Best Macro Friendly Fast Food Options
Featured Recipes:
The Best Macro Friendly Fast Food Options (and Better Alternatives)
Macro friendly refers to meals that provide a balanced ratio of proteins, carbs, and fats. But can fast food truly be macro friendly? The good news is, yes, it absolutely can be! Many fast food chains offer macro friendly options if you’re willing to make a few customizations.
Navigating fast food menus while tracking your daily calorie intake can be tricky (I totally get it). Even though restaurants often have designated “healthy” items, sometimes you crave your usual order (despite knowing it might consume most of your daily calories).
Fast food doesn’t have to derail your goals. The secret is knowing how to modify your favorite calorie-dense meals into more balanced choices. By adding, removing, or adjusting certain ingredients, you can enjoy fast food without sacrificing your nutritional targets. Calorie tracking shouldn’t stop you from enjoying meals out. Get creative, make smart tweaks, and enjoy eating out with confidence!
We’re here to help you expand your macro friendly fast food menu options so you can indulge without compromising your dietary goals.
The Best Macro Friendly Fast Food Options
If you’re new to making macro friendly choices at fast food restaurants, here are some simple yet effective suggestions to help reduce overall calories while increasing your protein:
- Opt for grilled chicken instead of fried chicken: Grilled chicken has significantly fewer calories and less fat compared to its fried counterpart. Choosing grilled chicken helps keep your meal high in protein while staying within your calorie goals.
- Choose salads or bowls over sandwiches or wraps: Salads and bowls typically allow for better control over carbohydrates, fats, and total calories. Customize them with lean proteins, plenty of veggies, and moderate dressing to maintain balance.
- Request sauces and dressings on the side: Sauces and dressings can quickly add calories, fat, and sugars. By requesting these on the side or choosing lower-calorie options, you can significantly reduce unnecessary calorie intake.
- Substitute high-calorie sides with healthier alternatives: Skip calorie-dense items like fries or onion rings and opt for healthier sides such as fruit cups, side salads, or steamed veggies. This swap boosts nutritional value and helps manage your calorie budget.
- Reduce or eliminate cheese and mayo: Cheese and mayonnaise can greatly increase a meal’s calorie and fat content. Asking for these items to be removed or reduced helps maintain flavor without unnecessary calorie overload.
- Choose smaller portion sizes: Selecting smaller-sized options (such as single-patty burgers) allows you to enjoy your favorite fast foods without drastically affecting your daily calorie intake.
- Add extra veggies or double the protein portion: Increasing veggies boosts fiber content and satiety, while doubling the protein portion enhances fullness and nutritional balance, resulting in a meal with an improved protein-to-calorie ratio.
Implementing these straightforward adjustments makes enjoying fast food possible while still meeting your macro friendly dietary goals.
And if you are craving the taste of your favorite fast food but want to keep it macro friendly? These recipes offer delicious alternatives that align with your nutritional goals.
Try to Cook at Home Instead With Simple, Macro Friendly Recipes
The Thiccc McChicken
Macros for each McChicken:
316 Cals, 30g Carbs, 4g Fat, 40g Protein
Recreate a fast food classic with The Thiccc McChicken, it offers all the satisfaction with just 316 calories and a hefty 40g of protein per sandwich. Crafted with lean ground chicken breast, seasoned to perfection, and coated with a crispy cornflake crust, it’s then topped with low-fat mayo and crisp lettuce, all nestled in a 120-calorie bun. This macro friendly fast food twist on the traditional McChicken ensures you enjoy the flavors you love while staying aligned with your nutritional goals.
Crispy Filet O Fish Sandwich
Macros for each THICC Filet O Fish:
411 Cals, 38g Carbs, 7g Fat, 49g Protein
This Crispy Filet O Fish Sandwich delivers all the flavor you love, but with a macro friendly twist. At just 411 calories and packing 49g of protein, it’s a satisfying meal that won’t derail your goals. A golden, crispy fish filet is topped with a tangy, low-cal tartar sauce, melty reduced-fat cheese, and fresh lettuce, all nestled in a soft brioche bun. It’s a deliciously indulgent sandwich that fits perfectly into your balanced diet.
½ lb Classic Double Cheeseburger
Macros for the WHOLE Double Cheeseburger:
425 Cals, 20g Carbs, 13g Fat, 57g Protein
Indulge in a Classic Double Cheeseburger without compromising your macros. Each hearty serving packs 425 calories and a whopping 57g of protein, 20g carbs, 13g fat. Crafted with lean ground beef, fresh veggies, and melty cheese, all nestled in an Oroweat Keto Bun. Another satisfying meal that aligns with your nutritional goals!
Chick Fil A Grilled Chicken Nugget
Macros per 5 Nuggets:
93 Cals, 0g Carbs, 1.5g Fat, 20g Protein
Satisfy your nugget cravings with Chick-fil-A’s Grilled Nuggets but want a macro friendly option, this recipe is for you. With just 93 calories and 20g of protein per 5-nugget serving, these tender, juicy bites are perfect for satisfying your fast food desires without derailing your nutrition goals. Marinated in a blend of pickle juice and spices, then grilled to perfection, they’re a delicious and healthy alternative. Whether you’re meal prepping or need a quick protein boost, these nuggets are sure to become a staple in your macro friendly meal repertoire. Enjoy the taste of fast food with good macros, perfect for a quick snack or meal addition.
XL Grinder Salad Wrap
Macros for the WHOLE Wrap (2 halves):
516 Cals, 26g Carbs, 20g Fat, 58g Protein
Elevate your sandwich game with the XL Grinder Salad Wrap. This macro friendly fast food option boasts 516 calories, 26g carbs, 20g fat, and 58g protein per wrap. Loaded with deli chicken, turkey pepperoni, and a tangy grinder slaw, it’s a protein-packed meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Gochujang Chicken Burgers with Kimchi Bacon
Macros for each Chicken Burger with All Toppings:
540 Cals, 44g Carbs, 12.5g Fat, 63g Protein
If you’re craving a burger that’s both indulgent and macro friendly, these Gochujang Chicken Burgers with Kimchi Bacon are a must-try. Each burger packs 540 calories and a whopping 63g of protein, 44g carbs, 12.5g fat, making it a perfect fit for your macro friendly meal plan. The juicy chicken patty is infused with spicy gochujang sauce, while the savory-sweet kimchi bacon jam adds an irresistible depth of flavor. Topped with fresh cucumber slices and microgreens, all nestled in a soft brioche bun, this burger is a delightful fusion of taste and nutrition.
Bringing Our List of Fast Food With Good Macros to a Close
You can still enjoy eating out without sacrificing your nutritional goals.
By customizing fast food orders (and focusing on adding protein-rich ingredients or removing calorie-heavy extras) you can easily create macro friendly meals that fit your daily intake.
If you prefer to avoid delivery wait times or simply don’t feel like driving, consider trying these delicious recipes at home:
- The Thiccc McChicken
- Crispy Filet O Fish Sandwich
- ½ lb Classic Double Cheeseburger
- Chick Fil A Grilled Chicken Nugget
- XL Grinder Salad Wrap
- Gochujang Chicken Burgers with Kimchi Bacon
These recipes prove that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor for nutrition. Enjoy the best of both world with these macro friendly fast food options. For more of the same or different recipes check what we have here.