least.
If you have to choose a fatty side, try the coleslaw. The medium tubs that most places give you can match the 200 calories, a little less if you’re lucky. But coleslaw is pretty much just cabbage and carrots, both of which are packed with vitamins, potassium, and fiber. Again, you could do better, but at least you’re not doing worse, right?
Going back to the chicken, it is not always served on the bone. There are plenty of nuggets and sandwiches floating around out there. Now, if you’re happy to eat a small meal, the nuggets may suffice, typically coming in at around 220 calories for four, and with a diet drink and non-fried side you could get away with less than 500. For something more substantial, there are usually grilled friends and sandwiches left over. First, go for the grilled option, obviously. Try and stick with one with less mayonnaise and bread if possible. Keep in mind that the fried options are usually smaller, to try to match the calories on the menu. Grilled is still the healthier choice, however.
Fast food is not healthy. We all know it, no matter how much advertising campaigns make us think otherwise. But you don’t have to go hungry after a long day at work, or eat only when your friends are done. Think about your meals, and you’ll usually find a sensible option among the straw.