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The Healthiest Fast Food Choices in South Africa

Fast food has become an integral part of the modern lifestyle, offering convenience, speed, and affordability. However, when it comes to what’s available to South Africans, making healthy choices can be a bit challenging.

The convenience of fast food often comes at the cost of nutrition. Many fast food items are high in calories, saturated fats, sugars, and sodium, and are low in essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The average adult requires approximately 2,000 to 2,500 calories per day to maintain their weight and overall health, based on factors such as age, gender, and physical activity levels. However, a single fast food meal can easily exceed this daily calorie requirement. For example, a typical fast food hamburger, fries, and soda meal can contain well over 1,000 calories.

So if like me you’re constantly on the see-saw of watching your weight, you’ll want to know what the best choices are that you can make. There are some healthier choices available at various fast food chains. Here are 8 brands in South Africa and their healthiest options on the menu:

1. Kauai: Known for their focus on healthy, natural ingredients, Kauai offers a range of nutritious options. Try their Superfood Salad, packed with fresh greens, seeds, and a choice of lean protein: 626 calories. Their low carb Sriracha Chicken wrap comes in at 554 cal.

    image source: kauai.co.za

    2. Nando’s: Famous for their flame-grilled peri-peri chicken, Nando’s best choice is a Quarter Chicken Breast at 380 cal. Add chips to that and it will set you back an easy 380 cal.

    Image source: Nandos.co.za

    3. Steers: While Steers is known for their flame-grilled burgers, they also have some healthier choices. Opt for their Grilled Chicken Burger at 570 cal or their Grilled Chicken Salad at 229 cal.

    Image source: steers.co.za

    4. KFC: Although KFC is typically associated with fried chicken, they also have wraps. Choose their Classic Twister Wrap, made with 2 crispy chicken strips, shredded lettuce, sliced tomato & topped with Colonel dressing in a tortilla wrap at 274 cal.

    Image source: Kfc.co.za

    5. Fishaways: If you’re in the mood for seafood, Fishaways is a great choice. Their small Grilled Hake and Rice comes in at a low 284 cal.

    Image source: fishaways.co.za

    6. Wimpy: Wimpy may be famous for their breakfasts, but they also offer some healthier choices. The Grilled Chicken Breast Salad at 330 cal or their Wholewheat Chicken Mayo Toasted Sandwich at 436 cal are lighter options.

    Image source: Wimpy.co.za

    7. McDonald’s: While most McDonald’s choices are not particularly healthy, the Crispy Chicken Salad with low-fat dressing is a better option at 72 cal. The Hamburger comes in at 276 cal. (no chips)

    Image source: mcdonalds.co.za

    8. Roman’s Pizza: Pizza is not the first choice when it comes to healthy choices. But surprisingly, 2 slices of pizza comes in lower than some of the other items above. The healthiest choice at Romans is the Classic Cheese or Vegetarian pizza at 170 cal per slice.

    Image source: romanspizza.co.za

    So whether you’re watching the scale or on those occasions when you need a quick meal on the go, these healthier choices can help you make wiser decisions for your overall well-being.

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