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Top Ten Guilt-Free Fast Food Finds

Posted Mon, Jan 14, 2008, 8:48 pm PST
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Just when you thought you had to ditch the drive-thru, Hungry Girl is here with some truly amazing finds! Here are our top 10 guilt-free fast food finds (in no particular order)...

10. Burger King TENDERGRILL Chicken Garden Salad
(Salad without dressing: 230 calories/ 8g fat/ 11g carbs/ 3g fiber/ 3g sugars/ 720mg sodium/ 32g protein)

This tasty salad combines juicy chicken, tomatoes, crispy carrots, fresh lettuce, and three types of cheeses. All that for under 8 grams of fat. Top with half a packet (they're huge) of the Light Italian dressing (1/2 packet = 60 calories/ 5.5g fat) or Fat Free Ranch dressing (1/2 packet = 30 calories/ 0g fat), and give yourself a little pat on the back for making this smart choice (if you can put the fork down for long enough!).

9. Taco Bell Fresco Style Ranchero Chicken Soft Taco
(170 calories/ 4g fat/ 20g carbs/ 2g fiber/ 2g sugars/ 560g sodium/12g protein)

Just say the magic words, "Fresco Style!", and your Taco Bell order is instantly transformed into a better-for-you food choice!  They swap out their usual cheese and sauce combo for a kicky blend of chopped tomatoes, onions, and cilantro (aka Fresco Salsa). That'll save you 10 grams of fat and 100 calories on this terrific taco!

8. McDonald's Apple Dippers with Low Fat Caramel

(100 calories/ 0.5g fat/ 24g carbs/ 0g fiber/15g sugars/40mg sodium/ 0g protein)

Mickey D's gets an "A" for creativity by managing to put a really fun spin on what could be a reeaaallly boring dessert option (c'mon...apple slices?!). Let's face it; their yummy low-fat caramel would taste good with anything dipped in it (fingers included), but this modern day version of a caramel apple gets TWO YUMS UP from HG!

7. Subway Soups - Chicken & Dumpling, Cream of Broccoli, Minestrone, Roasted Chicken Noodle, Spanish Style Chicken with Rice, Tomato Garden Vegetable with Rotini, and Vegetable Beef
(90-140 calories/ 0.5-5g fat/ 12-20g carbs/ 1-4g fiber/ 1-8g sugars/ 910-1,230mg sodium/ 3-7g protein)

While not all of Subway's soups are great choices (avoid the chili, cream of potato, chicken with brown and wild rice, broccoli cheese, and New England clam chowder), we were thrilled to put rich "Cream of Broccoli" and hearty "Vegetable Beef" on the list. And although stores usually only feature two soups per day, with seven great options under 140 calories, you've got a good shot of finding one at your local Subway on any given day. Soup-er!

6. McDonald's Asian Salad with Grilled Chicken

(Salad without dressing: 290 calories/ 10g fat/23g carbs/6g fiber/12g sugars/ 890mg sodium/ 31g protein)

This is definitely our favorite fast food salad of all time. It's got orange-glazed chicken, mandarin oranges, crisp veggies, toasted almonds, and even edamame!?! Awesome! Top it off with half a packet of one of their low-fat dressings (1/2 packet = 20-45 calories/ 1-1.5g fat). There are many dressings to choose from, so read labels carefully!

5.  McDonald's Vanilla Reduced Fat Ice Cream Cone

(150 calories/ 3.5g fat/ 24g carbs/ 0g fiber/ 18g sugars/ 60mg sodium/ 4g protein)

That Ronald really knows his way around a soft-serve machine.  He's managed to conjure up insanely creamy ice cream that's actually delicious AND low in fat. Pssst...we think this frozen treat is one of the country's best-kept guilt-free secrets. Pass it on.

4.  Taco Bell Fresco Style Grilled Steak Soft Taco
(170 calories/ 5g fat/ 21g carbs/ 2g fiber/ 3g sugars/ 560mg sodium/ 11g protein)

Yet another "Fresco" option from our amigos at the Taco Bell. This one's soft and tasty with real hunks of juicy steak. It's a must-chew for beef-lovers.   

3. Wendy's Mandarin Chicken Salad

(Salad without dressing, almonds and noodles: 170 calories/ 2g fat/ 18g carbs/ 3g fiber/ 13g sugars/ 480mg sodium/ 23g protein)

By skipping the crispy noodles and almonds, this fast food salad achieves record-breaking low calorie and fat counts! And if you've really gotta have that added crunch, those noodles'll only cost you 60 calories and 2 grams of fat. We also recommend swapping the fatty, calorie-packed Oriental Sesame dressing for their Fat Free French (1 packet = 80 calories). HG Tip: Read dressing packets carefully (have we warned you enough about this yet?).   


2. Taco Bell Cinnamon Twists

(160 calories/ 5g fat/ 27g carbs/ 1g fiber/ 10g sugars/ 780mg sodium/ 1g protein)

Dessert at the drive-thru doesn't have to mean sundaes and hand-held pies exploding with fat and calories. Our friends at Taco Bell are offering up a sweet option with these twisty, cinnamonlicious little critters. Flaky and crunchy, these seriously hit the spot. Yet another fast food secret courtesy of your pal HG.

1. Subway 6 Grams of Fat or Less Subs, 6" Turkey Breast with Honey Mustard and Cucumbers

(310 calories/ 4.5g fat/ 54g carbs/ 5g fiber/ 13g sugars/ 1,130mg sodium/ 19g protein)

We love Subway's 6 Grams of Fat or Less Subs. Their Turkey Breast with Honey Mustard and Cucumbers Sub is particularly yummy and sweet. Feel like being extra careful? Skip the honey mustard and you'll save about 30 calories!

Average (1208 Ratings): 4 out of 5 stars

  • 1. Posted by phuson on Tue, Oct 17, 2006, 2:16 pm PDT

    test

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  • 2. Posted by on Wed, Dec 20, 2006, 8:34 pm PST

    I notice that most of the recommendations are rather high in sodium. Not good at all for those of us on a low-sodium diet.

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  • 3. Posted by ilbumy on Wed, Dec 20, 2006, 8:59 pm PST

    nice article, I enjoyed reading it. Reminds me of a men's health article I read awhile back

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  • 4. Posted by ct062587 on Thu, Dec 21, 2006, 12:23 am PST

    I would like to suggest Wendy's as well. Their Spring Mix Salad w/o dressing is about 180 calories, 11/6g fat/satfat, 30millig in cholesterol, 230mg in sodium, 12g in carbs and 5g in fiber. I've noticed alot of Burger King and McDonalds and thought why not give Wendy's a chance. Not too many people go to Wendy's as much as they do for Burger King and McDonalds. Then again, this is just my opinion.

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  • 5. Posted by jones0591@sbcglobal.net on Sat, Dec 23, 2006, 4:08 am PST

    nice suggestions for low calorie ideas.These are very easy to follow.

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  • 6. Posted by mbnbwja on Sat, Dec 23, 2006, 7:11 am PST

    I have found something I love at Jack in the Box. I was suprised at how good and healthy their southwest grilled chicken pita is. It has grilled chicken, black beans, corn, onions and (unsure if cheese) warm and tucked into a thin pita. YUM!

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  • 7. Posted by alvin.thomas@sbcglobal.net on Sat, Dec 23, 2006, 9:31 am PST

    What do you suggest for low-sodium dieters? Most of these suggestions are high in sodium!! Please notify us, if any exists!

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  • 8. Posted by on Thu, Dec 28, 2006, 1:51 am PST

    Love your suggestions, I also love love Wendys Salads, the Mandarian Chicken a real favorite!

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  • 9. Posted by wib5757 on Tue, Jan 02, 2007, 11:23 pm PST

    In my tiny town, we only have dairy queen, and taco villa. Any suggestions for these places? Mainly Taco Villa, since it's the one that's usually open?

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  • 10. Posted by Anna S on Wed, Jan 03, 2007, 10:19 am PST

    Love HG!! I'm not a huge fan of Taco Bell's "fresco style" so instead I order my tacos without cheese and add my own fat free version at home!

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  • 11. Posted by Cat on Wed, Jan 03, 2007, 2:32 pm PST

    To wib5757: I don't know specific information off hand for those places, but you can check dwlz.com and see what she has there. She lists several hundred restaurants on her site and I'm sure there's information for DQ at least.

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  • 12. Posted by amoretoact on Thu, Jan 04, 2007, 3:48 pm PST

    Taco bell also has another fantastic choice for those of us who like a little spice and kick. Their hard shell beef tacos have only 170 calories each (not fresco style! bring them down to 140 if you want fresco). I dont know about you, but i think those things are super yummy!

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  • 13. Posted by girl623 on Thu, Jan 04, 2007, 5:00 pm PST

    Just a note on the Wendy's Mandarin Chicken Salad - almonds are good for you! Like avocados, almonds get a bad rap for their "high fat" content, but it's monosaturated fat which is the good kind. I think substituting the almonds for the crispy noodles is a better option for crunch.

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  • 14. Posted by singsongmary on Thu, Jan 04, 2007, 9:47 pm PST

    I am only allowed 10 grms of protien a day so some of this doesn't apply.

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  • 15. Posted by Kimberly on Sun, Jan 07, 2007, 11:45 pm PST

    I love Wendy's Mandarin Chicken Salad, too!

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  • 16. Posted by krking76 on Mon, Jan 08, 2007, 3:42 pm PST

    Even though I agree with the salads, I have to disagree with everything else as they are loaded with carbs and not a good choice for any diabetic or person watching their carb intake. But awesome choices for anyone who does not have either of these concerns - other than the sodium.

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  • 17. Posted by dharts04 on Wed, Jan 10, 2007, 8:44 am PST

    I agree with Subway as #1, however, anything they make there they will make into a wrap...and the wrap will save you between 80 and 130 calories depending on which bread you usually choose. My favorite: Turkey breast wrap with ALL the veggies AND provolone cheese runs 190 calories and is very filling!

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  • 18. Posted by Ohh Chasquido! on Fri, Jan 12, 2007, 2:22 pm PST

    ...strangely the only ones I've ever had were the ice cream and cinnamon twists hah!

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  • 19. Posted by Ohh Chasquido! on Fri, Jan 12, 2007, 2:22 pm PST

    ...strangely the only ones I've ever had were the ice cream and cinnamon twists hah!

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  • 20. Posted by Ciarlene on Fri, Jan 12, 2007, 3:52 pm PST

    Can you PLEASE find me some vegetarian food? That would be great, cause I don't eat meat

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  • 21. Posted by Paige A on Sat, Jan 13, 2007, 9:01 am PST

    Why must the foods that are mexican be with fresca? it's too spicy for my family. I think the subway sandwich the company used to have of 'seafood salad' was wonderful and no other condiments were necessary. another good thing, imo, is the fiesta salad at tacobell, without the salsa or beans. it's filling, and a salad that you can eat the bowl.

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  • 22. Posted by J B on Sat, Jan 13, 2007, 1:19 pm PST

    SODIUM CONTENT is way high! especially for heart-conscious peopel or people with renal (kideny) disorders. im only 18 and have a kidney disorder and I know there are other options for better "fast food" snacks or meals.

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  • 23. Posted by Susan P on Sun, Jan 14, 2007, 10:14 am PST

    For all of you worried about your sodium - stay away from fast food! You should know by now that anything pre-made and pre-packaged is going to be high in sodium. These suggesstions are not going to fit with everyone's particular dietary concern/restiction...they are merely suggesstions for better choices when eating on the road.

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  • 24. Posted by mirandasp on Sun, Jan 14, 2007, 11:38 am PST

    Please, re: the Wendy's salad, the sliced almonds are way better for you than the crispy noodles -- nuts have protein and healthy monounsaturated fat. But remember: few fast foods are really healthy for you because they are so processed that the nutrients and fiber are whipped out of them. When I must, I love Baja Fresh for Mexican. It's a little slower than Mickey D's but faster than a regular restaurant. Their stuff is fresh, lite, and not all covered with cheese unless you ask for it.

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  • 25. Posted by Sabrina M on Sun, Jan 14, 2007, 11:45 am PST

    Remember the healthier fats that Wendy's use now...

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  • 26. Posted by on Sun, Jan 14, 2007, 12:24 pm PST

    Also lets not forget that Carls Jr. that was not mentioned here, is an exelent place to get great salads and many other great fat reduced or healthy choices. I go there usually for something to eat, and have lost about 3lbs. The Chefs Salad is REALLY yummie.

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  • 27. Posted by Lennon Patton on Sun, Jan 14, 2007, 12:26 pm PST

    If you cannot eat at home, I recommend taking a piece of fresh fruit and a small bag of almonds to snack on if you get hungry, If I have access to refridgeration, then I also like yogurt with fresh fruit to add on top. If I have to eat on the go, I always look for a super market like Super Target or Albertsons, where I can go in a purchase one piece of fruit and go through the self check out. For restaurants, I look for Pho soup places or even something like Jason's Deli, if available. Just my two cents!

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  • 28. Posted by FunkyMomma on Sun, Jan 14, 2007, 12:28 pm PST

    Re: Mcdonald's apple slices: You have to eat them with the caramel because the apples have no flavor! They peel them (losing dietary fiber and most vitamins). My kids wouldn't eat them, and they love fruit. Wendy's is the best, for variety, and we still limit it.

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  • 29. Posted by jennlocke on Sun, Jan 14, 2007, 12:28 pm PST

    Mcdonald's apple dippers are not healthy for you. The caramel sauce is loaded with trans fat, and there are preservatives that are added to the apples so they don't turn brown.

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  • 30. Posted by jecardq on Sun, Jan 14, 2007, 12:30 pm PST

    what about Dairy Queen Ice Cream? It is low fat, creamy and nobody does Ice Cream better than Dairy Queen!!

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