PHOTO: COURTESY CHIPOTLE
If you're looking for some high protein fast food options, take a look at this list.
On this list are top fast food places to grab a high protein meal. These restaurants are highly accessible, have multiple high protein options on the menu, and nutrition facts readily available. They say life is what happens when you're busy making plans. Avoid letting life get in the way of your fitness plans, and remember these fast food options when you're on-the-go.
PHOTO: COURTESY CHIPOTLE
1. Chipotle
Burrito Bowl with Brown Rice, Fajita Veggies, Double Chicken, Light Cheese, Salsa, & Lettuce
Calories: 700 Protein: 78g Carbs: 39g Fat: 32g
Chipotle or other similar burrito restaurants like Freebirds World Burrito are a wonderful choice if you want to grab a high protein meal on the go. You're able to control exactly what's included in your meal, which makes squeezing this fast food option into your macros a breeze. Make sure to ask for double meat to maximize your protein content. If your chipotle location is notoriously stingy with the meat, remind them that you want double chicken after your first scoop to get your money's worth. You can manage your carbs by adding fajita veggies for volume and flavor, then choose either rice or beans as your carb source.
PHOTO: COURTESY CHICK FIL A
2. Chick Fil A
12 Piece Grilled Chicken Nugget with Buffalo Sauce, and a Side Salad with Light Italian Dressing
Calories: 305 Protein: 39g Carbs: 15g Fat: 11g
Another easy fast food choice for grabbing a high protein meal is Chick Fil A. Stick with their grilled nuggets as a lean protein source and eat as many as your heart desires. If you need a dipping sauce to pair with your nuggets, go for their buffalo sauce as a safe bet. Pair your nuggets with a side salad to get in your micronutrients and complete your meal. Whatever you do, don't order their chocolate chunk cookie, if addictions just aren't your thing.
PHOTO: COURTESY PANDA EXPRESS
3. Panda Express
Grilled Teriyaki Chicken without Sauce, Mixed Veggies, and 1/2 Order of Steamed Brown Rice
Calories: 554 Protein: 49g Carbs:49g Fat: 18g
Panda Express made the list because you can get a ton of protein with their Grilled Teriyaki Chicken entree. The only caveat is, you may want to ditch the sauce. Teriyaki sauce only has about 3g of sugar/carbs per serving, but the serving size is a mere tablespoon. Once the restaurant gets done dousing your chicken in sauce, you're looking at a ton of extra carbs that won't fill you up. Choose steamed brown rice as your carb source and add mixed veggies for volume. This is a meal that can carry you throughout the day.
PHOTO: COURTESY STARBUCKS
4. Starbucks
Turkey and Havarti Sandwich with Grande Cafe Latte (2% Milk)
Calories: 556 Protein: 41g Carbs: 49g Fat: 28g
If Starbucks is the only thing that stands between you and a morning meltdown, run there and try out this meal. I'm actually pleasantly surprised with the number of high protein coffee beverages that Starbucks has on its menus. However pay attention, because some of your choices can have upwards of 45g of carbs per drink. Make sure you're using your carbs wisely. They're not the enemy, but if you have goals, don't make the mistake of consuming them in exchange for little benefit.
PHOTO: COURTESY PANERA
5. Panera
Roasted Turkey & Caramelized Kale Panini, and a Seasonal Greens Salad
Calories: 737 Protein: 32g Carbs: 78g Fat: 33g
Panera completes this list with their Roasted Turkey & Carmelized Kale Panini. You're going to get a solid amount of protein with this meal. However, remember that Panera is a bakery first, so go there understanding that most of your meals options will be high carb and plan for it. Micronutrients, volume and feeling full are all crucial to a fit diet. So whenever you can, make sure to eat a side salad or veggies. If you choose a salad, pick their light version of dressing, to avoid consuming calories that don't add to your fullness.