6 healthy options beyond salad at your favorite fast-food restaurants

Chick-fil-A on Track to Become Third Largest Fast Food Chain The chicken chain will claim the No. 3 spot in the U.S. in sales by the end of 2018. This is big jump from being the No. 7 spot in 2017. Analyst Mark Kalinowski initially predicted Chick-fil-A would take the No. 3 spot in 2020. He recently updated his forecast that it would be third by 2019. In 2017, Chick-fil-A sales grew by $1.1 billion. It is difficult to calculate exact sales because Chick-fil-A is a private company. The nearest competitor w

It's been more than two weeks since everyone started their healthy New Year's resolutions, so we're guessing cravings are kicking in right about now. And old fast-food stomping grounds are probably starting to look a little more attractive.

Well, you can still step foot in (or drive-through) Chick-fil-A, McDonald's and other fast-food and fast-casual joints while keeping your New Year's resolutions at the same time. Surprise!

Fast-food and fast-casual chains dohave low-calorie and low-fat options that won't derail you from your healthy goals and go beyond salads.

Here are some of the healthier fast-food and fast-casual options to choose.

McDonald's

Artisan grilled chicken sandwich  380 calories, 6 grams of fat and 36 grams of protein

If McDonald's is your vice, don't worry, there are a few things you can get off the menu that won't take up your entire daily calorie intake -- one of them being the artisan grilled chicken sandwich. It's only 30 more calories than the southwest grilled chicken salad and significantly fewer calories than a double Quarter Pounder with cheese (770 calories).

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Taco Bell

Steak fresco soft taco  150 calories, 4 grams fat and 10 grams protein

How about a taco? Or four? Sometimes salads really aren't the healthiest options at fast-food restaurants. You could have four steak fresco tacos they would be fewer calories than the fiesta taco salad, which has 760 calories and 39 grams of fat.

Starbucks

Spinach, feta & cage-free egg-white breakfast wrap 290 calories, 10 grams of fat and 19 grams of protein

You don't have to just get black coffee or green tea at Starbucks to stay healthy. You can even pass up the oatmeal and fruit bowl and still be good. The spinach, feta and cage-free egg-white breakfast wrap is a mouthful to say but at least it'll keep you full and satisfied.

Chipotle

Steak burrito with fajita vegetables, black beans and fresh tomato salsa 325 calories, 7.5 grams of fat and 30 grams of protein

There are plenty of healthy options at Chipotle, and the fact that you can pick and choose what ingredients go into your meal gives you greater control over your calorie intake. Just make sure to check the restaurant's nutritional menu first.

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Chick-fil-A

Grilled nuggets 140 calories, 3.5 grams of fat and 25 grams of protein

You can get exactly what Chick-fil-A is known for and still be good. Grilled chicken nuggets are probably your best bet if you don't want to stray into the salad and wraps section. At only 140 calories, you can get two orders and still come in under 300 calories. If you're just craving a sandwich though, the grilled chicken sandwich is the best option coming in at 310 calories. You'll have to skip out on the fries, but at least you get your chicken-sandwich fix.

Panera

Lentil quinoa broth bowl with chicken 380 calories, 8 grams of fat and 32 grams of protein

Don't get derailed by Panera's wide selection of pastries and breads. A lentil quinoa broth bowl with chicken is healthier than a lot of Panera's salads. If you are craving one of the salads though, choose a half-size portion or one of the options that's around 350 calories and low in fat.