Cheap, Healthy, and Tasty Meals...Out?

It's seems like too much to expect inexpensive, delicious, and wallet-loving all in one meal.  I either go for the $.99 menu or begrudgingly dip into my wallet for the $1.99 fruit salad substitution.  This new fast food and cafe health kick is nice and all, but why should I dish out big bucks for a thimble-full of healthy?

I've checked out our options at the nation's most popular hangouts and found some surprising results.  Menus have changed for the better--in price and cholesterol levels.  While the immortalized french fry will always grace the plastic trays of many Americans, know that you have options to preserve your health and ingest a tasty meal at the same time.  These are some of my favorites:

Denny's Good for You Menu
I haven't been a fan of the 24-hour diner since childhood road trips, but I'm quickly changing my tune after a recent meal at Denny's.  They launched a Better For You menu last March that is both healthy and affordable with goodies like yogurt and granola ($2.49), fresh fruit ($2.49), wheat pancakes, turkey bacon, and chicken sausage.  Better yet, the Create-Your-Own Grand Slam substitution charges for healthy options are just $.49, compared to $1.50 at most restaurants.  And kids eat free Tuesdays, Thursdays, and (at some locations) Saturdays.  I'll be back!

Applebee's Weight Watcher's Selection
You'll want to visit Applebee's on a splurge night.  Prices are a bit higher, averaging $12.99 for the Weight Watcher's Selection menu, but you won't be disappointed.  All nutrition information is posted in the menu for you to do your own points tally.  My favorite is the Chocolate Raspberry Layer Cake--delicious sweetness wrapped in a guilt-free glaze.  

Chick-fil-a
It's no secret that Chick-fil-a offers, hands down, the best and healthiest selection of fast food on the market.  Salads are under $6 and the yummy chargrilled chicken sandwich is just $3.25--make it a meal with a wheat bun, fruit ($1 more), and freshly squeezed diet lemonade for a super tasty lunch.  And don't forget to dress like a cow this Friday for a free meal!

Chili's Guiltless Grill
If you're a fan of the black bean burger, you won't find any better than at Chili's.  I even prefer it to their beef patties.  The carne asada and tilapia score tops as well.  Most Guiltless Grill items are $12 or under (depending upon your location).  If you order from the Perfectly Portioned $7 menu, substitute steamed veggies for fries and you'll be right in line with the overtly healthy selections.

Burger King
You can still have it your way, but don't get crazy.  BK Veggie Burger is just 430 calories as prepared (no mayo) and with a Morningstar patty it hits the fast food spot without shortening your life span.  There aren't any decent side options, so stick with the burger and get out.

Taco Bell
This place always hits the burrito craving during pregnancy--and with the Al fresco Menu I can still indulge within reason.  Most items have eliminated cheese and added fresh salsa and/or veggies to inject some healthy into a historically greasy menu.  All items have between 4.5-8 grams of fat for $1.75 or less.  You're singing my tune, Chihuahua.    

Not only do you have options, but you can also afford them now.  No need to eat at a sit-down joint and pay tip--yummy, inexpensive foods are a drive thru away.