Let's face it: we all need fast food every once in a while. Whether you have a busy schedule or just don't feel like cooking yourself, fast food is a realistic option for many eaters. That doesn't mean that you have to eat something terrible for you, though. Here are some safe bets from some of the most popular fast food restaurants out there. All have 450 calories or fewer and are low in artery-clogging saturated fat. So now you can eat guilt-free!
McDonald’s
You don't always have to get a greasy patty at the most popular fast food chain. A Premium Caesar Salad with Grilled Chicken and low-fat balsamic vinaigrette plus a Fruit 'n Yogurt Parfait is only 375 calories and 9.5g fat (4g saturated).
Taco Bell
Forgo the greasy and cheesy items and stick to a Fresco Chicken Soft Taco with some Pintos 'n' Cheese. At only 330 calories and 10.5g fat (4g saturated), it's a good item to get.
Dunkin’ Donuts
As the title suggests, you'll probably be tempted to get a donut when you head to Dunkin'. Instead, opt for the Egg White Veggie Wake-Up Wrap plus hash browns: it's only 350 calories, 18g fat (4.5g saturated).
Subway
Subway has built their empire on the "healthy fast food" model, so it's no surprise that they have some good and easy options for you. Try the 6" Subway Club on 9-Grain Wheat Bread with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, green peppers, cucumbers, and Sweet Onion Sauce. With 445 calories, 4.5g fat (1.5g saturated), it won't bring you down on your diet.
Starbucks
Most people probably don't get food here when the chain is known for their coffee, but even some of Starbucks' food items are better for you than their frothy and sugary drinks. Try the delicious Chicken & Hummus Bistro Box (hummus, grilled chicken, grape tomatoes, cucumber, and pita bread) plus a banana for a mere 380 calories and 7g fat (1.2g saturated).
Chipotle
The popular chain has been lauded for their fresh ingredients. Try the Vegetarian Burrito Bowl with brown rice, black beans, fajita vegetables, lettuce, and roasted chili-corn salsa. It's 385 calories and 7g fat (1g saturated).
Wendy’s
Wendy's is known for their burgers and frosty's, but try the Large Chili plus Garden Side Salad with fat-free French dressing next time you're there. It clocks in at 375 calories and 9 g fat (3.5 g saturated).
Panera Bread Company
Skip the pastries next time you're at Bread Company. Try the Half Smoked Turkey Breast on Artisan Whole Grain Loaf with the Low-Fat Garden Vegetable with Pesto Soup (from the You Pick Two Menu). It's 320 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated).
Burger King
Yes, yes, BK isn't the healthiest food option out there. Still, if you are in the mood for a burger, a Whopper Jr. with no mayo plus Value-Sized Onion Rings comes in at 410 calories and 18g fat (5.5g saturated). That's not too bad for the quality of food too.
KFC
Next time you're in the mood for some southern cookin', give the 4 Hot Wing box plus Sweet Kernel Corn a try. This meal will put you back 380 calories, 16.5g fat (4g saturated).
McDonald’s
If you're in the mood for ice cream on the go, Mickey D's has an option that won't ruin you: the McDonald's Vanilla Soft-Serve Cone is delicious and is only 170 calories, with 4.5g fat (3g saturated). As far as sweets go, it's a more "healthy" option.
Dunkin’ Donuts
Two of the Cinnamon Cake Munchkins from Dunkin' will set you back 120 calories (7g fat). It might be a wise choice to forgo that chocolate donut for one of these tasty treats.
Taco Bell
Looking for a tasty snack that won't have you breaking the scale? The Cool Ranch Doritos Locos Taco is only 160 calories with 10g fat (3.5g saturated).
Panera Bread Company
Here's another viable breakfast option for you. The Panera Power Breakfast Egg White Bowl with Roasted Turkey comes in at 190 calories with just 7g fat (1g saturated).
Baja Fresh
A Grilled Wahoo Fish Taco (with avocado) and a half an order of rice and beans will total only 240 calories, and is full of filling fats from avocado as well as fiber that will keep you feeling full longer. The trick is just to avoid the fried tortilla chips that are oh so tempting!
Chick-fil-A
The Chargrilled Chicken Sandwich at Chick-fil-A has just 270 calories and 3.5 grams of fat (1 gram saturated fat). As terms of fast food meat goes, this destination is one where you can't go wrong.
Arby’s
The Grilled Chicken Cordon Bleu Sandwich (without mayo) comes in at 390 calories and 8 grams of fat (2 grams saturated). Good luck trying to pass up those greasy curly fries, though.
