The 10 Healthiest Fast Food Meals for a Road Trip

Road trip season is upon us, and by many accounts, it looks like the roads are going to be busy. Like, really busy. Of course, this means that fast food chains all along the interstates will be bustling, too. Many travelers will order staples, like burgers and fries, but it is possible to exit the drive-thru line with a meal that's both healthy and tasty, especially when you don't upsize meals.

"Healthy food choices on the road can be quite limiting," notes Holly Klamer, a registered dietician nutritionist in Michigan and frequent contributor to MyCrohnsAndColitisTeam.com. "However, that does not mean you can't find healthy options at fast food restaurants." To help you kick off road trip season right, we've pulled together the top healthful picks vetted by a team of nutritionists, at all your favorite fast casual chains.

At Chick-fil-A, opt for the grilled nuggets instead of crispy chicken nuggets. Grilled menu items tend to be lower in calories and fat. Klamer suggests pairing the eight-count grilled nuggets with a kale crunch side salad with roasted almonds and a medium fruit cup. The meal is just 310 calories and provides a balance of fiber and protein to help you feel fuller for a longer period of time. As a bonus, the kale is high in antioxidants, which help support healthy aging, among other benefits. For vegetarians, good picks are the Market Salad or Chick-fil-A Cool Wrap, only minus the chicken.

Panera has long been a favorite among those seeking healthy options on the road. Registered dietician, Jim Powell, likes the Mediterranean Bowl for the solid mix of protein and fiber, which makes for a balanced fast food option. A healthy (and delicious) blend of grilled chicken, hummus and Greek yogurt enhance this menu item with filling lean protein. Fiber in the brown rice, quinoa and arugula help negate hunger and balance blood sugar levels. There's a vegetarian option, too.

Arby's may be best known for their classic roast beef sandwiches, but look to their Market Fresh menu for new options when on the road. Among them, the Roast Turkey & Swiss Wrap, which is a good choice thanks to oven-roasted turkey, tomatoes, lettuce and red onions, as well as Swiss cheese, of course. This filling option will keep up your energy until your next pit stop, so there's no need to worry about feeling drowsy at the wheel after lunch. The Market Fresh menu has more than a dozen items, including a Chicken Club Wrap and a Roast Chicken Entrée Salad.