Most of us are looking for healthier takeout and healthier fast food places due to our busy lifestyles.
We often find ourselves hungry when out and about and need to grab something on the run.
The problem is that when it comes to healthier take-out options they can be quite limited.
One of the biggest issues are that these foods are designed to be delicious and addictive.
Compared to home-cooking, they are packed with excess salt, sugar, and fat so that they taste much more indulgent then something you would prepare at home.
A lot of fast food places are also loaded with deep-fried options which make them infinitely more unhealthy yet delicious.
These fried options are easier for fast food franchises to prepare and serve quickly.
Below I will provide you with some healthy takeout alternatives.
- Healthier Takeout (multiple cuisines)
- Healthier Fast food places (multiple franchises)
- Healthier Chinese food options
- Healthier Drinks at Starbucks
Healthier takeout options
When it comes to eating healthier takeout there are some general rules that we want to adhere to.
The first and most important is to pass on the fried foods.
Deep-frying food can change the molecular structure and destroy many of the natural nutrients.
Deep-frying allows the food to absorb excess oil causing you to ingest many additional calories.
The vegetable oil that foods are fried in also break down over time with heat causing them to be a hazardous to our health.
In general excess vegetable oils are known to mutate cells and clog arteries causing heart disease amongst other issues.
Healthier Thai Options
Thai food is delicious but is often packed with additional salt and sugar.
Try ordering the healthier food options to start such as soup, papaya or mango salad instead of the deep fried selections.
Chicken Satay is also a good choice for leaner protein.
Stir-fry can be a good option for an entrée because it usually contains more vegetables.
Swapping white rice for brown rice can also be another substitution to get more fiber.
Healthier Pizza Options
It’s difficult to get too healthy when you’re craving a good slice of pizza but there are some tips I can give.
Try a ordering thin crust, gluten-free or cauliflower crust pizzas to cut back on the carbs.
Then opt for the delicious veggie toppings instead of the fatty meats.
Finally, trying pairing your pizza with a side salad so it becomes part of a more balanced meal.
Healthier Indian Options
Similar to Thai food, Indian food can contain a lot of hidden fat in oils and cream sauces.
Try ordering the lighter curries that are not cream based.
Options like Chana Masala, Rajma, Daal, Baingan Bharta, and Aloo Gobi are good vegetarian options.
Tandoori Chicken is also a good option for lean protein. Roti over Naan is usually a better option because it is whole wheat and will keep you fuller, longer.
Healthier Sushi Options
Sushi always feels like healthier takeout but many can be tricked into extra calories with the deep-fried selections and additional sauces.
Sashimi would be one of the best options as lean protein.
Rolls with avocado are also a great healthy fat substitution over rolls drenched in spicy mayo.
Edamame or steamed dumplings make a great starter, and substituting rolls with brown rice over white can offer you more fiber and keep you full longer.
Healthier Chinese Food Options
Chinese food take-out is one of everyone’s favorite options when it comes to ordering out.
Unfortunately, most of our favorite dishes are pretty unhealthy.
Some healthier food options can be starting with hot and sour soup, egg drop soup, or steamed dumplings over egg rolls.
As far as the main dishes, skip anything battered and fried such as General Tso’s chicken and instead get a lean protein such as chicken or seafood with vegetables.
Of course the best options would be to order food from the healthy steamed menu.
Healthier Mexican Food Options
Swapping wheat tortillas for corn tortillas are a good start.
Also ordering fajitas with lean meats and lots of veggies are a great entrée.
Salad or rice bowls are a better option than carb-heavy burritos.
Guacamole is a great delicious and healthy side order to add any dish.
Healthier Fast Food Places
Healthier fast food places sounds like an oxy-moron but if we are willing to make some sacrifices we can still find some healthy alternatives:
- As I’ve stated over and over we have to start by skipping the deep-fried options.
- Next is always a smart choice to add a salad to your meal.
- If you’re looking to cut back on carbs, you can asked for burgers or meats in a lettuce wrap instead of buns.
Wendy’s – If you’re ordering from Wendy’s you best option will be the baked potato. It’s filling and delicious, especially when you add on some additional toppings.
Mcdonald’s – When ordering from Mcdonald’s your best option will be the Egg Mcmuffin. If you want it be even healthier order it without meat.
Taco Bell – The black bean tacos are your healthiest options. Substitute cheese and sour cream for guacamole and you’re really eating guilt free!
Subway – The No-Bready Bowls are great way to cut back on the carbs. Choose a lean protein, skip the cheese and cream sauces and pack on the vegetables for a healthy fast food alternative.
Chipotle – The Sofrito tacos are a better option than the bowls and burritos because they are plant based and lower in carbs.
Chick-Fil-A – The grilled chicken nuggets are a no-brainer. Pair with a salad for a full meal.
Starbucks – The Starbucks Protein box is a high-protein and high-fiber option that is lower in carbs contains fresh fruit.
Boston Market – The Rotisserie chicken bowl is a great way to get a high-protein and low-carb meal.
Dunkin Donuts – The Wake-up wrap made with egg-whites will be your healthiest breakfast option.
Healthier Drinks at Starbucks
Many people will be surprised by all the additional calories and caffeine that can be packed into a simple Starbucks beverage.
Many of the popular options contain the amount of calories that you would find in a full meal.
Have no worries, I’ll help you decipher some of the best drinks from Starbucks.
Best Drinks at Starbucks – Less than 100 Calories
- Ice Skinny Latte
- Non-fat Cappucino
- Iced Black Tea Lemonade
- Shaken Iced Green Tea
- Iced Coffee with Syrup
- Very Berry Hibiscus Refresher
- Nitro Cold Brew
- Brewed Coffee
- Peach Tranquility Tea
Best Drinks at Starbucks – Less than 220 Calories
- Non-fat Cafe Mocha
- Light Caramel Cappucino
- Iced Brown Sugar Oat Milk Shaken Espresso
- Chai Tea Latte
- Skinny Vanilla Latte
- Caramel Frappuccino Light Blended Beverage
- Caffe Misto
- Cold Brew with Cascara Cold Foam
- Non-fat Iced Caramel Macchiato
- Blond Flat White
