Healthy eating on the run

You get out of class and check the time, finding you only have 45 minutes to grab lunch and get to work. You check your wallet and see only $5. Looks like fast food today, but that doesn’t mean eating healthy is out of the question.

When students head off campus to eat, most nearby restaurants are fast food joints. Why not explore their healthy and affordable options?

Brad Haley, chief marketing officer for Carl’s Jr., said in a press release that the company has come to realize people will order lighter fare if they don’t have to sacrifice flavor, “and the new Charbroiled Atlantic Cod Fish Sandwich delivers both in a big way.”

The sandwich is becoming popular with health-conscious customers. One Santa Ana College student said, “It’s really flavorful and I don’t feel guilty for eating it.”

Carl’s Jr. also offers a line of turkey burgers that each total less than 500 calories, as well as a charbroiled barbeque chicken sandwich that contains 390 calories.

Taco Bell offers a Fresco line that is not displayed on the menu. The chicken and steak tacos are about 150 calories each and cost well under your $5 limit. You will still get the satisfaction of Taco Bell taste but without the added calories.

Jack in the Box also offers low-cal choices. Its flavorful Chicken Fajita Pita and Southwest Chicken Salad come in under 400 calories each.

These are just some of the many healthy options fast food restaurants offer that won’t get you reaching deep into your pockets.

Explore the lesser known healthy side of menus at other restaurants and you may just be surprised at what you find.

LIGHT MENU: These options are sure to fill you up without leaving you regretful.


CARL’S FRESH FISH Carl’s Jr.’s Charbroiled Atlantic Fish Sandwich costs $3.99 and contains 420 calories. For a lighter option try a lettuce wrap.		JACK’S FIT PITA Jack in the Box’s flavorful Chicken Fajita Pita is topped with cheddar cheese and wrapped in 16 grams of whole grain. At a trim 326 calories, it costs $4.39.

BELL’S LIGHT FARE Taco Bell’s Fresco line contains an assortment of tacos and burritos that weigh in under 350 calories.		CARL’S TURKEY BURGER Carl’s Jr.’s Charbroiled Turkey Burger is one of many low-cal choices available near campus.