Eat & Drink

Guest Post by  Carolyn “The Healthy Voyager” Scott

There are times when despite our best efforts, our only options just might be fast food. Summertime is vacation time and that means lots of quick bites no matter your form of transportation or destination. On a road trip or in a Podunk town with little to zero options for a healthy meal, I’ve found ways to navigate the fast food menu. I do not, I repeat, do not, advocate the consumption of fast food except when in a pinch . The quality of food at most fast food joints is extremely low to keep the prices affordable. That equates to very high sodium, GMOs, lots of preservatives, high fructose corn syrup and other crap you can’t pronounce that shouldn’t be crammed into your face. I advise steering away from the meats and dairy products because those are the highest vehicles for insane amounts of sodium, cholesterol, and other nasty things I will spare giving the details on. You gotta wonder, if it’s so cheap, how can it be remotely ok to ingest? So, I suggest you print this article, eat as veg as you can stand and keep it in your wallet in case of emergency! Weather you are health-conscious or not, it’s great to be informed and to know before you go.  Also visit Greenopia’s guide more eco friendly fast food chains.

Here are some of the biggies:

* Subway – This is one of the most health-friendly places if you are in a bind. You can always go with a veggie sub on Italian bread (9 grain wheat contains honey), hold the cheese and mayo and sub mustard (virtually calorieless!!), while piling on the veggies, avocado and other fixins. You can also get this wrap style or forgo the carbs and chomp on a salad. They do have veggie patties; however, if you’re vegan, it’s a no go as they contain egg. For allergy-sensitive folks, stick to the salads.

* Taco Bell - Everything is still full of high fructose corn syrup and hydrogenated oils BUT the menu can be worked. And again, don’t make this a habit. Their new Fresco Style menu is easy to change up. Order the tacos or burritos Fresco style and swap the meat for beans and voila, no cholesterol or mystery meat. The crunchwrap supreme can be “lightened” by tossing the meat, cheese and sour cream and subbing beans and guac. You can also have a 7 layer burrito minus the layers of cheese and sour cream and BAM, a cholesterol free, more health then fat wealth, 5 layer burrito! So yes, the ingredients in all of these are vegan but certainly not the best thing for you. Like I said, in a bind, it’s fine. Make sure, for allergy sensitive diners, to check the site as each item contains different allergens. Their site is very comprehensive.

* McDonald’s - Oh yes, the golden arches. It can be done if there is no choice. Don’t even think about the fries if you’re vegan as they contain beef and milk. Not even kosher! Although you can go for a side salad and ask for the cilantro lime as that one, despite being chemical-laden, is still cholesterol free and low fat. Or opt for salt, pepper and a lemon wedge. The other salads can trim the calories by picking off the croutons and cheese. And you can get its new iced coffees sans milk.

* Jack in the Box – Oddly enough, here is a place you have some ok options outside of a salad. The Teriyaki Rice Bowls are a good alternative to a burger. Veg-ize it by dropping the meat and packing on the veggies. Sugary ones, but veggies nonetheless. Go for a taco here by ordering it with black beans instead of meat and leaving off the cheese. Fries and hash brown sticks, while fattening, are vegan friendly, lower in cholesterol and only if you must! In addition, Jack food is all made to order so you’re likely to get a fresher meal here than the burger royalty.

* Domino’s - Another place to go light and choose veggies on a thin crust to cut down on salt and calories. It’s easy to go overboard on Italian pie! Crunchy thin crust is the only vegan crust (contains soy for those sensitive to it). Pizza sauce is dairy free so load up on the veggies and order up! Salads are ok without cheese and any of the Italian dressings. Skip the breadsticks as they contain dairy as well. Go ahead and get the pasta primavera but swap the alfredo for pizza sauce (not marinara as it has cheese in it).

* Baja Fresh - I love Baja as everything is made fresh with no lard, msg, etc. Order smart and get anything grilled and if you choose meat, drop cheese and vice versa.  Go nuts on salsa; it’s good for you! I go for the tostada salad with no meat, cheese or sour cream and pile on salsa, guac and all their cool fixin’s from the salsa bar. It’s chock full of beans, rice and crispy veggies. You can also go for the veggie burrito or tacos with no cheese or sour cream!!

* Starbucks - Opt for tea over coffee if you can.  Go for the new skinny lattes, iced or hot. Also, try to avoid any flavorings as those syrups are terrible for you and the sugar-free ones are even worse! Soy latte, soy tea latte, soy chai latte = yum. If you absolutely need the extra flavors, ask for only one  pump, that’s it. They are chemical-heavy and high fructose sugary. Sorry vegans, no Frappucinos for you as they won’t make them with soy milk.

Remember, you are what you eat so do it wisely.  These fast food options should only be used when you really have no other real options.  Ideally if you can, pack a cooler with you so that you never have to deal with these places.  Good luck out there foodies and bon appetit (to the best of your ability!)

Learn More:

Read a more detailed post from Carolyn on additional healthy options when in a fast food bind read here. Also check out this interesting post on the Greening of Fast Food from the Huffington Post and the dangers of Fast Food from Vegan Soap box.

Images via Carolyn “The Healthy Voyager“, the Huffington Post, The Daily Green and VeganSoapBox.

Tags: GMOs, Green Fastfood, Greenopia, Healthy Eating, Healthy Fast Food, Vegan Fast Food, Vegetarian Fast Food