Fast food isn’t on the top of people’s go-to meal list when they are trying to lose weight—and rightfully so. Unfortunately, eating at fast-food restaurants is associated with higher fat and lower vegetable intakes among certain populations, possibly leaving people at an increased risk of experiencing nutritional gaps and eating more empty calories—two contributors to weight gain. Plus, fast food tends to be a major contributor to excessive saturated fat intake, which can wreak havoc on a weight loss plan as well.
Despite the health concerns, over a third of American adults eat fast food on a given day, thanks to the food being served quickly and the convenience factor.
Since eating fast food is strongly associated with weight gain and obesity, it makes sense for people on a weight loss journey to stick to other options when they are trying to see results.
But while it is true that leaning on French fries, regular sodas, and fried chicken sandwiches multiple times a week won’t help you fit into your skinny jeans, the good news is some fast food joints offer some menu choices that are weight loss-friendly while also being convenient and delicious to enjoy.
Generally speaking, opting for choices that are not fried, are not made with added sugars, and are not swimming in creamy sauces will provide you with a lighter meal that can help you achieve your weight loss goals.
And among the healthy fast-food options out there, the #1 best fast-food order for weight loss is a 6-inch Subway Veggie Delite Sandwich, Side Salad, and 100% orange juice. Read on, and for more on how to eat healthy, don’t miss Eating Habits to Lose Abdominal Fat As You Age, Say Dietitians.
As delicious as most fast food sandwiches are, they are lacking when it comes to including fresh vegetables and high-quality protein choices. Many choices contain fatty and salty sauces and can clock in at over 1,000 calories per serving!
Ordering a Subway Veggie Delite sandwich can fuel your body with tons of veggies with no processed meats or unhealthy condiments. Ordering the sandwich on a 6-inch hearty multigrain roll will provide a whopping 7 grams of fiber per serving, helping to give this sandwich some serious staying power and possibly assisting people to avoid hunger pangs shortly after eating.
For the fillings, opting for fresh tomatoes, spinach, green peppers, and red onions will help people meet their veggie quota for the day and add some serious flavor with very few added calories. For a protein source, BelGioioso Fresh Mozzarella provides high-quality protein along with calcium and other important nutrients that can support weight loss as well.
A drizzle of oil and vinegar along with a sprinkle of black pepper will elevate this sandwich even more, and in minutes you will have a gourmet-tasting main dish that is jam-packed with good-for-you ingredients that can help people stick to their weight loss goals.
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As your side dish, instead of opting for fried chips or a cookie, a Veggie Delite salad will set you back only 50 calories and will give your meal even more satisfying fiber and nutrients with no added salt, sugars, or fats.
Skip the cheese addition and add a bit of oil and vinegar as a dressing, and you will be well on your way to enjoying a dietitian-approved meal. If you are an avocado lover, you can even add some avocado slices to your salad for some healthy fats and more fiber.
Finally, instead of sipping on soda or lemonade with added sugars, ask for a 16-ounce bottle of Simply Orange Orange Juice and a glass of water, only filled halfway. Mix 8 ounces of your juice with the water for a diluted fruit drink that “counts” as a fruit serving and provides your body with micronutrients that may help your body lose weight, including vitamin C.
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A 6-inch Veggie Delite sandwich made on a hearty multigrain roll, a combo of sliced tomatoes, spinach, green peppers, and red onions, fresh Mozzarella cheese, a drizzle of oil and vinegar, and a sprinkle of pepper is a powerhouse fast food main dish that combines whole grains, fresh vegetables, and high-quality protein in one sandwich. Pairing it with a side salad for an additional veggie boost and a drink made of real juice and water balances out this fast food order in a nutritious, delicious, and convenient way.
And for more, check out these The Worst Fast-Food Menu Items for Weight Loss, According to Dietitians.