Homemade + Healthy “Fast Food”
by Christina Meyer-Jax MS, RDN, LDN, CLT, RYT, Tastemaker in Residence
For real, do you ever eat fast food? As a dietitian and nutrition coach, I often get asked this question as if I couldn’t possibly go down the “dark path” of food indulgence. Yes, indeed I subscribe to the 80-20 rule of eating. Making sure 80% of the time my diet is on the healthy track, and 20% allowing myself certain treats and comfort foods.
This Monday, November 16 is National Fast Food Day, so it certainly could be a day I use my 20% treat budget. Fast food doesn’t always have to be completely empty calories or chucked with tons of artificial ingredients either. There are some great choices that feel good for the taste buds and your health. Technically you can make some dang healthy burrito bowls that click the box for both comfort and nutrition.
But how am I going to celebrate this quirky holiday? This year I’m going to embrace the make-it-at-home movement with some recipes I’ve tested out to mimic fast food, but with more healthful properties.
I LOVE Wendy’s chocolate ice cream “Frosty” and use to eat them weekly in high school and took it next level by dipping French fries into the creamy cup.
So I went to work re-creating my favorites with a healthy twist, but not sacrificing flavor! Check out my “fast food” recipes below!