60 Healthy, Low-Calorie Fast-Food Meals Under 500 Calories
										Watching your weight and on the go? Enjoy these healthy low-calorie fast-food meals.

60 Healthy, Low-Calorie Fast-Food Meals Under 500 Calories Watching your weight and on the go? Enjoy these healthy low-calorie fast-food meals.

When you’re not in the mood to cook and decide to make your day a little easier by swinging by your favorite fast food joint, do you tend to grab a burger or do you prefer fried chicken? Maybe your go-to meal is a sub, a hoagie, a hero, a grinder, or a footlong depending on where you’re from and what you happen to call the sizable sandwiches. Whatever you choose, you likely focus on things like the price, the portion size, and, of course, the oh-so-yummy taste. You might not be as concerned about how many calories are in each option, or even realize that low-calorie fast food menu items are even a thing. However, considering the fact that keeping an eye on your calorie intake can help you stay healthy, it might be something that you want to start keeping in mind—yes, even when you want to enjoy some quick takeout.

Fortunately, pretty much every fast-food restaurant now offers a range of options that boast as much taste as you want but not as many calories as you might assume. You just need to know what to look for and what to order.

There are seemingly endless food terms that are meant to give you an idea of what you’re consuming especially when it comes to what are meant to be healthier options. For instance, you might spot items that claim to be “sugar free” and “fat free” as well as “low sodium,” “low cholesterol,” and “low calorie.”

What qualifies as a ‘low-calorie’ fast-food option?

“I wouldn’t classify fast foods as healthy by any means, but there are certainly choices we can make that are superior to others,” Julia Zumpano, RD, LD, told the Cleveland Clinic. On top of that, she pointed out that “fast food has come a long way which is why “[t]here are some more varieties of fast foods these days that can offer some healthier options.”

RELATED: 21 Best Low-Sodium Fast-Food Orders, According to Dietitians

Kate Patton, RD, LD, offered a tip when it comes to ordering fast food and not feeling guilty about it, explaining to the Cleveland Clinic that “[k]nowing what you’ll order ahead of time or how you’ll order can give you a better attitude toward fast food.” She added that “[i]t doesn’t have to derail your whole day.”

Tips for ordering low-calorie fast food options

Indeed, there are various ways to feel good about your fast food meal by ensuring that you’re not eating more calories than necessary. For instance, you can forgo the sugar-filled soda and stick with hydrating water. You can also swap out white burger buns for a type of bread that’s not as loaded with calories.

Of course, the main tip for cutting down on extra calories is taking it easy on certain toppings. While tomatoes, lettuce, and peppers can give you a boost of nutrients, you might want to scale back on excessive cheese, butter, and heavy sauces.

The best low-calorie fast food options

On top of that, you can opt for salad and grilled items as well as smaller portions and side dishes that are healthy and low-cal, according to the Mayo Clinic.

That’s right, when it comes to making sure that you’re sticking to a low-cal meal while you order fast food, you can choose how you want to cut back on calories and “have it your way,” as they say.

Now that you’re confident that you’ll be able to find the perfect low-cal option to suit both your palate and your needs, you can grab your wallet, prepare your appetite, and get ready to fill your belly because we’ve gathered the best low-calorie options from 15 of the most popular fast-food restaurants around.

Over the years, McDonald’s has taken the initiative when it comes to adding new items to its menu that aim to be healthier. At the same time, a few of their traditional and beloved options are relatively low in calories as well (no, not the Big Mac, sorry). Beyond that, you can cater to your particular calorie-related needs by opting for different portion sizes. For instance, while you can enjoy 10 Chicken McNuggets for less than 500 calories, the number obviously drops if you want 6 pieces (250 calories) or a 4-piece order (170 calories).

Under 400 Calories

Under 500 Calories

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