Hi Hungry Girl,
I'm pretty good at making healthy choices, but breakfast can be a challenge. When I'm running late and have nothing in the house, my only option is to stop at a coffee shop or fast-food restaurant. Are there any decent choices there?
Morning Rush
Hi Morning Rush,
Great question. Hitting the drive-thru or a coffee shop is definitely better than skipping breakfast altogether, which can lead to increased calorie intake later in the day. The trick is to find satisfying meals that won't weigh you down. Here are six smart picks you won't regret...
McDonald's Egg White Delight McMuffin
1 sandwich: 250 calories, 8g total fat (4.5g sat. fat), 720mg sodium, 29g carbs, 1g fiber, 3g sugars, 17g protein --
SmartPoints®
value 8*
Let's start with a twist on an old-school classic: the McMuffin! This sandwich comes with egg whites, Canadian bacon, and white cheddar cheese, which all add up to tons of protein. Other good finds at the home of the Golden Arches? The Fruit 'N Yogurt Parfait (150 calories,
SmartPoints®
value 7*) and the Fruit & Maple Oatmeal (290 calories,
SmartPoints®
value 13*). Ditch the brown sugar on the oatmeal, and you’re down to 260 calories and a
SmartPoints®
value of 10*.
Starbucks Reduced-Fat Turkey Bacon & Cage Free Egg White Breakfast Sandwich
1 sandwich: 230 calories, 6g total fat (2.5g sat. fat), 560mg sodium, 28g carbs, 2g fiber, 3g sugars, 16g protein --
SmartPoints®
value 6*
Next time you find yourself at Starbucks during the breakfast rush, skip the carby pastries and grab this nutritious pick. Similar to the McDonald's version, this sandwich features reduced-fat turkey bacon, egg whites, and cheese on an English muffin. Pair it with one of
these 100-calorie-or-less drinks for a satisfying morning meal!
Taco Bell Fresco-Style Mini Skillet Bowl
1 bowl: 150 calories, 9g total fat (1.5g sat. fat), 320mg sodium, 13g carbs, 1g fiber, <1g sugars, 5g protein --
SmartPoints®
value 5*
Yes, you
can get a solid breakfast at Taco Bell. This meal has scrambled eggs, breakfast potatoes, and pico de gallo... Not bad for only a buck! Just remember to say "Fresco Style," so they leave off the nacho cheese. For some extra protein, get a side of black beans (80 calories,
SmartPoints®
value 2*), and mix 'em into your bowl.
Panera Bread Power Almond Quinoa Oatmeal
1 bowl: 300 calories, 6g total fat (1g sat. fat), 220mg sodium, 52g carbs, 9g fiber, 7g sugars, 8g protein --
SmartPoints®
value 9*
Panera Bread isn't technically fast food or a coffee shop, but the quick-service chain is perfect for a morning meal. This oatmeal bowl is made with steel-cut oatmeal, quinoa, honey, almonds, and cinnamon. Mmmm! Add a Watermelon Refresher (a.k.a. cubed watermelon) for just 45 calories.
Dunkin' Donuts Egg White Flatbread
1 flatbread: 320 calories, 13g total fat (6g sat. fat), 610mg sodium, 33g carbs, 4g fiber, 3g sugars, 17g protein --
SmartPoints®
value 10*
Pass on the donuts, and go for this smart breakfast sandwich. It's essentially a veggie-filled egg-white omelette served inside a multigrain flatbread... delicious, nutritious, and perfectly portable. To shave off some calories, request it without the slice of cheese. Grab a black coffee (splash of skim milk; packet of no-calorie sweetener), and you're good to go!
Burger King Original Maple Flavored Oatmeal
1 bowl: 170 calories, 3g total fat (1.5g sat. fat), 260mg sodium, 32g carbs, 3g fiber, 12g sugars, 4g protein --
SmartPoints®
value 7*
While most of the breakfast options at BK are bad news -- stay away from the Croissan'wiches and anything with "platter" in the name -- this bowl of oats is a great bet. It's made with Quaker wholegrain rolled oats, so you know it's good stuff. Bonus: Burger King serves Seattle's Best Coffee. Nice...
We may receive affiliate compensation from some of these links. Prices and availability are subject to change.
We may have received free samples of food, which in no way influences whether these products are reviewed favorably, unfavorably, mentioned with indifference, or mentioned at all. Click for more about our editorial and advertising policies.
*The WW Points® values for these products and/or recipes were calculated by Hungry Girl and are not an endorsement or approval of the product, recipe or its manufacturer or developer by WW International, Inc., the owner of the Points® trademark.
Questions on the WW Points® values listed? Click here.
Hungry Girl provides general information about food and lifestyle. This information and any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment. Click here for more information.
