With busy lives and tight schedules, fast food is sometimes necessary. Fortunately, you can order plenty of healthier options from the drive-thru window. Let’s explore some of the best choices for those looking to make healthier decisions when eating out.

Here are some healthy alternatives:

Salads

It may sound obvious, but ordering a salad from the drive-thru window is one of the healthiest options. These can be found at nearly all drive-thru windows, so use this opportunity to get your veggies by ordering a salad as your entree. Be sure to pair it with enough protein to keep you satiated.

Soups

If you’re choosing a salad as your entree, pairing it with soup can help you to make it a more filling meal. Many drive-thru windows offer soups or stews, so if you find this an option, try one of the protein-packed and veggie-filled soups to round out your meal.

Bento Boxes

You can even find these grab-and-go options at convenience stores or Starbucks. These pre-made protein boxes have veggies, fruits, nuts, and a protein option. Often Starbucks gets overlooked as a drive-thru option, but they also have options available.

Protein Bowls

Protein bowls are becoming increasingly popular at fast-food restaurants as they offer a healthy alternative to burgers and fries. Protein bowls usually consist of lean proteins such as grilled chicken or fish, vegetables, and grains such as quinoa or brown rice. Many protein bowls also come with sauces or dressings that up the flavor and allow you to mix and match to make your customized bowl.

Veggie Burgers

If sandwiches and salads aren’t enough to satisfy your hunger cravings, try veggie burgers. Veggie burgers are usually made from plant-based proteins such as beans and lentils, so they are an excellent source of fiber and protein with minimal saturated fat and cholesterol. Most veggie burgers come in a lettuce wrap which is a great way to get extra vegetables into your meal.

Wraps

Wraps are another great option for those looking for a healthier alternative at the drive-thru window. Look for wraps filled with lean proteins such as grilled chicken or turkey breast along with lots of veggies like lettuce, tomatoes, onions, peppers, etc.—this will ensure you get plenty of fiber and vitamins to stay satisfied until your next meal.

When it comes to eating fast food, plenty of healthy options are available at the drive-thru window if you know what to look for. Salads, protein bowls, and wraps are all great choices that offer plenty of nutrition without sacrificing taste.

So next time you find yourself craving something from the drive-thru window, don’t forget to consider these healthier alternatives.

While cooking your own meals is a great way to focus on health, sometimes the convenience of takeout wins. However, takeout foods aren’t notorious for being healthy choices. With a few simple swaps, you can turn your takeout into a healthy meal that will leave you feeling satisfied without feeling sluggish.

Here are a few tips for upgrading your takeout:

1. Serve up proper portions

Just like when you go out to eat at your favorite restaurant, the portion you’re given for takeout may be far larger than one serving. Take a moment and plate it, so you eat enough to feel satisfied without mindlessly overeating. As a side bonus, you’ll have another portion to enjoy tomorrow for lunch. Filling half of your plate with a fresh salad before adding your main course is a great way to keep portions in check without measuring.

2. Choose more veggies

Make sure you get the right amount of vegetables on your plate, too. Even if you’re ordering a burger, you can load it up with veggie toppings and choose a side salad as your side. Ordering pizza? Top it with veggies and order a side salad to eat before you dive into a slice. There are tons of ways to incorporate more vegetables into your takeout meals.

3. Supplement with something from your fridge

While ordering takeout can be a quick and convenient way to get a meal, it can also be expensive. One way to save money (and not waste your groceries!) is to supplement your takeout order with something from your fridge. For example, if you’re ordering takeout, you could add a side of steamed broccoli or roasted Brussels sprouts. Adding a few items from your fridge can stretch your takeout budget and get more bang for your buck.

4. Choose healthy cooking methods

Restaurant foods can be loaded with more sodium than you need. Prioritize steamed, baked, or sauteed options over fried dishes, and pick lean proteins when you can. Along with more veggies, this will make you feel good after your takeout food choices.

5. Ask for sauces and dressings on the side

When ordering takeout, it is always best to ask for sauces and dressings on the side. This way, you can control how much of each you want to add to your meal. Too much sauce or dressing can easily make a dish too heavy or soggy. By asking for them on the side, you can add just the right amount to suit your taste.

Above all, don’t punish yourself for ordering takeout. When you make mindful choices, it can still be healthy. Plus, taking a break from the kitchen is a smart way to stay motivated and inspire creativity in the kitchen.

Having indulgences here and there is a good way to keep from binging, too, so allow yourself to truly enjoy those special takeout moments from time to time.