20 Best Whole30 Fast Food Restaurants in 2024
Finding Whole30 fast food options can be challenging, especially when you're on the go and trying to stick to your dietary goals. Are you wondering how to maintain your Whole30 commitment without sacrificing convenience? You're not alone! Many people struggle to find compliant meals while dining out but the good news is that several fast food restaurants offer options that fit within the Whole30 guidelines.
For those unfamiliar, Whole30 is a 30-day program focused on eliminating sugar, grains, dairy, legumes and processed foods from your diet to reset your body and improve overall health. The goal is to eat whole, unprocessed foods, which can make fast food seem like a no-go.
This may seem daunting, but with careful choices, you can still enjoy a quick meal without breaking your Whole30 streak. In this article, we’ll explore the best Whole30 fast food restaurants around where you can find Whole30-compliant meals.
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What Fast Food Can You Eat on Whole30?
When following the Whole30 fast food guidelines, the best types of fast food to eat are those that focus on whole, unprocessed ingredients. Look for meals centered around lean proteins like grilled chicken or beef, fresh vegetables and healthy fats such as avocado. Salads with grilled protein and no dressing, lettuce-wrapped burgers and plain, grilled meats are often good Whole30 fast food choices.
When ordering Whole30 fast food, be cautious of items high in dairy, sugar, grains or legumes, as these do not fit in with the Whole30 philosophy. Always check for hidden ingredients in sauces, dressings and seasonings, which can contain added sugars or non-compliant oils.
Asking for modifications can be a good idea, such as removing cheese, skipping the bun or swapping dressings for simple olive oil and vinegar, which can help ensure your meal stays within Whole30 guidelines.
The 20 Best Places for Whole30 Fast Food
1. Panera Bread
Panera Bread is a solid choice for Whole30 fast food due to its focus on fresh, clean ingredients. While some menu items require slight modifications, there are several options that fit within Whole30 guidelines. The Green Goddess Cobb Salad is one of the healthiest options at Panera and can be made Whole30-friendly by omitting the cheese, bacon and dressing and using olive oil and vinegar instead.
Another option is the custom salad, where you can choose a base of mixed greens, add grilled chicken and top it with ingredients like tomato salsa and boiled eggs. Panera also offers steamed broccoli as a simple, Whole30-approved side dish.
2. Red Lobster
Red Lobster can be a great choice for Whole30 fast food due to its focus on fresh seafood and simple preparation methods. Top Whole30 meals include grilled fish, such as whitefish or the modified Maine lobster, paired with a side salad without dressing. Opt for olive oil and lemon instead of standard dressings. You can also enjoy shrimp as an appetizer. Be sure to request your seafood grilled without butter or sauces to keep your meal Whole30-compliant.
3. In-N-Out Burger
In-N-Out Burger is one of the best Whole30 fast food restaurants due to its customizable menu. For those following Whole30, the best choice is In-N-Out secret menu item the "Protein-Style" burger, where the beef patty is wrapped in lettuce instead of a bun.
To ensure your meal is Whole30-friendly, opt for a plain lettuce-wrapped burger without cheese, spread or ketchup, as these contain dairy and added sugars. Instead, add fresh toppings like tomatoes, onions and pickles. These simple modifications make it easy to enjoy a Whole30-friendly meal at In-N-Out.
4. Chipotle
Chipotle is a great option for Whole30 fast food because it allows you to customize your meal with Whole30-compliant ingredients. You can build a satisfying bowl with options like lettuce, grilled chicken and tomato salsa. Add guacamole and fajita vegetables for extra flavor and healthy fats.
Things to skip are the rice, beans, cheese and sour cream, as these are not Whole30-approved. Opt for a base of lettuce or double up on the protein and veggies to make your meal more filling at one of the healthiest fast food chains around.
5. Wendy’s
Wendy's is a suitable option for those following a Whole30 fast food approach due to its customizable menu. Try a lettuce-wrapped beef burger without cheese, mayonnaise or ketchup. Pair it with an avocado salad (minus the cheese, bacon, chicken and dressing) and dress it with olive oil and vinegar instead of the standard dressings.
6. McDonald's
While McDonald's may not seem like an obvious choice for Whole30 fast food, there are a few options that can work with the right modifications. For example, you can order a chicken sandwich, skipping the bun and avoiding sauces or dressings that contain non-compliant ingredients like sugar or soybean oil. By making these adjustments, you can enjoy a compliant meal while on the go.
7. Burger King
Burger King can be a suitable choice for those following a Whole30 diet with careful selections and modifications. Top Whole30 fast food options include the grilled chicken patty, which can be ordered without the bun, cheese or sauces. Avoid items cooked in soybean oil and request extra vegetables if available to stay true to Whole30 guidelines.
8. Chick-fil-A
Chick-fil-A can be a suitable option for Whole30 fast food with careful selection and modifications. Whole30-friendly choices include the fruit cup, ordered without the mandarins in syrup. The side salad is permitted according to diet guidelines, however, avoid items like sauces or dressings that may contain sugars or dairy.
9. Starbucks
Starbucks can be surprisingly accommodating for those on a Whole30 diet. For Whole30 fast food options, consider ordering apple mango fruit bars or the classic almonds to munch on. You can also enjoy a boiled egg or a fresh fruit cup as a snack. It just goes to show that Starbucks can be a convenient choice for maintaining your Whole30 diet while on the go.
10. Five Guys
Five Guys is a great option for Whole30 fast food due to its customizable menu. The standout choice is the lettuce-wrapped burger, which avoids grains. Opt for the hamburger with grilled chicken or beef and top it with tomatoes and other Whole30-approved toppings like pickles, onions and lettuce. Skip the cheese and sauces, which may contain hidden sugars or dairy.
11. Subway
Subway can be suitable for Whole30 fast food with some careful selections and modifications. Choose a lettuce-wrapped sandwich or salad as the base of your meal. Choose proteins like tuna, which are Whole30-compliant. Add extra vegetables but be cautious with condiments. Avoid options high in sugar or dairy, like cheese or sauces with hidden sugars. Subway offers a convenient way to stick to Whole30 while enjoying a variety of fresh ingredients.
12. Shake Shack
Shake Shack can be a suitable choice for Whole30 fast food with some careful modifications. Go for the ShackBurger with a lettuce wrap instead of a bun and request no cheese or sauce to keep it compliant. You can also enjoy a side salad with olive oil and vinegar as a dressing. The grilled chicken option is a good protein choice when paired with a simple side.
13. Pita Pit
Pita Pit is a great choice for Whole30 fast food due to its focus on fresh, Mediterranean-inspired ingredients. For those on a Whole30 diet, you can enjoy dishes like tuna, egg or chicken salad or spinach with no mayo and include an assortment of vegetables such as cucumber, green peppers, avocado along with boiled eggs, bacon and olive oil.
The best part about making simple modifications like these is that you can easily enjoy a variety of healthy meals at Pita Pit while sticking to Whole30 guidelines.
14. Cheesecake Factory
Cheesecake Factory can be a viable option for those on a Whole30 fast food diet with careful selections and modifications. Opt for the grilled branzino with Mediterranean vegetables cooked in a compliant oil. Also the Factory Chopped Salad can be made Whole30-compliant by omitting cheese and dressing with olive oil as there is added sugar in all of the salad dressings.
15. California Pizza Kitchen
California Pizza Kitchen is a viable option for Whole30 fast food due to its customizable menu and focus on fresh ingredients. Top Whole30-friendly choices include the cedar plank salmon with steamed vegetables and the fire grilled ribeye, which is allowable if you leave out succotash, butter and check for hidden sugars. Be sure to ask about ingredient specifics and modifications to avoid items like dairy, soy or added sugars.
16. Applebee’s
Applebee’s can be a suitable option for Whole30 fast food with careful selection and modifications. The menu includes sirloin or ribeye steaks, which are permitted when you request them without sauces or dressings. To stay Whole30-friendly, avoid items with hidden sugars and dairy or oils like soybean oil. By opting for simple, fresh ingredients and requesting modifications, Applebee’s offers a range of choices that fit within the Whole30 guidelines.
17. Olive Garden
Olive Garden can be suitable for someone following a Whole30 diet with careful selection and modifications. For Whole30 fast food options, consider ordering the zoodles primavera with shrimp and no cream sauce. The herb grilled salmon is another great choice; just ensure it’s prepared without any added sauces or seasoning blends that may contain sugar or dairy.
18. Cracker Barrel
Cracker Barrel can be a suitable option for Whole30 fast food with some strategic choices and modifications. Go for the grilled chicken tenderloin or the sirloin steak, paired with a side salad dressed with olive oil. Be sure to request that all dishes are prepared without soybean oil or added sugars. Avoid items like biscuits or traditional sides that don’t fit Whole30 guidelines.
19. PF Chang’s
PF Chang’s can be suitable for someone following a Whole30 diet with some careful choices and modifications. Chang's Lettuce Wraps with the sauce on the side is a top choice. To stay on track, avoid dishes with soy sauce or sugar. Go for grilled proteins and request that any sauces or dressings be served separately, allowing you to control ingredients and avoid hidden sugars or unhealthy fats.
20. Red Robin
Red Robin is a suitable choice for Whole30 fast food due to its customizable menu options. You can enjoy a lettuce-wrapped burger with grilled chicken or a beef patty, ensuring it’s free from the standard bun. Opt for a side salad with olive oil and vinegar instead of regular dressings, for a nutritious side.
Be mindful and avoid items cooked in soybean oil. By making these simple modifications, Red Robin offers a range of Whole30-compliant meals that fit well within your dietary needs.
Finding Whole30 fast food options in 2024 is easier than ever, thanks to the growing awareness of dietary needs and healthier choices at popular restaurants. Whether you're on the move or looking for a quick meal that aligns with the Whole30 program, these 20 Whole30 fast food restaurants offer a variety of compliant dishes that don't compromise on flavor or convenience.
With careful selection and a little creativity, you can enjoy eating out while staying true to your Whole30 goals, making it possible to maintain your health-conscious lifestyle even in the fast-paced world of fast food. For even more ways to explore your favorite foods, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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