Dietitians recommend these orders at Wendy's.

Seven menu options to satisfy your hunger at Wendy's, the Dave Thomas fast food restaurant.

Dietitians recommend these orders at Wendy's.
Dietitians recommend these orders at Wendy's.

Headed to Wendy’s?

While you may primarily associate this fast food chain with indulgent options like double cheeseburgers and french fries, it's possible to make healthier choices and practice moderation while dining there.

Eating out may not be as nutritious as cooking at home, where you have control over ingredients and added salt and sugar.

The secret to making a healthy choice at a fast food restaurant is to select foods that provide protein, fat, and fiber, according to Claire Rifkin, a NYC-based women’s health dietitian and founder of Claire Rifkin Nutrition.

She stated that this combination of nutrients would maintain your satiety and regulate your blood sugar levels until your next meal.

Dietitians recommend these orders at Wendy's.
If you're in a pinch and looking to reach for something that won't overdo it on the calorie count, check out these seven menu options available at Wendy's. As always, enjoy these picks in moderation. (Luke Sharrett/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Nutrition experts recommend these options when selecting from Wendy's menu.

Planet Chronicle Digital reached out to Wendy’s for comment.

Grilled chicken wrap

The-pediatric-dietitian.com owner and Houston, Texas-based registered nutrition dietitian, Lauren Mahesri, praised this wrap as a high-protein and low-calorie meal option.

Mahesri stated that it contains 27 grams of lean protein and 420 calories.

"You will remain full for an extended period during your workday, and this dish contains minimal saturated fat, making it a healthier choice for individuals with high cholesterol."

The Jr. Cheeseburger

JR Cheeseburger
The Jr. Cheeseburger at Wendy's contains 16 grams of protein. (Wendy's.com)

It's acceptable to occasionally order a cheeseburger if you're seeking protein.

If you're on the go and need a quick protein boost, the Jr. Cheeseburger is a good option with 16 grams of protein, according to Jessi Holden, a Michigan-based registered dietitian nutritionist at The Kitchen Invitation.

Holden proposed adding more pickles, onions, and lettuce to the meal and serving it with apples to enhance the nutritional value.

Classic Egg and Cheese Sandwich

Breakfast at Wendy’s?

Rifkin stated that the Classic Egg and Cheese Sandwich on an English muffin is a healthy breakfast option at Wendy's.

Rifkin stated that the sandwich has 14 grams of protein, which will keep you full, and only 4.5 grams of saturated fat, which is low for a fast food item. Additionally, the sandwich contains about five grams of fiber.

Wendy's "apple bites" can be paired with this meal to increase its fiber content, as suggested by Rifkin.

apple pecan chicken salad
While Wendy's has an assortment of salads on the menu, one of the best options available is the apple pecan chicken salad. (Wendy's.com)

Apple Pecan Chicken Salad

The Wendy's menu item contains 29 grams of protein and six grams of fiber, which aid in satiety and prolonged fullness.

Holden believes that a salad with sweet, crunchy, creamy, and salty flavors is the perfect combination of tastes and flavors that one may enjoy.

Wendy's menu has a salad that Rifkin considers the best option, and he is also a fan of it.

She stated that it includes various plant foods such as apples, cranberries, and pecans, which are all rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

salad nutrition info
Check out the nutritional facts attached to the Apple Pecan Chicken Salad available on the Wendy's menu. This meal choice offers 29 grams of protein. (Wendy's.com)

The chicken provides a good amount of protein, which, when combined with the fiber from plant ingredients, will keep you fuller for longer.

She suggested using half of the dressing packet to reduce some of the saturated fat and calorie content on the salad.

Kids' Hamburger with Apple Bites

Rifkin emphasized that while it might seem strange to order from the children's menu, the portions are smaller and the dishes typically contain fewer ingredients, resulting in fewer calories and saturated fat.

Rifkin stated that the kids' hamburger, consisting only of a bun and patty, would have less saturated fat than a regular burger option that contains cheese, mayo, and other sources of saturated fat.

kids hamburger with apple bites
While it may feel a bit strange to order from the kids' menu, the portions tend to be smaller and have fewer ingredients, which can translate to a lower calorie count, say nutritionists. (Wendy's.com)

"By replacing fries with a bag of apples, you will gain fiber and additional nutrients."

Chili Cheese Baked Potato and Apple Bites

Skipping the sandwich menu and opting for Wendy's sides can help create a nutrient-dense meal, as advised by Amy Reynolds, a Virginia-based registered dietitian and owner of Nutrition Therapy & Wellness Co.

Reynolds stated that a Chili Cheese Baked Potato is a good source of fiber and protein.

"Eating apple bites can increase the fiber, micronutrients (such as potassium and vitamin C), and provide a contrasting taste, texture, and temperature, which can improve the emotional satisfaction of the meal," she stated.

Indulging occasionally, she said, is crucial in minimizing mindless snacking between meals.

This combination meets about 30% of your daily minimum fiber requirements and contains less saturated fat than the avocado chicken salad, she stated.

chili cheese potato
The Chili Cheese Baked Potato at Wendy's is a great source of fiber and protein, according to a registered dietician. (Wendy's.com)

Besides a loaded baked potato, there are also other baked potato options available, such as a plain baked potato and a cheese baked potato.

Grilled or Classic Chicken Sandwich and Apple Bites (with or without fries)

Reynolds recommended this sandwich combination as both the grilled and classic (fried) versions are surprisingly low in saturated fat.

If your doctor hasn't advised you to reduce sodium intake, choose what you prefer.

Reynolds stated that incorporating apple bites into a meal can increase fiber and nutrient intake.

Wendys healthy food options
Nutrition experts are sharing the best menu options at Wendy's fast food restaurants — from a grilled chicken wrap to apple bites and more. (Mike Kemp/In Pictures via Getty Images/Wendy's.com)

Reynolds advised that if you enjoy fries occasionally and are anticipating them, consider adding a small order.

She advised eating mindfully and paying attention to when you feel full, and suggested saving the remaining food for later.

For more Lifestyle articles, visit planetchronicle.net/lifestyle.

by Perri Blumberg

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