If you've ever been on a diet...or try to live a healthy lifestyle...you've been faced with this issue.  Maybe you're on a road trip, or really pressed for time.  What is the healthiest choice to make at a fast food restaurant.  Here is a "go to" list.

McDonald's

Artisan Grilled Chicken Sandwich — 360 calories 

360 calories — pretty low as far as lunch items go; you might want to pair this with a yogurt, a small salad, or some fresh fruit

33g of protein — a hefty amount to strengthen muscles and fill you up

6g of fat — not too low, not too high

43g of carbs — roughly 14% of your daily allowance

960mg of sodium — a little under half your daily allowance

Opt for a sandwich with grilled rather than fried meat, and hold the mayo to curb your fat intake.

Burger King

BK Veggie Burger. No Mayo

310 calories — pretty low as far as lunch items go; you might want to pair this with a yogurt, a small salad, or some fresh fruit. 

22g of protein — a hefty amount to strengthen muscles and fill you up

7g of fat — not too low, not too high

42g of carbs — roughly 14% of your daily allowance

990mg of sodium — close to half your daily allowance

Overall at this restaurant, the same rules as McDonald's apply: Avoid mayo and fried options and go for sandwiches instead of meals.

 

Wendy's

Asian Cashew Chicken Salad, Full Size

380 calories — on the low side

36g of protein — a hefty amount to strengthen muscles and fill you up

14g of fat — on the higher side, but not a deal-breaker

32g of carbs — pretty high and largely from sugar; watch your snacks

1070mg of sodium — roughly half your daily allowance

Not all of Wendy's salads are on the healthier side but this one is a winner!

 

Taco Bell

Fresco Chicken Burrito Supreme 

340 calories — pretty low as far as lunch items go; you might want to pair this with a yogurt, a small salad, or some fresh fruit

19g of protein — a pretty good amount to strengthen muscles and fill you up

8g of fat — not too low, not too high

49g of carbs — roughly 16% of your recommended daily allowance

1060mg of sodium — close to half your recommended daily allowance

Taco Bell has expanded their healthier offerings with its "Fresco" menu, which essentially swaps the sour cream and cheese in popular items for sale.

Subway

6-inch Turkey Breast Sub. No Cheese. Add Avocado

340 calories — pretty low as far as lunch items go; you might want to pair this with a yogurt, a small salad, or some fresh fruit

18g of protein — a pretty good amount to strengthen muscles and fill you up

9g of fat — not too low, not too high

49g of carbs — roughly 16% of your daily allowance

670mg of sodium — not bad; much lower than competing items at Chipotle or Taco Bell

"Eating fresh" is pretty easy at this chain, where you can get lean meats or just fresh veggies on whole-wheat bread with a variety of low-calorie, low-fat dressings.

Chipotle

Chicken Burrito Bowl with Brown Rice & Pinto Beans. No Cheese. No Sour Cream

500 calories — not too low, not too high

42g of protein — a hefty amount to strengthen muscles and fill you up

13.5g of fat — a little on the high side

57g of carbs — roughly one-third of your recommended daily allowance

805mg of sodium — a little less than half your recommended daily allowance

Chipotle has lots of fresh, healthier options. In general, nix the cheese and sour cream and go for deconstructed alternatives to their burritos.

Panera Bread

Smoked Turkey Breast Sandwich on Country

430 calories — not too high, not too low

33g of protein — a hefty amount to strengthen muscles and fill you up

3.5g of fat — pretty low

67g of carbs — on the higher side; watch your snacks

1790mg of sodium — higher than any other item on this list

Panera has loads of yummy nutritious items, at least when it comes to lunch. Order from the "You Pick Two" menu to try a half sandwich and small salad, or a get a full sandwich.

Papa John's

Garden Fresh Pizza, two medium slices — 400 calories

400 calories — on the lower side

16g of protein — a pretty good amount to strengthen muscles and fill you up

14g of fat — not too low, not too high

54g of carbs — pretty high; replace sugary or carb-heavy snacks with protein-rich ones

980mg of sodium — just under half your daily allowance

If you're a pizza fan, keep an eye on your salt intake the rest of the day after you've indulged in a few slices.

Pizza Hut 

Garden Party Thin Crust Pizza, Two Medium Slices

460 calories — not too high, not too low

18g of protein — a pretty good amount to strengthen muscles and fill you up

18g of fat — on the higher side, but not a deal-breaker

60g of carbs — pretty high; watch your snacks

900mg of sodium — a little under half your daily allowance

Pizza Hut is now offering several options with more fresh veggies and popular toppings like Sriracha.

Nutritional statistics collected by Business Insider.

Additional Reporting by Kiah Heron

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