9 Best Weight Watchers Friendly Fast Food Chains

Panda Express Chinese Takeaway meal with cup of drink

Many people try to strike a balance between their desire for fast food and a healthy lifestyle. This article transports you to a world where quick-service restaurants’ fast-paced atmosphere coexists with wise food choices. Find out how to eat on the go without sacrificing your commitment to your wellness. We’ll be your guide through the options offered by different fast-food chains, from delicious salads and protein-packed bowls to customizable menu options designed to fit seamlessly into your health-conscious journey. Regardless of your level of experience with wellness or if you’re just starting out, this article will give you the confidence to enjoy fast food without sacrificing your dedication to wellness.

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Chick-fil-A

Chick-fil-A is one of those fast-food restaurants that are here to please, no matter what it takes. They have a few health-conscious food items for easy Weight Watcher items. Breakfast items like the Egg White Grill with egg whites, grilled chicken, and American Cheese atop an English muffin have become a favorite with 26 grams of protein and 290 calories. In addition to breakfast, Chick-fil-A guests can get the Kale Crunch Side, Grilled Chicken Sandwich, Chick-n-Minis, or Greek Yogurt Parfait for 350 calories or less. The Spicy Southwest Salad is another nutritious option with 450 calories with toppings.

McDonald’s

McDonald’s gets a lot of bad press for their less-than-impressive average calorie consumption per meal. However, if you’re on the go and need a low-calorie bite to eat, you’ll be happy to know that McDonald’s is an option. The Fruit ‘N Yogurt Parfait is the most health-conscious item on McDonald’s menu as the low-fat yogurt mixed with fresh fruit and crunchy granola only contains 150 calories. A warm, low-calorie option is the Fruit & Maple Oatmeal, as the hot oatmeal and fresh fruit make a cravable breakfast. Consider ordering the Bacon Ranch Grilled Chicken Salad for 320 calories or a plain-jane hamburger at 250 calories for a quick lunch option.

Taco Bell

It is tough to eat healthy on a budget. However, Taco Bell has a few offerings that help make that possible. Believe it or not, the crunchy and soft tacos at Taco Bell are under 200 calories and have 3 grams of fiber. While eating several tacos in one sitting can add up the calorie intake, eating one or two won’t hurt. A low-calorie and vegetarian option are the Black Beans and Rice as it has 170 calories and only 4 grams of fat. If you’re looking for a high-protein option, a modified power bowl with extra meat and removal of beans and rice offers 29 grams of protein, 3 grams of fiber, and only 290 calories. Check out other healthy options to try at Taco Bell.

Wendy’s

From grilled chicken sandwiches, tasty salads, baked potatoes, and wraps, Wendy’s offers a variety of menu items to help you watch your weight. If you find yourself in Wendy’s drive-through, resist the urge to order a high-calorie meal and consider a healthier option. The Apple Pecan Chicken Salad, Southwest Avocado chicken Salad, and Berry Burst Chicken Salad offer juicy grilled chicken pieces atop a nutritious bed of lettuce greens and perfectly paired toppings. Wendy’s salads have fewer preservatives than alternative menu items and higher protein consumption. Also, consider a grilled chicken wrap or a plain baked potato for alternative low-calorie options.

Burger King

Eliminating extra greasy foods and substituting a bun for a wrap or salad will help limit calorie consumption. And Burger King offers several healthy items that help you steer clear of grease and extra preservatives. The Chicken, Apple, and Cranberry Salad with Grilled Chicken is an excellent place to start if you’re looking for fewer preservatives and nutrition. Selecting a grilled chicken sandwich in place of a greasy burger can save you upwards of 200 calories per meal. Another health-conscious option is the Egg and Cheese Muffin.

Chipotle

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Known for its fresh, high-quality ingredients, Chipotle is one of the best fast-food restaurants for Weight Watchers. With locally sourced ingredients and grass-fed beef options, Chipotle strives to offer tasty recipes that won’t leave you in a weight-gaining slump after consumption. Since Chipotle allows you to customize your dish from start to finish, the best way to eat healthy at the fast-food chain is to customize your meal with care. First, choose a bowl or a salad. Eliminating the tortilla will help reduce calorie consumption by 200-300 calories. Next, pick a low-calorie protein like steak. Add beans for additional protein and if you can’t live without rice, choose brown rice instead of white. Toppings are where things get tricky. The best low-calorie topping options are fajita veggies, lettuce, guacamole, and green chili sauce. Add any remaining toppings sparingly as they can raise the calorie consumption significantly.

Subway

Like Chipotle, Subway provides consumers with a platform to pick and choose their meal with a few pre-set menu options. Therefore, customers have control of their sandwiches and can make health-conscious decisions on bread, meat, and toppings. The best way to decrease preservative, carb, and calorie intake at Subway is to avoid bread altogether. Instead, try a wrap, flatbread, or even a salad. Deli meats are also a high-preservative ingredient, so swapping out the roast beef with oven-roasted chicken is ideal. Avoid the cheese and pile your sandwich high with fresh veggies and a vinaigrette for a healthy meal.

Panda Express

Panda Express is one of those fast-food restaurants you don’t want to give up, even if you find yourself on a diet. Luckily, there are several items on their menu that you can get away with consuming when you’re in a hurry and need some delicious Chinese food while watching your weight. The best thing you can eat at Panda Express while watching your weight is the Beef and Broccoli, or you can make your favorite Panda Express meals healthier at home.. The dish only has 150 calories, and the nutrient-filled broccoli leaves you feeling good about your entree choice. Black Pepper Angus Steak and Mushroom Chicken are other Panda Express entrees you can feel good consuming. Pair these protein choices with a side of steamed white rice for a decadent, low-calorie meal.

Popeyes

Southern-style cooking is not often known as a healthy meal for Weight Watchers. While Popeyes does offer plenty of grease-filled and deep-fried chicken options, there are several menu items you can choose to make a better meal decision. The best chicken on Popeyes menu for weight watchers is the 3-Piece Handcrafted Blackened Chicken Tenders. These tenders are tossed in a calorie-free spice mix and don’t find their way into the deep-fryer, meaning there are no added calories from the oil. In addition to the blacked chicken tenders, the Loaded Chicken Wrap and Butterfly Shrimp have a relatively low-calorie consumption.