5 Franchise Foods Worth Eating

By Brandi Goodman

Numerous franchise restaurants are spread across the U.S. It's easy to grab a burger off the value menu, but this option isn't close to the healthiest choice possible. Even though many fast food places offer high-calorie and high-carb options, there are still franchise foods worth eating that bring the nutrition.

Fruit and Yogurt Parfait From McDonald's

Fruit is, of course, a nutritious option. It provides vitamins and nutrients necessary for your well-being. Yogurt is also helpful for introducing good bacteria to your gut. The fruit and yogurt parfait from McDonald's is a solid choice if you're on the go and in need of a quick pick-me-up.

Salads From Subway

Anything from Subway is worth eating. That is, if you make it a salad. The bread is where you add a lot of your calories and carbs. Create a salad with whichever meat, cheese, and veggies you like and you're getting a nutritious and filling meal. Turkey and chicken will of course be the best meat options, though, since they're considered lean. You may want to skip the dressing as well -- or at least go light.

Veggie Egg White Omelette From Dunkin' Donuts

Dunkin' may be known for its donuts, but that isn't all they offer. You can get sandwiches and other breakfast foods from the restaurant as well. The veggie egg white omelette is a healthy choice. Bell peppers, spinach, onions, olive oil, cheese, and egg whites fill the thin, multigrain outer layers.

Power Menu Bowl From Taco Bell

Taco Bell is considered fairly healthy compared to many fast food places. Meat and veggies are in most of their items, after all. Some are fried and high in calories, though. The power menu bowl is a great option that packs in the nutrition. It comes with chicken, cheese, guacamole, seasoned rice, black beans, lettuce, sour cream, and tomatoes. Remove the rice and sour cream and you'll cut down on calories and fat.

Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup From Panera Bread

Panera Bread has made its way to 45 states. Though breaded foods don't make the healthiest foods list, the restaurant offers far more than that. The homestyle chicken noodle soup is one of the lowest-calorie items on their menu. You get to pick a side with this meal. The fruit cup or apple are the best choices to keep the calorie content low and get in some extra nutrients. The soup itself contains white meat chicken, egg noodles, carrots, celery, and herbs. It's a great option for a cold day or when you're feeling under the weather.

Enjoy these franchise foods anytime you desire. They're great options when you're out and about and need a bite to eat. Sure, eating a healthy, home-cooked meal is the wisest solution, but these five franchise foods also provide nutrition and can satisfy your hunger without adding outrageous amounts of calories to your daily count.

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