4 Healthy Fast Food Hacks That Are New Year’s Resolution-Friendly

It’s the new year, which means it’s time to deal with those emails that we were putting off until 2026 (surprise, they’re still there!) and time to cut out our favorite fast food restaurants in favor of “healthy” eating. But who are we kidding? By the middle of the month, we’re firing up Uber Eats. And this year, that’s okay. Because this year we’re making small, but attainable changes to our fast food habits, hacking our favorite orders to make it much healthier with no effort.

Instead of Breaded Chicken Patties, Go for Grilled

If fast food chicken’s your thing, the start of the year can be tough. Those fried chicken sandwiches sure are delicious, but they’re not healthy. You might think you can’t go anywhere near places like Chick-fil-A, Culver’s, or Wendy’s.

Well, you can. All of those restaurants have a grilled chicken sandwich, delivering flavor in a much healthier package. By opting for grilled chicken instead of fried, you get a bunch of lean protein without any of the grease that a breaded coating provides. Grilled chicken sandwiches can also often be bathed in flavorful marinades, which give them a bright, zingy taste.

Ask for Extra Veggies and Fewer Sauces

Whether you’re ordering a burger, a chicken sandwich, or a taco, asking for extra vegetables is one of the quickest ways to make your meal healthier. By adding additional tomatoes and lettuce, you add extra fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

You can also ask for your server to go light on the sauce, or leave it out entirely. Some of the best condiments can be a surprising source of fat and sugar, and as the veggies will add extra moisture, you might not need as much. 

Skip the Fries, or Split Them with a Friend

We know. No one wants to skip fries. But if you’re determined to make your order healthier, this is one of the quickest ways to do it. If, however, you can’t bear the thought of missing them (and we really get it), then split your order with a friend. You might be surprised by how satisfied you are after a few handfuls.

Light Cheese Is Your Friend

We’re not saying that light cheese compares to full-fat on a flavor level (although there are some good low-fat string cheeses out there). However, when it’s in a fast food order, you may not even notice the difference. Your meal will likely be salty and flavorful enough, and by opting for light cheese, you’ll still enjoy its effect while making your dish healthier. 

Not a fan of light cheese? Just ask your server for less. This works best at places like Subway or Taco Bell, where the cheese is shredded, and you’ll get the flavor without your meal feeling too heavy.