Dismiss Modal

Nutrition

Eating Healthy on the Run

Choose a preferred language

Need to eat on the run? This often means grabbing "junk" or fast food. It may be full of fat, salt, and added sugars. But being in a rush doesn't mean that you can't eat healthy.

Person eating salad.


Fast food made healthy

Try these ways to get good nutrition, fast.

  • Plan out your snacks and meals ahead of time.

  • Go to a grocery or convenience market instead of a fast-food restaurant. Look for choices like salads, sandwiches, yogurt, and fresh fruit and vegetables.

  • Buy precut, prepackaged fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables. You can use them for a snack, salad, smoothie, or stir-fry.

  • Microwave a frozen dinner that has less than 15 grams (g) of fat and less than 800 milligrams (mg) of sodium. Complete the meal with a whole-grain roll, vegetables, or fresh fruit.

  • If you must have fast food, consider your choices. Go for veggie burgers, broiled and skinless chicken breast sandwiches, or dinner salads with low-fat dressing. Stay away from large (super-sized) portions.

  • Blot the extra oil from food with a napkin before you eat it.

  • Instead of french fries, choose a baked potato with salsa or a side salad.


Tip

Fast-food restaurants often have online or printed nutrition information available. Ask for this information and look up your favorite items before you order.

© 2000-2025 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
Related Articles
Read more →
Wellness
Healthier Fast-Food Choices

When making a meal out of fast food, the key is not to overdo it. To begin with, don't get into a rut when you order. Balance high-fat foods with low-fat choices. Try the following trade-offs.

Read more →
Wellness
Making Healthy Choices at Fast Food Restaurants

Learn several strategies you can use for making healthy choices in fast food restaurants.

Read more →
Wellness
Healthy Tips for Eating Out

You don't have to give up eating out to cut down on fat, cholesterol, and salt. You just need to think about what you order. Many menus highlight low-fat and low-sodium dishes. But if you can't find what you want, ask.

Read more →
Wellness
More Tips for Healthy Eating Out

Be creative when eating out. Most restaurants don't demand that you stick exactly to the menu. Read on for some helpful tips.