Whether you’re just looking for a night out of the kitchen, needing a convenient meal between all the kids sports training or stopping in to fill bellies on a family road trip, fast food chains have been a saviour to parents for decades.
But their reputation as nutrition providers hasn’t always been ideal. As convenient as a Happy Meal is, they do come with a side serving of parent guilt.
The tide is changing a little on that front as more and more healthy options sneak onto the menu. Companies are recognising that convenience and nutrition can go hand in hand and us parents have more nutrition choices than ever before.
Mexican-style fast food giant, Guzman y Gomezis leading the charge when it comes to recognising that families who want fast food aren’t always chasing a grease hit.
They’ve recently officially transitioned to a 100 percent clean food menu.
A spokesperson from Guzman y Gomez says of the change: “At GYG, our menu has always been built on the use of fresh, whole, real ingredients and now we’re proud to say that our food menu is free from all added preservatives, artificial flavours, added colours or unacceptable additives.
“It is also fully customisable, so customers can tailor their meal to align with any dietary requirements or preferences they may have.”
Guzman y Gomez (GYG), has officially transitioned to a 100 percent Clean food menu.
(Image: Supplied)And they’re not the only ones recognising the need for healthier options when it comes to fast food.
With some careful menu selections, even the traditionally ‘naughty’ fast food chains can offer a nutritious meal solutions when you’re on the go.
You’ll find some of our favourite healthy fast food choices in the gallery below.
Sushi
Sushi: Avoid the tempura. Most of the good nutrition gets overridden when you coat stuff in batter and fry it, funny that! Go for sashimi or udon noodle soups, tataki beef, sukiyaki and teppanyaki grilled meats and veggies. Try to avoid too much soy sauce and other sugary and salty teriyaki and yakitori dipping sauces.
Subway
Subway: Like Guzman Y Gomez, Subway gives you the option of personalising your meal, which really means the only barrier to eating healthy there is your own choices! Go for the 9 grain or wraps and fill them with delicious salad and fresh tuna. Skip the cheese and sauces if you want to go uber-healthy and show your kids the right way to lunch.
Pizza
Pizza: There’s a universal truth that pretty much all pizzas taste the same. Blame the onion and garlic. So you’re not doing yourself out of any treats really when you order the vegetarian or vegan options on the menu. Go for thin crust and half cheese as well and you’re pretty much a wellness blogger now.
KFC
KFC: There’s no denying that sliding through a KFC drive though in dark shades is the stuff your hungover dreams are made of, but’s not all dripping burgers and family buckets on the menu. Show your kids the healthier way to visit the Colonel by opting for one of the Flat Bread Sliders with a side salad or sweet potato mash. Still delicious, and actually a little nutritious too.
McDonalds
McDonalds: Stopping in at ‘Maccas’, particularly on a long family road trip is almost an institution for Aussie kids. And while the health benefits have been questionable at best in the past, there are healthier choices on the menu these days. Get your kids into the habit of ordering from the wraps and salad menu rather than the usual Happy Meal options. Their priority is probably hitting the crazy slide in the playground rather than their lunch anyway!
Red Rooster
Red Rooster: Skip the fries and burgers and show your family that choosing fast food doesn’t always have to be the same old thing. Go for a quarter chicken and some crunchy coleslaw instead and hit some of the nutrition targets for the day.
Hungry Jacks
Hungry Jacks: Another road trip favourite. It’s best for you (and your fellow travellers) if you skip the Whopper menu and opt for a toasted sandwich or one of the chicken wrap options, miss the bacon. Don’t forget to swap the fizzy drink out for water too.
