From McDonald’s to Starbucks, consuming fast food is a way of life when you’re on the road. Especially if you’re pressed for time, eating at a restaurant that offers speedy service may be your only way to have three meals a day.
But if you’re trying to eat healthy, having to eat fast food can seem like a nightmare. Especially when you consider how many health risks the trucking industry faces each year, because truckers consume tons of fast food on-the-go.
But there are healthier options out there for you. And they can even help you avoid things like diabetes and high blood pressure. All you have to do is eat right.
At first finding healthier options at a fast food restaurant may sound like a myth, but there are several sandwiches, salads, and even tacos you can eat from various fast food menus and still be healthy! No matter what your favorite fast food restaurant is.
At first finding healthier options at a fast food restaurant may sound like a myth, but there are several sandwiches, salads, and even tacos you can eat from various fast food menus and still be healthy! No matter what your favorite fast food restaurant is.
Here are 6 healthier options for truckers and travelers alike. So you can get your fast food fix without the excess calories.
No matter where you go, if you order the grilled option, chances are it’s a lot healthier than fried. Many places also offer salads with grilled chicken, but with the sandwiches, you get a less bulky and much more portable option for when you’re on the road. Not to mention there’s the added benefit of the bread filling you up much faster than you would get with a salad.
With junior in the name it may sound small, but no matter where you go it’s definitely filling. In fact, junior cheeseburgers are a much better option compared to their giant counterparts. And you don’t feel overfull afterwards. Just make sure you’re not adding too many extras to your burger, and lose the fries. Those can often be another 500+ calories you don’t need.
Who says bacon can’t be healthy? Yes, you should definitely avoid any sandwich that has bacon with numerous beef patties, but a nice small bacon cheeseburger can definitely help you get that bacon fix. And you don’t have to feel guilty about it! Just be sure to check the calories on your bacon cheeseburger before you decide. But most fast food places have one for under 400 calories.
There’s nothing healthier than a good old fashioned black coffee. There’s less calories, no sugar, and so much more of that much needed caffeine. So get your coffee fix the old fashioned way with a nice big cup o’joe. You can also consider unsweetened hot tea for a zero calorie solution to getting caffeinated.
Generally, the Americano only goes from 5-30 calories. Plus it’s a great source of caffeine and it tastes great. And if you’re not a big fan of drinking it black, adding a splash of nonfat milk will only increase the calories by 40, making this one of the healthiest options you can order. Other than black coffee, of course.
These crunchy chicken tacos are not only delicious, they’re also nutritious! And most of the time they only have a few calories, and we’re talking 200 and less. You have to make sure to watch your sodium intake though, South Western cuisine can be a little heavy handed with the salt.
There are some foods you should always, always avoid eating when you go to a fast food restaurant. These foods are filled with more calories than you need, and while it might seem like a good idea at first, you’ll regret it later.
So you should also avoid fried sides and sugary menu items such as:
- French Fries
- Onion Rings
- Any Dessert
- Milkshakes
- Soda
You should also avoid famous menu items at any fast food restaurant, because chances are that’ll be bad for you as well. And be wary of condiments. Adding extra can significantly increase the calories of your meal. So make sure you always know what you’re eating before you eat it. And pay attention to calories!
Got some tips for how to stay healthy on the road? Or maybe you just want to share some highlights from your own wellness journey. Drop us a line on Facebook or Twitter! We love hearing from you, Trucking Nation!
And remember you only have 6 days left to e-file your HVUT to avoid penalties!