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Top personal trainers share their favorite fast-food picks for maintaining a lean physique.
Fast food often carries a notorious reputation for numerous reasons. While some argue that its quality has diminished over the years, others criticize it for its unhealthy nature. Although these opinions hold some truth, they don’t tell the whole story. Interestingly, my personal trainer and many others I follow on social media include fast food in their meal plans. The key, however, lies in their choices—they’re not opting for triple-patty bacon cheeseburgers with large fries. For those seeking to enjoy fast food while adhering to a healthy lifestyle, several menu selections come highly recommended by experts. We consulted Kelsey Holgate, a Life Time Savage Personal Training Leader and Nutrition Coach, for her top picks. Here are five fast-food choices favored by personal trainers to maintain their lean figures.
While Chick-fil-A’s classic nuggets offer a satisfying crunch, have you considered the grilled variety? My own child was pleasantly surprised by how tasty they are after trying one of mine. The grilled nuggets are a much healthier alternative. “Opting for grilled nuggets is ideal as they provide pure protein without the added breading. It’s best to skip the dipping sauce,” advises Holgate.
Chick-fil-A Grilled Nuggets
Coffee drinks and lattes can be deceptive calorie traps. Yet, with a few tweaks, an iced coffee can be both delicious and healthier. Holgate shares her strategy: “I opt for unsweetened almond milk, use light syrups, add a packet of stevia, and mix in my own protein powder.”
Iced Coffee
Coffee drinks and lattes are calorie bombs. However, you can doctor up an iced coffee to taste amazing without all the junk. “I use unsweetened almond milk with light syrups, add a packet of stevia, and bring my own protein powder to mix in it,” says Holgate about her hack.
Salads
One of my personal go-to orders at fast food places, especially Chick-fil-A? Salads. Holgate agrees. “Ask for dressing on the side, grilled protein option, and opt for cheese or nuts on the side, or pick one or the other,” she says.
Egg Muffin or Omelet
Not sure what to order for breakfast? Holgate recommends an egg muffin or omelet. “Ask for egg whites vs eggs. Add in more veggies. Skip the bacon or sausage due to higher fat and sodium levels,” she says.
Swap Out Your Burger Patty
If you want to eat a burger, Holgate recommends some modifications. “Make it more friendly by doing grilled chicken or a bison burger with lettuce or 1/2 bun. Skip the cheese, but add the tomato, mustard, and pickles,” she says. You can also omit the bun altogether.