What Dietitians Actually Order at the Drive-Thru

Here’s a little secret: dietitians eat fast food too. Allrecipes recently asked five of us to name our favorite fast food chain, and every one of us picked the same spot. I was one of the five. Here’s a hint: you’ve probably driven past one today.

Fast food can fit into a healthy lifestyle when you look at it through the 80/20 lens. Aim for about 80% of your meals to be nourishing, mostly whole-food choices. The other 20% leaves room for convenience and the foods you just love.

When I’m ordering on the go, I follow a simple three-step formula:

→ Protein first. Think eggs, grilled chicken, Greek yogurt, or beans.
→ Add a plant. Fruit, veggies, or greens bring the fiber.
→ Check your cup. Sweetened drinks are where most added sugar hides.

My go-to outside the winning chain is Cava’s Greek Salad Bowl with yogurt dill dressing. It has protein, plenty of veggies, and a creamy dressing that doesn’t taste like a compromise.

Curious which chain won and what the other dietitians order? Read the full Allrecipes article here.