by Jenny Sherman

Created on: June 05, 2009

You are behind the wheel cruising down the freeway, when suddenly it happens: Your stomach grumbles with hunger. But all you see is fast food and convenience stores screaming at you with ads of fatty or sugary foods, and you know you should eat healthy. So what are the options? Well all across America, the face of fast-food is changing. Just because it is quick doesn't mean it can't be healthy; It is all about self-control and the choices you make when you order. To help, here are the best types of restaurants to stop at while you are on the road, and some of them may even surprise you.

Asian food: When you hear Asian food, you may think of fried eggrolls and greasy noodles, but there are healthy options on almost every Asian menu. Order a tofu dish with steamed vegetables, or stir-fry chicken and broccoli, and you'll find yourself with a meal lower in fat and higher in vitamins. If you can opt for brown rice, you add fiber into the mix. Just watch out for the breaded meats, deep fried noodles and high-sodium sauces.

Author recommends: Noodles and Company - Whole wheat noodles and fresh vegetables.

The Chicken Joint: Although the menu incorporates just one type of meat, it can be hard to decide how you want it. Chicken restaurants can be the healthiest option for the traveler as long as you get the skinless grilled options and not the breaded deep-fried ones. Ask for a small order of barbeque chicken legs or a skinless chicken breast sandwich, and you will save on the calories. Don't fall for the heavy sides like buttery potatoes or coleslaw, and opt for corn on the cob or a baked potato.

Author recommends: Chik-a-Fila - Most menu items don't exceed 500 calories.

The Buffet: The serve yourself restaurant can be detrimental to your waistline, but only if you let it. There are many buffet-style roadside chains that offer healthy salads, soups and hot food, and a great variety of it. Scoop large amounts of greens and raw vegetables to your plate and add a soup or a baked potato, and you will be too full to indulge in the creamy and greasy options. Then you can treat yourself with a low-fat frozen yogurt for dessert.

Author recommends: Fresh Choice or Sweet Tomato

Mexican food: Mexican food has a reputation for being heavy and full of fat. But if you read past the cheese enchiladas and the giant burrito, you will find plenty of healthy options on the menu. Look for the chicken

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