Some tips for the drive-thru

Sometimes the drive-thru is going to happen. It just is. No matter how committed a parent is to cooking and buying healthy, unprocessed and organic foods for their children, hectic schedules, emergencies and common cravings demand a back-up plan. Here are a few options to keep in mind the next time you find yourself feeding the troops at a fast-food chain.

McDonald’s

Chipotle BBQ Snack Wrap (Grilled)

Nix the cheese, and this kid-sized and flavorful tortilla wrap weighs in at a respectably low 220 calories and 6 grams of fat.

Apple Dippers with Low Fat Caramel Dip

When ordering Happy Meals for the troops, substitute the French fries for this side dish that not only feeds your children’s love for dipping finger foods in sauces, but also exceeds their daily vitamin C requirement in a single meal.

Jack in the Box

Chicken Fajita Pita

With fire-roasted salsa, tomatoes and grilled onions, this sandwich doesn’t need cheese for flavor. Order without cheese and this entrée totals 234 calories and a mere 3 grams of fat.

Pass on the Salt

Unlike some chains, Jack welcomes diners who order French fries without salt. Try this option for a much lower sodium intake while the family gets its occasional fried food fix.

Mango Smoothie

Instead of an OREO® Cookie shake, buy your kids this smoothie that uses Minute Maid’s real mango juice and has just 289 calories. You may want to split it between two kids or save half for later, though, because at 16 oz., this dessert still contains 57 grams of sugar.

Subway

Light Wheat English Muffin

Any of Subway’s sandwiches can be ordered on this light option that is a perfect size for small children and contains less than half the calories and one quarter the fat content of the 6-inch 9-Grain Wheat Bread.

Choose Your Cheese Wisely

If you or your little ones are craving cheese, Subway’s shredded Mozzarella is by far the healthiest option, with two grams less fat and 20 fewer calories from fat than the chain’s most indulgent choice, Natural Cheddar.