10 Healthy Fast Food Choices that Satisfy Any Cravings

Reader s Digest Magazine
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Thinkstock

Fan of fast food? You can make healthy choices. Too many people equate healthy food with pricy organic or specialized ingredients. It's time to see things more simply: Oven-roasted chicken is yummy, filling, and healthy-and still cheaper and better for you than its fried cousin. We've randomly chosen highly popular but not-so-nutritious foods in 10 different categories, and found healthier alternatives for each that cost the same (and often, less) money. Prices may vary based on location and time of year. Even so, these examples illustrate just how easy it is to make smarter decisions without worrying about cost.

1. Fast-Food Dinner for Three:
Craving: KFC 8-piece Bucket,$11.96 Extra Crispy breast 510 calories/33 g fat; drumstick 150 calories/10 g fat; thigh 340 calories/24 g fat; wing 190 calories/13 g fat
Healthier Choice: Subway Fresh Fit 6-inch Oven Roasted Chicken, $10.50 for three subs 320 calories, 5 g fat

2. Fast-Food Burger:
Craving: Burger King Half-Pound Whopper, $2.39, 670 calories, 40 g fat, 11 g sat fat, 28 g protein
Healthier Choice:Burger King Veggie Burger, $2.29, 410 calories, 16 g fat, 2.5 g sat fat, 22 g protein
Note: While the Veggie Burger is lower in calories and fat, both of these choices are high in sodium. If you're concerned about high blood pressure, you may want to order a salad.
More: 13 no-brainer ways you can improve your workout »

3. From the Grill:
Craving: Ball Park Frank, 88¢, One hot dog with bun, relish, mustard, and ketchup, 326 calories, 17 g fat, 5 g sat fat, 40 mg chol, 35 g carbs, 1 g fiber, 9 g protein
Healthier Choice: Grilled Cheese Sandwich. 82¢ Try: Arnold Stone Ground 100% Whole-Wheat Bread, one slice; two reduced-fat 2% Kraft Singles; two tsp Promise margarine spread
283 calories, 12 g fat, 4 g sat fat, 20 mg chol, 28 g carbs, 4 g fiber, 14 g protein

4. Fast-Food Dessert:
Craving: McDonald's Hot Fudge Sundae, $1, 330 calories, 54 g carbs
Healthier Choice: McDonald's Fruit 'N Yogurt Parfait, $1, 160 calories, 31 g carbs

5. Breakfast On-The-Go:
Craving: Dunkin' Donut Plain Glazed, 99¢,260 calories, 14 g fat, 6 g sat fat, 31 g carbs, 3 g protein
Healthier Choice: Luna Protein Bar, Chocolate Peanut Butter, 99¢, 190 calories, 9 g fat, 4 g sat fat, 20 g carbs, 12 g protein

6. Potato Chips:
Craving: Lays Classic Chips, $3 for a 10.5 oz. bag, 10 g fat, 180 mg sodium, 15 chips per serving
Healthier Choice: Cape Cod Potato Chips 40% Reduced Fat Original Kettle Cooked, $2.99 for a 8 oz.
6 g fat, 110 mg sodium, 23 chips per serving
PLUS: 13 Things Experts Won't Tell You About Weight Loss >>

7. Ice Cream:
Craving: Ben & Jerry's Chocolate Fudge Brownie, $1.25 for a 3.6 oz. single cup, 220 calories, 11 g fat, 7 g sat fat
Healthier Choice: Skinny Cow Ice Cream Sandwich, 96¢ per sandwich, 140 calories, 1.5 g fat, 1 g sat fat
More: 12 ways to jumpstart your metabolism »

8. Cookies:
Craving: Oreo Cookie, $3 for a 15.5 oz. package, 160 calories, 7 g fat, 24 carbs, 14 g sugar per serving
Healthier Choice: Keebler Oatmeal Cookie Country Style, $2.50 for a 13 oz. package, 130 calories, 6 g fat, 19 carbs, 8 g sugar per serving

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