As a busy mom, taking care of yourself can often take a backseat when juggling a hectic schedule. Making nutritious meals can be especially hard when you’re busy or traveling. Advantia Health providers are skilled in patient care and know the difficulties of fueling your body in a busy world.
To offer insights and inspiration, our providers have generously shared some of their favorite fast food orders that are both nutritious and tasty. These expert-recommended choices show that you can find nourishing meals even within the realm of fast food.
Embrace self-love by choosing healthy choices instead of judging yourself based on appearance.
Panera Baja Warm Grain Bowl
Recommended by Dr. Emily Sammons, MD at Heartland Women’s Healthcare of Advantia
Dr. Emily Sammons recommends Panera’s Baja Warm Grain Bowl. This satisfying bowl has chicken, rice, quinoa, salsa, avocado, feta cheese, and a spicy vinaigrette. This bowl packs lots of healthy ingredients like whole grains, lean protein, and fiber – giving you energy that tastes great.
Chick-Fil-A Cobb Salad
Recommended by Hunter Woods-Moore, Practice Manager at Susquehanna Ob-Gyn of Advantia
Hunter Woods-Moore, Practice Manager from Susquehanna Ob-Gyn, recommends the Chick-Fil-A Cobb Salad. This salad has fresh greens, grilled chicken, eggs, bacon, tomatoes, and cheese. The mix of protein, healthy fats, and greens provides a well-balanced and nutritious meal option.
Cava Greens & Grains Bowl
Recommended by Dana Kravitz, LCSW, Mental Wellness Counselor at Liv by Advantia Health
For those seeking a nutritious lunch or dinner option, Cava is an excellent choice. Dana likes to try different combinations depending on her appetite–from lamb to falafel or chicken–filling up her plate with extra veggies to keep her full and fueled.
Chick-Fil-A Grilled Chicken Sandwich
Recommended by Kari Lindner, Licensed Clinical Social Worker at Susquehanna Ob/Gyn & Nurse Midwifery of Advantia
One of Kari’s favorites is the Chick-Fil-A Grilled Chicken Sandwich, which offers a delicious blend of flavors while providing a lean source of protein. Kari also enjoys the Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich from Panera. Packed with vibrant vegetables and accompanied by flavorful spreads, this sandwich satisfies her taste buds while delivering essential nutrients.
Panera Bread Turkey Avocado Sandwich
Recommended by Gina Lyons, VP of Operations, Advantia Midwest
Gina recommends the Panera Bread Turkey Avocado Sandwich as a healthy and delicious option. This tasty choice has turkey, avocado, onions, tomatoes, and lettuce on whole-grain bread. Turkey is a good source of protein and avocado adds healthy fats and fiber, making this sandwich a balanced meal choice. Pair it with a side of fruit or a small salad for some extra nutrients!
Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl
Recommended by Taylor Long, Marketing Manager at Advantia Health
Taylor’s go-to at Chipotle is a grilled chicken bowl with half rice and greens. She loves to fill up on vegetables and beans for fiber and nutrients, topped with salsa and guacamole for healthy fats. If she’s not as hungry, she might opt for a salad or save half for leftovers.
Bonus Tip
Jennifer Lanoff, Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner at Reiter, Hill & Johnson, follows the advice from “Glucose Revolution.” She recommends eating your vegetables first, before the rest of your meal. By preloading with fibrous vegetables, digestion slows down and helps to reduce the blood sugar spike following your meal.
In general, eating more vegetables is beneficial to your health. Studies show that it helps to reduce the risk for heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers. It may also help to lower a person’s blood pressure and improve digestive issues.
Conclusion
Even with a busy schedule, making nutritious food choices is possible. Choose fast food that keeps you and your family nourished, without losing taste or nutrition. You can find delicious food at nearby drive-thrus. Some examples include the Panera Bread Turkey Avocado Sandwich, Chick-Fil-A Cobb Salad, and Baja Warm Grain Bowl.
Remember to savor your meals and make conscious choices that support your well-being. Prioritize self-care and let these wholesome fast food choices fuel your journey to health and happiness!