Contrary to popular belief that all the items available in fast food are unhealthy and has thousands of calories, there still remains some which we can say are the "better" options, if you want to taste the fast food "grease" but don't feel guilty after munching.
Related: Top 18 Unhealthiest Food from Fast Food
To serve as your cheat sheet when ordering, Tastemade.com has compiled meals from 9 of the biggest and most loved fast food chains in the country that has 500 calories, or even less!
1. McDonald's
In fairness to McDonald's, their menu offers quite a number of burgersunder the 500 calorie-limit. Their regular burgers are just 250 calories each, while the cheeseburger with fries meal goes a little over the budget with 530 calories. At 500 calories tops, you can enjoy the whole McRib.
Aside from the burgers, McDonald's Chipotle BBQ Grilled Chicken Snack Wrap has 250 calories while the "healthier" options consist less: The Fruit 'N Yogurt Parfait has 150, Apple Slices has 15 calories and a side salad has also 15 calories, given that it comes with no dressing.
2. Taco Bell
All of Taco Bell's Cantina Power food choices are under 500 calories, while everything in their Fresco Menu choices are under 350 calories. Not only that, to even make your choices bigger, their Burrito Supremes are all under 400 calories each. Not yet convinced Taco Bell is "Healthy"? You could even eat 3 Cool Ranch Doritos Locos Tacos for a combined 510 calories!
3. Chipotle
Since Chipotle's food usually comes pre-wrapped, counting the calories is much harder. Self control is key. Eating a burrito and tacos would accumulate so much calories because the tortillas contain 210 calories on its own.
What is advisable is choosing a bowl of salad, along with Sofritas with just 154 calories, or Barbacoa with only 165 calories as your protein source and toss some pinto beans, fajita vegetables, roasted corn salsa and/or cheese that has 115, 45, 80 and 100 calories only!
4. Burger King
Compared to McDonald'd burgers, BK's have slightly fewer calories. Their regular burgers have 230, while the cheeseburgers contain 270. Their Whopper Jr. is at 240 calories-minus the mayo.
Their 6-piece chicken nuggets have 280 calories, while the 10 pieces still makes it to the list with 470 calories, that if you don't eat them with the sauce.
5. Wendy's
Just like the previous burger joints, Wendy's regular burgers will be your savior if you want to stick to your under 500-caloric intake on fast food. For Wendy's a Jr. Cheeseburger Deluxe is just 350 calories, and even their Double Stack still fits under 500 calories at 420.
A chicken meal, perhaps? Their grilled chicken wrap is solid with only 270 calories, while their 4-piece chicken nuggets contain 230. Their greens are under the 500 calorie limit, except their Baja Chili Salad.
6. Carl's Jr.
Contrary to the previous fast food joints which let you decide on which burger to get, Carl's offers us only two that hit under 500 calories-the Big Hamburger that has 480 calories or the 1/3 Pound Low Carb Thick Burger with 450 calories. They had you at "Low Carb", didn't they?
When it comes to white meat, their nine-piece Chicken Stars has 390 calories goes along with their Garden Side Salad with 110 calories. (
7. Del Taco
You might be surprised to know that every taco or tostada in this fast food joint is under 500 calories! A regular crunchy taco is just 130 calories, while the soft taco variation is at 150. Their CrunchTada Tostada peaks at 330.
While you can enjoy every taco they can offer, your burrito game is limited with either of their 1/2 lb. Bean and Cheese Burritos or a Del Beef Burrito hitting just under the 500 calorie mark. When it comes to their bowls, only their Avocado Veggie Bowl is the only item to make it below 500 calories.
8. Subway
If you want to stick to the goal, then stick with a 6" and do not add mayo. Do. Not. Add. Mayo. Half a sub is enough.
9. Jack in the Box
Almost every item on their menu is under the 500 calorie limit. As long as you stay away from the Chicken Teriyaki Bowl that has a staggering 690 calories. Their burgers are pretty decent, the Jr. jack or the Jr. Jack Cheeseburger us at 490 calories, but don't add dressing.
If you are craving for chicken, either of their Chicken Fajita Pitas, five or ten-piece chicken nuggets or even their Chicken Sandwich with Bacon have 470 calories each.
