Nutrition

Eating Healthy on the Run

Choose a preferred language

Need to eat on the run? This often means grabbing "junk" or fast food. It may be full of fat, salt, and added sugars. But being in a rush doesn't mean that you can't eat healthy.

Person eating salad.


Fast food made healthy

Try these ways to get good nutrition, fast.

  • Plan out your snacks and meals ahead of time.

  • Go to a grocery or convenience market instead of a fast-food restaurant. Look for choices like salads, sandwiches, yogurt, and fresh fruit and vegetables.

  • Buy precut, prepackaged fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables. You can use them for a snack, salad, smoothie, or stir-fry.

  • Microwave a frozen dinner that has less than 15 grams (g) of fat and less than 800 milligrams (mg) of sodium. Complete the meal with a whole-grain roll, vegetables, or fresh fruit.

  • If you must have fast food, consider your choices. Go for veggie burgers, broiled and skinless chicken breast sandwiches, or dinner salads with low-fat dressing. Stay away from large (super-sized) portions.

  • Blot the extra oil from food with a napkin before you eat it.

  • Instead of french fries, choose a baked potato with salsa or a side salad.


Tip

Fast-food restaurants often have online or printed nutrition information available. Ask for this information and look up your favorite items before you order.

Online Medical Reviewer: Brittany Poulson MDA RDN CD CDE

Online Medical Reviewer: Diane Horowitz MD

Online Medical Reviewer: Heather M Trevino BSN RNC

Date Last Reviewed: 04/01/2025

© 2000-2026 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.

FPC Locations

FPC Locations

Find a Provider

Find a Provider

Our Services

Our Services

Patient Portal

Patient Portal
Related Articles
Read article
Wellness
Understanding Fat and Cholesterol

Too much cholesterol in your blood can lead to blocked arteries. Eating foods that contain cholesterol can raise your blood cholesterol. Planning meals that are low in cholesterol and saturated fat helps reduce the level of cholesterol in your blood. Try to eat less than 200 mg of cholesterol a day.

Read article
Wellness
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

Registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) work with healthcare providers to calculate calorie and nutrient needs, design special diets, and offer other nutritional advice to patients.

Read article
Wellness
Discharge Instructions: Eating a Low-Potassium Diet

People who have certain kidney problems may be told to follow a low-potassium diet. This sheet can help you get started.

Read article
Wellness
Understanding Good Food Choices

Follow these tips to help you understand how to read food labels and make a healthy eating plan.