Traveling is something I do quite often. From road trips up and down the coast or spending hours in airports, I’m no stranger to this lifestyle. The most important thing I had to learn along the way is healthy eating. We know it’s nearly impossible to resist gas station taquitos, especially when you’ve been on the road for hours, you’re starving and well, they just look so tasty!

Travel hunger is a lot different from normal hunger. You’re combining the hunger sensation with the frustration of driving long hours, sitting in the airport, or flying on a plane that only offers microscopic bags of peanuts or pretzels. So as a result, you splurge on the easiest and most delicious food option you find first. This can become a habit hard to break, unless you’re so disciplined that you can find the healthier option.

There’s good news and bad to eating healthier on the road. The bad news is that a Quarter Pounder with cheese, fries and a strawberry milkshake are not on the menu. The good news, however, is that you CAN still order from you favorite fast food joints.  You just have to order something different. Take a look at some of the menu items you can choose as a healthy fast food alternative when traveling.

1. Chick-Fil-A

Chick-Fil-A is known best for their mouthwatering chicken sandwiches, perfectly salted waffle fries and refreshing sweet tea. It’s the classic Chick-Fil-A meal! For a healthier option try the Garden Market Salad, made with Grilled Chicken, Romaine Lettuce and greens, shredded red cabbage, carrots, crumbled blue cheese, apples, strawberries and blueberries. The Grilled Market Salad has 200 calories. You can now also order their chicken nuggets grilled, not fried, and get 8 for only 140 calories.

2. Subway

Subway is good regardless of what you get. However, a few simple things, such as no condiments, can make all the difference in making your meal a little bit healthier. Try the 6-inch Turkey Breast sub, which can come with about 280 calories (if you order it right). 

3. Carl’s Jr.

Carl’s Jr can be a little tricky when finding the right meal to order that is health-friendly. When you’re in a bind, remember to order the he Original Chicken Salad with light dressing. This is just about 300 calories with a low amount of carbs.

4 Chipotle

What do you mean you can’t have that side of guac? Don’t worry; you can have a little guacamole. At Chipotle, try the soft taco with Chicken, lettuce, a little shredded cheese, and guacamole on the side that you can use to your liking.

5. Burger King

Last, but certainly not least, we could never forget about Burger King. As much as we love the Whopper, we sadly have to let it go and trade it in for something healthier. The Tender Grill Chicken Sandwich is made with high quality white meat, lettuce and tomatoes on a delicious bun. Make sure you order it with no Mayo, and you’ll have a healthy sandwich at around 360 calories.