Knock off a few more calories by getting it wrapped in just lettuce. If you're a plant-based eater, go for the 'Shroom burger. Per serving : calories, 18 g fat 8 g sat fat , 24 g carbs, 5 g sugar, mg sodium, 25 g protein.

You don't have to feel bad about enjoying a couple Original Sliders from White Castle — it scores better on the "healthy" scale than even the chicken or fish sliders. But here's a surprise: if you're looking for a vegetarian option, go with the Veggie Slider over the Impossible Slider to consume less overall calories and fat.

Per serving : calories, 7 g fat 2. Sure, Burger King offers plenty of other options, but it just seems so fitting to order this chain's namesake. The single cheeseburger comes in at fewer calories and overall fat than even the chicken and plant-based items, and you can pad it with extra veggies and pickles.

Per serving : calories, 13 g fat 6 g sat fat , 30 g carbs, 7 g sugar, g sodium, 1 g fiber, 16 g protein. If you're heading to Quiznos , definitely get yourself a sub—the fan-fave Spicy Monterey, to be specific.

Not big on heat? Nix the chili sauce. Per serving : calories, 8 g fat 3 g sat fat , 41 g carbs, 7 g sugar, mg sodium, 2 g fiber, 19 g protein. Good news: Guac isn't extra, it's included! This salad from Qdoba is bursting with taste via good stuff like grilled veggies and chicken, pico de gallo and salsa verde, and of course, that guac!

It also has less sodium, saturated fat, and carbs, plus more fiber than other options. Per serving : calories, 20 g fat 4 g sat fat , 18 g carbs, 4 g sugar, mg sodium, 4 g fiber, 27 g protein. The thin crust option from Domino's is lighter than the hand-tossed, but crispy enough to hold up to all the delicious toppings.

This veggie-centric pie is ideal, but if you want to add a bit of protein, opt for chicken. And don't forget the veggie side—what goes better together than salad and pizza?! Per serving : calories, 14 g fat 6 g sat fat , 11 g carbs, 1 g sugar, mg sodium, 2 g fiber, 7 g protein.

This order definitely " has the meat ," but it also delivers plenty of veggie goodness, big Greek-inspired flavor, and is served in a warm pita. Per serving : calories, 29 g fat 7 g sat fat , 48 g carbs, 5 g sugar, mg sodium, 3 g fiber, 24 g protein.

Get your strive-for-five servings of veggies at Au Bon Pain with this vegetarian salad. It's full of greens, peppers, kalamata olives, feta, chickpeas and other veggies to give your body the nutrition it needs.

Per serving : calories, 24 g fat 7 g sat fat , 24 g carbs, 7 g sugar, mg sodium, 8 g fiber, 12 g protein. You can even request a double portion of veggies to get a super-dose of vitamins and fiber. Per serving : Nutrition varies by side choices. We're not going to tell you to just order a salad from Culver's —but we are going to tell you to order from the "mindful choices" portion of the menu, and get a ButterBurger "The Original" with a side salad and fresh brewed unsweetened iced tea.

You'll be satisfied and satiated with just the right amount of nutrition and fun. Per serving : calories, 19 g fat 8 g sat fat , 43 g carbs, 7 g sugar, mg sodium, 2 g fiber, 22 g protein.

Sometimes, you just need ice cream! When a sweet craving hits, go for a kid's size soft serve from Dairy Queen. It has less fat than other options, and just enough sugar to hit the spot.

Per serving : calories, 4. Denny's has all the diner breakfast staples you love, as well as some healthier picks. When eggs call your name, the loaded veggie omelet will deliver flavor, protein, and nutritious familiarity; ask for a side of fruit instead of potatoes, and order whole wheat toast.

You can also sub egg whites instead of whole eggs to lower the fat content, if that's your style. Per serving : calories, 38 g fat 12 g sat fat , 9 g carbs, 4 g sugar, 2 g fiber, mg sodium, 29 g protein.

Start your day off right by ordering a Dunkin' wake-up wrap. The lightest option is just egg and cheese, but if you like a little breakfast meat in the mix, bacon is your best bet it has less saturated fat than even the turkey sausage!

Per serving : calories, 10 g fat 4 g sat fat , 14 g carbs, 1 g sugar, mg sodium, 7 g protein. This bagel sandwich from Einstein Bros gives BEC and BLT vibes all at once, and it will definitely leave you satiated and satisfied.

Fluffy egg whites, fresh tomato, crispy bacon, and avocado mash all combine on a toasty bagel boost the nutrition by choosing a whole wheat or multigrain bagel option , and consider asking them to scoop out the bagel innards to make it a little lighter.

Per serving : calories, 19 g fat, 47 g carbs, 18 g protein. Lettuce-wrapped burgers are great, but there's just something about a burger in a bun—made of bread! Order a hamburger from Five Guys , then try skipping the cheese and instead pack in flavor and nutrients by loading that baby up with all the lettuce, green peppers, grilled mushrooms, onions, and tomatoes your heart desires — they're all free, and a yummy way to get your veggies!

Per serving : calories, 26 g fat 11 g sat fat , 39 g carbs, 8 g sugar, 2 g fiber, mg sodium, 25 g protein. When it comes to getting the most bang for your nutrient buck, it's all about the veggies—and pizza is the perfect excuse to gobble some up.

This is one of Papa John's meatless pies, and it's already topped with peppers, onions, mushrooms, tomatoes, and olives, but you can feel free to add even more goodness by tacking on extra spinach or hot peppers.

You can have it made on their thin crust to lighten the load a little more but OG crust is just fine in our book! Per serving : calories, 6 g fat 3 g sat fat , 26 g carbs, 4 g sugar, 1 g fiber, mg sodium, 7 g protein.

This Jack in the Box pick is basically a handheld salad — fresh veggies, flame-grilled chicken and zesty salsa if you're watching your sodium levels, ask for salsa on the side or extra veggies and no salsa are all nestled into a whole grain pita pocket. Per serving : calories, 9 g fat 4.

Alyssa is a senior editor for the Hearst Health Newsroom, where she has written research-backed health content for Prevention , Good Housekeeping and Woman's Day since She has also written for Chowhound, HealthiNation.

com, Huffington Post and more. Some people prefer whole and protein-rich food, such as steak or fish, along with a side of veggies and perhaps a baked potato. But fast-food restaurants usually have vegetarian options available as well. Just take your time to read through the menu.

You will most likely find something healthy — or that can be made healthy with simple modifications. Many of the restaurants above are renowned for their wide selection of unhealthy foods. Some fast-food restaurants also offer gluten-free options and vegetarian meals.

The next time you find yourself in a rush and headed for fast food, be sure to choose a healthy option. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

Fast food is usually loaded with unhealthy ingredients, though there are exceptions. This article reviews the 18 healthiest fast foods you can eat. When visiting fast-food restaurants, it can be hard to know which, if any, options are best for your dietary needs and preferences.

Here are 12…. Grabbing breakfast on the go can mean you end up with lots of calories, fat, salt, and sugar. This article explores healthy fast-food breakfast…. Burgers might have a reputation as an "unhealthy" food, but contrary to popular belief, they can be rich in nutrients. Here's what to look for and….

What are the best gluten-free fast food options to minimize your gluten intake? Find out what to order at your favorite fast food spots. Finding high-fat, low-carb meals and snacks on the road doesn't have to be difficult. Here are 9 fast-food options that you can enjoy on a ketogenic….

This article explains why commercially fried foods are bad for you and provides some healthier alternatives to consider. A new study finds that people on the Atlantic Diet were less likely to develop metabolic syndrome, a set of risk factors for diabetes, heart disease….

New research suggests that eating a strict vegan or ketogenic diet can have a rapid positive effect on your immune system. A Quiz for Teens Are You a Workaholic? How Well Do You Sleep? Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect.

Nutrition Evidence Based 10 Fast-Food Restaurants That Serve Healthy Foods. By Adda Bjarnadottir, MS, RDN Ice — Updated on February 14, Share on Pinterest. Ruby Tuesday. The Cheesecake Factory. Panera Bread. Almost every fast-food restaurant. The bottom line. How we reviewed this article: History.

Feb 14, Written By Adda Bjarnadottir, MS, RDN Ice. Share this article. Read this next. The 18 Healthiest Fast Foods You Can Eat. By Rachael Ajmera, MS, RD.

Missing Eating Well's Quick Pasta Bolognese is a flavor-packed, healthier option. 4. Chicken Marsala. Another restaurant classic, chicken marsala Choosy diners are scrutinizing prices much harder now — and finding crafty ways to still eat out

Inexpensive and fast dining alternatives - 1. Veggie Burger: Look for veggie burgers made from black beans, chickpeas, or quinoa for a delicious and nutritious choice. · 2. Veggie Wraps Missing Eating Well's Quick Pasta Bolognese is a flavor-packed, healthier option. 4. Chicken Marsala. Another restaurant classic, chicken marsala Choosy diners are scrutinizing prices much harder now — and finding crafty ways to still eat out

Even by buying a burger, fry and drink from the dollar menu, I find the prices, quantity and quality of the food choices below to be a better value. My Top 4 Favorite Cheap Restaurants. Photo Credit: Bev Sykes. Olive Garden. If you pair this with milk and cereal for breakfast, and have leftovers those meals are huge!

for lunch, filling in with peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and yogurt if you run out of leftovers , this makes for a pretty cheap week. They come in microwavable containers and they can be refrigerated at home and eaten within two days according to Darryl, our local Wegmans deli guy who is worth his weight in gold.

We used this option for the insanity that followed our last baby when I came down with an infection and was bed ridden even more so for a few days.

You can pick up 4 meals at a time, and eat them for dinner for two days. You can pick up a container of lunch meat or peanut butter and jelly and bread for sandwiches with baby carrots and chips at Lunch, and milk and cereal for breakfast. Photo Credit: Pat Durkin. The key to subway is to just go for the sandwich and skip the drink and chips.

Get a foot long sub, so you can eat the second half for lunch the next day. Drink water at home and pair it with anything found in your house: yogurt, chips, ice cream, raisins and peanuts, or anything you can find.

Hint: You can order online and just walk in and pick it up with no wait. Add cereal, bananas and milk for breakfast. Just need a quick meal out at a cheap restaurant? Try these ideas…. Little Caesars. Perfect to take to a soccer game and eat in the stands rather than taking everyone to the drive thru.

Just load up on fruit and veggies after the game. Photo Credit: Janine. We can usually get 3 meals out of one pizza. When we do order pizza which is extremely rare because I married a man that makes pizza from scratch better than a NYC food truck , this is where we head to.

Perfect for a super frugal date night out. If you have potty trained children, they also have 30 minutes of childcare available in a really fun space with climbing equipment and ball pits.

Send the kids to play, go find a comfy couch to test out while you recharge and then have a quick lunch. Perfect for a quick lunch on errands day.

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my full disclosure policy here. I am ALL about going out to eat for avoiding insanity! I wish we had a Wegmans close by again… I love that grocery store!!! Happy to share Aspen! I just told my husband last night that proximity to a Wegmans would be a huge factor in deciding where we move to.

However, dining out is one thing we really enjoy. But, we never go without a coupon or a deal. It really does make it as cheap as eating at home. Especially if you can control your portions and bring leftovers home. We usually save eating out for when life gets in the way, since dining out with a 2 year old and a newborn is soooo not fun.

But writing this post made me so hungry for Olive Garden, that we ended up there the day I finished this. I realize this is well-meant… but are you suggesting that a human being can survive for a week on nothing but Olive Garden and PBJs?

Technically yes. People can survive on much, much worse. Whether or not you would want to is totally up to you. The main reason we eat out so much?

Games and practices from pm to am. Kelli McGrane. Staple ingredients to keep on hand Keep these staples on hand to make restaurant-quality meals at home. Orange Chicken with Broccoli Orange chicken is one of the most popular menu items at Panda Express.

Money-saving tips: Opt for chicken thighs, which are usually cheaper than breasts. Look for sales or family-packs of chicken. You can either cook it all to use in various recipes throughout the week or freeze any extra chicken for later.

Instead of buying a pre-made sauce, make your own using orange juice and a few pantry staples. Buy whole heads of broccoli, rather than bags of pre-chopped.

To make it healthier: Instead of coating and frying, pan-fry cubed chicken pieces in tablespoons of canola oil and toss in a homemade orange sauce. Use a no-sugar-added orange juice in your orange sauce.

Use brown rice instead of white. Opt for low-sodium soy sauce. Pile on the veggies. In addition to broccoli, add in bell peppers, zucchini, cauliflower, or other on-sale vegetables. Steak Dinner Usually reserved for a fancy night out, the bill at your favorite steakhouse can add up quickly.

Money-saving tips: Chuck steaks are a cheaper yet flavorful alternative to a New York strip or ribeye steak—just be careful not to overcook them!

If you plan on slicing your steak thin, you can also look for flank or hanger cuts. Roasted fingerling potatoes are an inexpensive side that only requires olive oil, salt, and pepper. To make it healthier: Include a salad or sauteed spinach as one of your sides. Limit portions to 4-ounces of steak and save the rest for leftovers.

Go easy on the butter when searing. Pasta Bolognese Bolognese is a fancy-sounding name for a meat-based pasta sauce that originated in Bologna, Italy. Use half ground beef and half mushrooms. Sounds odd, but mushrooms have a meaty texture and are an easy way to save money and get extra nutrition.

Use an inexpensive bottle of white wine or even boxed wine. To make it healthier: Use mushrooms see the mushroom tip above. Swap ground turkey for beef. Opt for whole wheat noodles. Serve with a leafy green salad or roasted broccoli. Chicken Marsala Another restaurant classic, chicken marsala consists of browned chicken cutlets that are smothered in a deliciously complex marsala wine sauce.

Money-saving tips: Buy family-pack sizes of chicken breasts if possible. Be open to other cuts of chicken. To make it healthier: Instead of mashed potatoes or pasta, lighten up the meal by serving your chicken with mixed greens or roasted vegetables that are on sale.

Skip the heavy cream. Money-saving tips: Use chicken thighs instead of breasts. Buy your spices in bulk from natural-foods retailers or see if you have an Indian grocery store nearby as you can often find spices for cheaper. Buy whole versions of vegetables, rather than bags of pre-cut ones.

Look for jasmine rice, which is usually cheaper than basmati but just as flavorful. To make it healthier: Add in plenty of vegetables.

Use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream in the sauce. Cut back on the amount of oil and butter you use. Money-saving swaps: Cook a batch of dried beans overnight in your slow cooker or instant pot. Buy rice in bulk. Use leftover chicken, steak, or shrimp from dinner the night before.

To make it healthier: Add fresh avocado for extra healthy fats. Go easy on the cheese and sour cream. Sub Greek yogurt for sour cream. Shrimp Fajitas Served steaming hot, shrimp fajitas are a popular option at Mexican restaurants. Add some heat with whole jalapenos, which are usually less than 20 cents apiece.

To make it healthier: Use either corn or whole wheat instead of white flour tortillas. Go easy on the amount of oil used, or even roast instead of stir-frying your veggies. Add fresh guacamole or avocado slices for healthy fats.

Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. However, homemade pizza dough is even cheaper as all you need are a few pantry staples: flour, yeast, sugar, water, and oil. Blocks of cheese are often cheaper per ounce than bags of pre-shredded.

To make it healthier: Go with whole wheat pizza dough. Add baked chicken or ground turkey for protein instead of pepperoni or sausage. Serve with a side salad to help keep portions in check.

Look for pizza sauces that are low in added sugars—or make your own sauce. Time to get cooking! Share on social:. Want even more of the best money stories around?

Video