Fast food is not as healthy as a home-cooked meal prepared with the freshest ingredients while taking care of the quantity of salt and fats used. However, there are times when fast food is the only option in terms of accessibility and affordability.
Many fast food chains in America offer a decent quantity of protein in their meals that helps you get full faster and stay full longer.
Read on to learn about 10 high-protein fast food options.
Chick-fil-A Grilled Market Salad
This salad with plenty of vegetables, fruits, mixed greens, and blue cheese is the way to go. It usually comes with a grilled fillet for 31 g of protein; however, if you swap it for grilled nuggets, you can increase your protein quantity.
Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl
Chipotle burrito bowl with chicken as your source of protein will give you 54.5 g of protein along with 17.5 g of dietary fiber. And it doesn’t stop there. Asking for a double chicken can bring the total protein content to 70 g. That is quite a protein-packed meal. However, as the sodium content of this meal is high, you would like to cut back on your sodium consumption elsewhere.
Starbucks Turkey, Provolone & Pesto On Ciabatta
If you want something more filling than a salad, this tasty high-protein bistro-style sandwich from Starbucks is just the answer. This turkey breast, provolone cheese, roasted bell peppers, and basil pesto on a ciabatta roll make for a satisfying lunch and gives you 32 g of protein and just 3 g of sugar.
Wendy’s Apple Pecan Chicken Salad
A terrific salad with apples, dried cranberries, crunchy roasted pecans, blue cheese, and tender meaty chicken breast chunks gives you 37 g of protein. Go easy on the dressing to avoid sodium that stands at 1350 mg.
Shake Shack Double Shack Burger
One of the highlights about ordering at Shake Shack is that you can ask for any sandwich on the menu to be served in a lettuce wrap instead of a bun. It instantly cuts back on carbohydrates and calories without affecting the protein content. Add more protein (up to 51 g) to your meal by asking for a double shack burger.
Panera Deli Turkey Sandwich
Panera is popular for its sandwiches, soups, and salads, but you need to be careful while ordering in there if you want to stay on the side of the healthy. While a Deli Turkey Sandwich with 35 g of protein is an obvious choice, you can cut the calories by getting a half-order and no mayonnaise.
KFC Kentucky Grilled Chicken Breast
KFC is more than just fried chicken, nuggets, and mashed potatoes. Opt for a grilled chicken breast with a side of green beans that packs almost 40 g of protein with just a fraction of the calories and negligible carbs.
Arby’s Roast Turkey Gyro
Though Arby’s is known for its roast beef sandwiches, this signature roast turkey gyro with 25 g of protein from lean meat, veggies, Greek seasoning, and creamy tzatziki sauce in a soft pita is a delicious option from the rest of the protein fast food choices.
Subway Rotisserie-Style Chicken Sub
Make this sub sandwich fiber-rich and nutrient-rich by adding veggies and cheese. Ask for double meat; your six-inch sub will have over 32 g of protein. If you want something healthier, lose the bread and ask for a rotisserie-style bowl which offers the same amount of protein for only 220 calories.
Taco Bell Chicken Quesadilla
This classic chicken quesadilla packs 26 g of protein against 510 calories. You can swap chicken for beef by ordering a steak quesadilla for the same protein amount. And if you want the same protein minus some carbs (26 gm of protein for 470 calories), opt for their power menu bowl with your choice of meat, cheese, veggies, and grains.
