When it comes to dining out, we don't always have the healthiest options when it comes to fast food. Although there's a number of Latin fast food restaurants that I love, we have to face the truth: our food is fatty, greasy and full of empty calories. Not having that many low-calorie options has definitely added a layer of difficulty to my weight loss goals and I'm sure that everyone, even if you're a generally healthy eater like me, feels the same.
That's why we've gone high and low to bring you the 10 healthiest options at your favorite fast food restaurants. Some may come as a huge surprise (like the 160 calorie taco at Taco Bell) while others are just good to know (like Rubio's Under 550 Calories menu). Either way, try some of these deliciously low-cal Latin fast food meals and your shrinking waist line will thank you!
Read more ¿Qué más? National Fast Food Day: 10 Latino favorites better than Taco Bell & Chipotle
Taco Bell: Fresco Grilled Steak Soft Taco
Besides their new Cantina Bell menu, I love this fresco taco. It is a warm, soft flour tortilla filled with marinated premium thick cut steak, crisp shredded lettuce, diced ripe tomatoes, and pico de gallo.
Nutritional information:
160 calories, 4.5 fat grams, 19g carbs, 2g dietary fiber, 2g sugar, 11g protein
Get Taco Bell restaurant locations here.
Panera: Low-Fat Vegetarian Black Bean Soup
This soup, which is only served on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, is made with plump black beans simmered in a spicy vegetarian broth with onion, red bell pepper, garlic and cumin. It's my go-to filling lunch at least once a week.
Nutritional information:
240 calories, 2.5 fat grams, 50g carbs, 9g dietary fiber, 3g sugar, 12g protein
Get Panera restaurant locations here.
Qdoba: Mexican Gumbo
This Mexican take on a gumbo is a really unique combination dish. For the healthiest option, get the combination with tortilla soup, pinto beans (no rice!), pulled pork, roasted chile corn salsa and the fajita veggies. YUM!
Nutritional information:
460 calories, 10 fat grams, 57g carbs, 14g dietary fiber, 7g sugar, 33g protein
Get Qdoba restaurant locations here.
Cosi: Santa Fe Breakfast Wrap
If you're looking to start your morning off right, then try this wrap made with eggs, bacon, Gouda cheese, pico de gallo and sun-dried tomato spread wrapped inside a warm tortilla. Mmmmmmm delish!
Nutritional information:
470 calories, 29 fat grams, 30g carbs, 3g dietary fiber, 3g sugar, 23g protein
Get Cosi restaurant locations here.
El Pollo Loco: Fish Taco
You might be surprised to find anything remotely healthy in this fast food chicken chain, but the fish taco is a GREAT choice. The crispy battered pollock fillet comes in a corn or flour tortilla with a cream sauce, cabbag, pico de gallo salsa and an avocado slice. Dig in!
Nutritional information:
230 calories, 12 fat grams, 22g carbs, 2g dietary fiber, 2g sugar, 10g protein
Get El Pollo Loco restaurant locations here.
Au Bon Pain: Turkey Cubano on Baguette
Who knew that you could get a Cuban sandwich made with turkey, and on a baguette no less?! This healthier take on the classic includes the turkey as well as Black Forest ham, Swiss cheese and sweet relish. Plus, the freshly baked baguette is a great little addition. Delish!
Nutritional information:
530 calories, 13 fat grams, 72g carbs, 3g dietary fiber, 7g sugar, 35g protein
Get Au Bon Pain restaurant locations here.
Baja Fresh: Mango Chipotle Chicken Salad, without tortilla shell
Okay, so you can't have the tortilla shell… but that doesn't mean that you can't still enjoy the mouth-watering romaine lettuce, fire-grilled all white meat chicken, sliced fresh avocado, Cotija cheese, mango salsa and a chipotle glaze. It's all topped off with a chipotle vinaigrette.
Nutritional information:
430 calories, 24 fat grams, 36g carbs, 6g dietary fiber, 3g sugar, 36g protein
Get Baja Fresh restaurant locations here.
LYFE Kitchen: Quinoa Crunch Wrap
The restaurant and soon-to-be-chain that was started by a former McDonald's president is on a mission to serve healthy meals across the country. Their varied menu is amazing but my favorite is this quinoa wrap, made with fresh crunchy veggies, avocado, edamame hummus, "forbidden" rice and Adzuki beans all in a whole wheat tortilla. And yes, the hot sauce is on the side!
Nutritional information:
519 calories, 24 fat grams, 65g carbs, 11g dietary fiber, 8g sugar, 14g protein
Get LYFE Kitchen restaurant locations here.
Taco del Mar: Veggie Mondito Burrito
This delicious slightly-smaller burrito actually packs a LOT! It includes flour tortilla, rice, refried beans, cheese, lettuce and pico de gallo. You also have the option to add guacamole, sour cream, jalapenos and hot sauce–though be warned that these will mean extra calories!
Nutritional information:
410 calories, 11 fat grams, 66g carbs, 5g dietary fiber, 4g sugar, 14g protein
Get Taco del Mar restaurant locations here.
Rubio’s Tacos: Medium Chipotle Orange Shrimp Salad with Grilled Mango Habanero Taco
Rubio's is dedicated to their healthy menu, with many options under 550 calories. My favorite is this combo of the meium-sized salad with tangy pan-seared shrimp, mandarin oranges, fire-roasted corn, fresno chiles, avocado slices and black beans on a blend of spring mix and butter lettuce, topped with tortilla strips and fresh crema. To complete the meal, I'll opt for the taco with mahi mahi seasoned in olive oil and garlic on an authentic comal and topped with mango pineapple salsa, along with crema and serrano cabbage slaw. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water!
Nutritional information:
440 calories, 19 fat grams, 46g carbs, 7g dietary fiber, 13g sugar, 21g protein
Get Rubio's Fish Tacos restaurant locations here.
