We've all been there: on a road trip/in an airport/down to our last five bucks, when the only food options come on plastic trays. The conspiracy of our world IS that the cheapest food out there is also the least healthy. But there are some surprising ways to eat healthier at the drive-thru window.


You may be in better shape then you think when the only thing in a po-dunk roadside town is a Mickey D's. Just steer clear of the fat-packed (and mostly nutritionally void) salads and look for old-school menu items that are more reasonably portioned.

Skip: Crispy Chicken Cesar with Dressing (520 cals, 35 g fat)

Nosh: McChicken sandwich (360 cals, 16 g fat)


Click here to check out alternatives at Taco Bell, Qdoba, Burger King and Dunkin' Donuts after the jump.

Qdoba's focus on fresh ingredients doesn't make it the promise land of cheap and healthy, but it can be if you order right. Build your own burrito and choose red and green add-ons, like salsa verde, pico de gallo, and grilled vegetables. Think about holding the rice to save calories. Another secret: pork is the leanest protein on the menu -- not chicken.

Skip: Poblano Pesto Burrito with Beef (800 cals, 39 g fat)

Nosh: Pulled Pork Burrito (hold the sour cream) with Fajita Veggies (470 cals, 20 g fat)

At BK, portions are the enemy -- you get a whopping sandwich with whopping calories (a burger has about 700 to 1250 calories) and an incredible fat count. The saving grace is that they're the only chain with a veggie burger.

Skip: Whopper with Cheese (770 cals, 48 g fat)

Nosh: Veggie Burger (420 cals, 16 g fat)
Because Taco Bell's menu items are smaller, you can create a healthy combo and control portion while keeping things pretty cheap. Forget the taco salads -- they're loaded with calories and fat -- and opt for a few smaller wraps.

Skip: Chipotle Steak Taco Salads (950 cals, 59 g fat)

Nosh: Two Fresco Grilled Steak Tacos (320 cals, 9 g fat)

You know bagels are bad news (unless you're nursing a wicked hangover, then they're the best thing ever). But truth is, muffins are worse: higher in fat and calories than brownies and croissants even. Beware the pre-sugared, pre-creamed coffees Dunkin Donuts is famous for, too, though a chocolate glazed ain't that bad for you: 230 cals, 10 g fat.

Skip: Coffee Cake Muffin (620 cals, 25 g fat)

Nosh: Turkey, Cheddar and Bacon Toasted Flatbread Sandwiches (390 cals, 19 g fat)

Tell us: What are your favorite on-the-go meals that are cheap and healthy?