Fast food is delicious, easy to come by, and convenient during a time crunch. But let’s be real: Many menu options are unhealthy. In some cases, the calorie and fat content of one menu item is more than double what a person should consume in a single sit-down meal! In this article, we will pinpoint some particularly unhealthy fast food favorites, plus some healthier alternatives.
McDonald’s Big Breakfast With Hotcakes
(image via eat this, not that via mcdonald’s)
With 1340 calories, McDonald’s “Big Breakfast” is one of the most unhealthy items on the fast food chain’s entire menu, thanks to its high saturated fat content, high sodium, and presence of trans fat.
Try Instead: Dunkin’ Donuts Wake-Up Wrap
(image via good housekeeping via dunkin’ donuts)
Dunkin’ Donuts’ Wake-Up Wrap will give you sufficient protein to start your day without overloading you with unnecessary fat. Choose the egg and cheese option, or add some meat to the mix; either way, one serving is just 170 calories.
Taco Bell Cinnabon Delights
(image via restaurant clicks via pinterest)
Heaven in a single bite? We think so. But these babies are deep-fried, sugar-coated, and filled with frosting. With one bite, you’re already 80 calories in the hole. And with no real nutritional value, these cinnamon donuts should be eaten in moderation.
Try Instead: Air Fryer Protein Cinnabon Delights
(image via cooking katie lady)
We love delights, and we don’t want to give them up. So, we found an easy replacement recipe from Cooking Katie Lady that you can make at home!
Ingredients:
For the Cinnabon Delights:
- ½ cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
- ⅔ cups buttermilk protein pancake mix
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp granular Swerve
- 2¾ low-fat cream cheese
For the Topping:
- 1 Tbsp brown Swerve
- 2 Tbsp granulated Swerve
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Instructions:
- In a medium bowl, mix Greek yogurt, pancake mix, cinnamon, and Swerve until dough forms.
- Divide the dough into 8 circles. Place ¼ tsp cream cheese in the middle of each circle. Pinch the tops closed and roll them to make donut holes.
- Preheat air fryer to 400° F.
- Meanwhile, make the cinnamon sugar mixture (combine brown Swerve, granulated Swerve, and cinnamon), and roll donut holes in it.
- Line your air fryer basket with foil. Line donuts in the basket and spray with nonstick spray.
- Air fry 5-7 minutes.
- Roll the warm cinnamon donut holes in cinnamon sugar again, and enjoy!
Sonic’s SuperSONIC Double Cheeseburger
(image via eat this, not that via sonic)
When it comes to this Sonic “classic,” you’re in double trouble. It’s high in saturated fats and sodium. The daily recommended sodium intake for adults is 2,300 mg, and this burger has a whopping 1,980 mg!
Try Instead: Burger King cheeseburger.
(image via good housekeeping via burger king)
If you need to get that fast food craving over and done with, look to the classic BK cheeseburger. Coming in at only 300 calories and 16 grams of protein, you can get away with having this junior cheeseburger on occasion. Pack on some extra veggies to make it more nutritional.
KFC Chicken Pot Pie
(image via restaurant clicks via instagram)
The calories and fat inside KFC’s Chicken Pot Pie aren’t made up of small chunks of chicken and minimal veggies. Instead, they primarily encompass the doughy crust and thick, gravy-like sauce. It may be finger-licking good, but this baby will just leave you unsatisfied.
Try Instead: Boston Market Rotisserie Chicken Bowl
(image via good housekeeping)
To make this Boston Market bowl healthier, skip the mac and cheese and choose garlic dill potatoes, corn, and steamed veggies instead. You can even request a double portion of veggies to go above and beyond in vitamins and fiber.
Arby’s Half-Pound Beef & Cheddar
(image via eat this, not that via arby’s)
A high-protein sandwich from a fast food chain doesn’t sound like a bad idea. But Arby’s Half-Pounder has 49 grams of fat and exceeds the daily recommended sodium intake!
Try Instead: Panera Green Goddess Cobb Salad
(image via good housekeeping via panera)
You may have been looking for an alternative sandwich, but what about a salad? This one from Panera contains grilled chicken, mixed greens, veggies, bacon, avocado, and egg. If you don’t think you can finish it because it’s so protein-packed, get the half version or save some for later!