When hunger strikes on the road, eating healthy seems out of the question. We’ve all experienced a long road trip where the only signs of life seem to be at fast food joints. If you’re in a situation with no nutritious alternative in site, there’s still hope for your waistline (if you can resist the burger).
Not all salads at McDonalds are great, but you can make a pretty smart decision if you’re faced with the golden arches. Order any salad without chicken, and you should stay under the 200 calorie mark (a Caesar salad without chicken is 90). If you are looking for some protein, always order grilled chicken instead of crispy. Depending on your salad, that will take you around the mid 200 mark, although both the Southwest and Asian salads with grilled chicken push over 300.
As for the dressings, flat out don’t go there. Even the low fat dressings add on an unnecessary 50+ calories (and if you think you’re doing alright with the Caesar salad and want that dressing on top, it’ll tack on an additional 190 calories, MORE than the actual salad!)
If you’re looking for a sandwich, you might be surprised by the healthiest options. A grilled snack wrap is 270 calories, and that simple little grilled chicken sandwich is going to cost you 420. (Keep your eyes off those French fries too. A small fry packs more calories than your salad alone (250).)
Your best bet for lengthy car rides is to pack snacks and sandwiches to eat on the go. If you know you’re going to be faced with the choice of fast food places, do a little research before you go. It’s now fairly easy to find nutrition facts on most restaurants websites. Handle these sites with caution though- Burger King, for example, will try to sell you a low carb Whopper Jr. less than 200 calories if you eat it without mayo, ketchup or a bun.
Understanding how big chains market their food, and finding the truth in their nutrition facts is surprising. Make sure you comprehend your family’s favorite road side stop before hand, so you don’t make a mistake while there.
