by Barry Tadmore

Created on: May 14, 2010

Fast food was designed to provide the potential customer with a quick and easy way to eat a meal or snack on the run.  And as fast food has evolved, so too has the menu.  Instead of offering only burgers and fries, restaurants are now servings grilled chicken sandwiches, salads, and other healthier menu options.  Burger King is no different.  So if you’re on a diet and the only food option is Burger King, don’t fret!  There are plenty of options available that won’t kill your diet!  Let’s take a look at a few:

SANDWICHES

The healthiest sandwich option is the BK Veggie.  Packing 380 calories, this sandwich will allow the customer a chance to have a meal with a sandwich.  An even healthier option would be to have the sandwich without mayonnaise, cutting the total calories down to 300.

There is also an option for a Sante Fe Fire-Grilled Chicken Baguette.  Like the BK Veggie, this baguette has 380 calories and offers a different flavor variety. 

SALADS

As with many fast-food restaurants these days, Burger King offers a variety of salads on the menu.  Fire-Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad (190 calories without dressing), Fire-Grilled Shrimp Caesar Salad (180 calories without dressing), Fire-Grilled Chicken Garden Salad (210 calories without dressing), and Fire-Grilled Shrimp Garden Salad (200 calories without dressing) are your four best bets for a meal with the lowest calorie count.  Burger King also offers a Chicken Caesar Salad with croutons and dressing for 410 calories.  As far as fast food goes, even that higher calorie salad is a pretty healthy option.  The trouble with salads happens when you add a packet of dressing.  For example, a packet of Creamy Garlic Caesar Dressing will add 130 calories to your salad.

The most important thing to remember is that flavor enhances add unnecessary calories to your meal.  Barbecue dipping sauce, honey flavored dipping sauce, sweet and sour dipping sauce, salad dressing, and mayonnaise might taste good, but is it worth the extra caloric intake?

So while most of the choices at a fast food restaurant are unhealthy, there are a few options available that will help keep you on your diet.  However, if you have time, avoid fast food and stick with food that you can make from your home.  It is usually much healthier!

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