Like most I struggle with the work-home-life balance. Yes I try to eat a paleo diet for my health issues, but sometimes I get so tired of food prep, that I just want to hit a drive thru! But finding healthy fast food options that my family will like is not easy. They want nuggets and fries when I want a salad. But lately we’ve found our stride, and after repeatedly trying some #onenewfoods, we all have a few healthy fast food places we like when we’re in a hurry for a quick meal!
top 5 healthy fast food options for families
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Whole Foods
Yes I know most call this Whole Paycheck, but a new store just opened up in Davie, FL, and the hot bars are amazing! When I don’t feel like cooking we all can find something we like from meatballs and veggies, to salads or soups, or even sushi for my husband. It’s a great option when you’re on the go and need to feed your family something nutritious!
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Jugo Fresh
Inside that Whole Foods store is the juice company Jugo Fresh, which has 11 locations in South Florida. I love them so much I did a juice cleanse with Jugo Fresh, and they just launched a new menu, which includes more than just juice. I love the protein packed smoothie bowls for a quick breakfast or lunch, and the girls of course are obsessed with their smoothies. This is a great option on the go for kids of all ages! (For awesome kids’ smoothies recipes read this!)
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Chipotle
I wasn’t a huge fan of this chain when they first hit the market, but now I love their burrito bowls. They are less then 500 calories, and without dairy (unlike the photo above) are the perfect Paleo meal for me. The kids love the quesadillas too! We also respect that the meat is antibiotic and hormone free, and most of the ingredients are organic. This is a great option when travelling too, and definitely a healthy fast food!
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Panera Bread
I don’t eat deli meat, but Panera Bread offers several organic meals and non-GMO ingredients. I like the dairy free soups, salads, yogurts, all natural peanut butter and jelly and grilled cheese on whole grain bread for the girls. It’s hard not to eat their delicious bread, but in a pinch I can always find something nourishing for the family at Panera Bread.
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Jason’s Deli
Jason’s Deli is a great option for lunch or dinner. About 1/5 of their menu is organic, and the nutty mixed up salad is my favorite. I just boycott any cheese, and top with oil and vinegar. When the girls were little, the salad bar was super filling for them, but now they can always find something they like. And every once in a while we partake in Jason’s Deli’s free soft serve cones!
So the next time you’re eating out, and are tired of the grease, consider one of these healthy, filling, and delicious fast food options. You too just might find a new family favorite healthy “fast food joint”!
what’s your favorite healthiest take out meal?
You also may like, our Top 5 Healthy Snacks series for women on the go, or kids playing sports! Don’t forget to follow along on Facebook!
*Disclaimer: Jugo Fresh gave us complimentary products, but we would have included their yummy smoothies regardless!
Love the options you listed above, especially Panera Bread, which is still one of my go to favorites for healthy, but on the go meals 🙂
Great options! Thanks for reminding me about Chipotle – Hubby and I love it and the kids meal TV tray makes serving their meal fun 🙂
I had no idea panera has so many healthy options! I LOVE getting lunch at whole foods, they have so many awesome choices!!
Panera is definitely my go to when we’re on the road.
Panera has really stepped up their game in the past few years. They even have a drive-thru near us. Chipotle was my main fast-food favorite until all of their e-coli issues. Luckily, we have a Boston healthy food chain near us called B.Good. They are awesome, delicious, nutritious and local.
The Jugo Fresh looks so good. I wish we had one here. These are all great options!
I am addicted to Whole Foods salad bar and my son loves their pizza – a great (but yes, expensive!!!) option for sure! Thanks for the list!
We just had a Jason’s Deli open near us, but I didn’t know they had such healthy options. We’ll definitely have to check it out!
Ughhhh I miss living near a whole foods! I swear I ate there atleast once a week. So yummy!
These are great options…but what about when you want to stay in the car and not deal with in and out of 2 car seats!?! Lol ????
Now, I’m starving!! The Whole Foods hot bar is amazing. I could eat there every day, but luckily for my wallet, it’s not in town. It’s a bit of a hike. It’s also next to a Panera and across the street from a Chipotle.. Hmm….
I love Panera!
Me too, I LOVE Panera. They have the best Hibiscus iced tea! And yes to Whole foods, but I just picked up a big salad, meatballs and grilled veggies for 5 of us for $15 so not THAT expensive!
My husband loves Chipotle, and I love Panera. Most other fast food places just seem so greasy and boring compared to those two. Thanks for pulling together such a helpful list!