I Tried Healthier Foods at Fast Food Restaurants Like McDonald’s and Chick-Fil-A – Here’s What I’d Eat Again

Drive-in dinner – it’s as American as fried apple pie.

McDonald’s and Chick-fil-A and other popular fast food joints like Taco Bell and Wendy’s are simply a part of life for a nation of eaters on the go — no matter how fervently some like to pretend otherwise.

And some experts say it’s perfectly fine to give in to the inevitable — just as long as you make smart choices when you find yourself stopping by the order board.

Move past the 1,000-calorie burgers and greasy fries and chips and you’ll find all kinds of good-for-you things to munch on like grilled chicken and fresh, nutrient-dense salads.

But do these virtuous hips taste good? Or are they just taking up space on the menu?

Compiling a list of the healthiest things to eat at a variety of fast food restaurants, compiled by a pair of registered dietitians, Eat This, Not That! Reporter Samantha Boesch braved the travel lines at seven popular spots, trying everything from classic oatmeal breakfasts to trendy chicken sandwiches.

Her favorite find – the “too good to be true” Cantina Chicken Bowl at Taco Bell.

With only 490 calories, 25 grams of protein and 11 grams of fiber, the Chipotle dupe registered high on the fairness scale.

With seasoned rice, black beans, roasted chicken, pico de gallo, guacamole and an avo ranch dressing, the pro taster called it a “super satisfying” and “filling” meal.

Other favorites included the Wendy’s Apple Nut Salad, with 440 calories, 5 g of fiber and 31 g of protein. Boesch loved the romaine lettuce and spring mix greens paired with crunchy apple bites—as well as the vitamins and minerals found in all of the above.

McDonald’s Fruit and Maple Oatmeal – an often-overlooked healthy breakfast option – had a “surprising creaminess” and brilliant brown sugar, diced apples and dried fruit. A “nice treat,” the taster concluded.

Chipotle’s low-carb Healthy Lifestyle Bowl also made the grade, as did Chick-fil-A’s grilled chicken sandwich, though the writer acknowledged that the popular chain’s grilled options won’t be never as much fun as fries.

One item—Dunkin’s Egg and Cheese on an English Muffin—was vetoed for its almost “non-existent” flavor. Despite containing 19 grams of protein, Boesch pointed out that if he wanted something like this for breakfast, he’d probably head to Starbucks for one of their egg sandwiches.

Of course, there’s always McDonald’s—earlier, a nutritionist who doubles as a busy mom shared with Eat This, Not That! that she recommends a classic Egg McMuffin as a better fast food breakfast choice for those trying to stay healthy.

The 310-calorie Classic Starter is a “strong” choice that contains 17 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber, but only 33% of your daily sodium, Kelsey Kunik told the media.