high protein fast food

When you're looking for a post-workout meal, the last place you'd think to pick up protein foods from is well, at a fast-food drive-thru. But believe it or not, you can actually have a pretty healthy meal at most of these chains if you order right. These fast-food entrees are actually great sources of protein, which is important for building lean muscle and keeping hunger at bay. Since muscle burns more calories at rest than fat, it's important to incorporate more protein into your diet if you're looking to slim down.

"In order to gain muscle for athletes and lose weight, it is recommended by the Academy of Nutrition and Diabetics to consume 1.2-1.7 grams per kilogram of body weight," Jim White, RD, ACSM, and owner of Jim White Fitness Nutrition Studios told us. So load up with these meals that have at least 20 grams of protein instead of ordering any of the unhealthiest dishes at every restaurant chain the next time you head to the drive-thru.

1

McDonald's McDouble

390 calories, 18 g fat (8 g saturated fat), 850 mg sodium, 33 g carbs (2 g fiber, 7 g sugar), 22 g protein

There's a good reason why we put the McDouble at the top of our list McDonald's menu items ranked. For such alow-caloriee count, it has a pretty high protein content. It's also a very filling burger since it has two patties, yet is low-fat for its single slice of cheese.

2

Burger King Whopper, No Mayonnaise

500 calories, 22 g fat (9 g saturated fat), 840 mg sodium, 49 g carbs (2 g fiber, 11 g sugar), 28 g protein

If you cut out the mayonnaise, this delicious burger packs an impressive nutritional profile. For 500 calories, which is about the average calorie count for any meal, you get 28 grams of protein.

3

Starbucks Reduced-Fat Turkey Bacon & Cage Free Egg White Breakfast Sandwich

Courtesy of Starbucks

210 calories, 5 g fat (2 g saturated fat), 560 mg sodium, 26 g carbs (3 g fiber, 2 g sugar), 18 g protein

This sandwich is a great alternative to a regular bacon, egg, and cheese. It's low-calorie and its egg whites and turkey bacon pump up the protein count to 18 grams.

4

Arby's Roast Turkey Farmhouse Salad

240 calories, 13 g fat (7 g saturated fat), 940 mg sodium, 8 g carbs (3 g fiber, 5 g sugar), 23 g protein

Poultry is a lean meat, so it will give you tons of protein at little cost in the fat and calorie departments. This is also a great item to order to stray from the rest of the many fat-filled options on this chain's menu.

Carl's Jr. Low Carb Charbroiled Chicken Club, No Bacon, No Mayo

240 calories, 12 g fat (4 g saturated fat), 580 mg sodium, 7 g carbs (1 g fiber, 3 g sugar), 24 g protein

You'd expect this bunless chicken sandwich to already be healthy on its own, but you still have to make a few modifications for a truly healthy meal. Get rid of the mayo and the bacon and you have a perfectly tasty and satisfying meal to get your daily protein fix.

6

Chick-fil-A Grilled Market Salad

330 calories, 14 g fat (2.5 g saturated fat), 670 mg sodium, 27 g carbs (6 g fiber, 12 g sugar), 28 g protein

This salad is packed with flavor and protein. At only 330 calories, its 27 grams of protein will keep you well energized and ready to take on the rest of the day.

RELATED: Get lean for life with this 14-day flat belly plan.