Whether you are pulling an all nighter at the library, or dancing the night away on the weekend, we all know how it feels when it hits 2 AM and you are STARVING. It has been about 7 hours since dinner and you need food now. But at this hour there are few healthy late night options open. So how do you tame that growling monster with out breaking the calorie bank?
McDonald’s
Mickey D’s… not exactly the most nutritionally sound restaurant but there are some options that wont put you too far behind. As long as you stay away from some items…
WORST:
Angus Bacon and Cheese- Even though it is “Angus” beef this is one of McDonalds worst offenders it is 790 calories and 39g of fat!
Large fry-When it comes to side items, avoid the large fry! It adds on 500 calories and 25g of fat.
BETTER:
Big Mac- If you have to have it, you will be out 550 calories and 29 grams of fat, but it is not as bad as some other items on the menu.
Small Fry- It will only cost you 230 calories and 11 grams of fat.
BEST:
4-piece Chicken McNugget- This is a great option for only 190 calories and 12 grams of fat!
Hamburger- If you really want some red meat, get the regular hamburger for 230 calories and 9 grams of fat.
Apple Slices- These are your best side item for only 15 calories and 0 grams of fat!
Hungry Howie’s:
Oh Hungry Howie’s. I can’t even count the number of times that me and my roommate came back on a Saturday night and recapped the night while we stuffed our faces with pizza…and then how awful we felt about it the next day. While they don’t offer too many healthy options, at least you can figure out what to avoid!
WORST:
Pizza Sub- Stay away from the Subs!!!! This sub is a whooping 689 calories and 33g of fat!
Howie bread- It is not as bad, but that is assuming you are only going to eat ¼ of it… One serving is 300 calories and 8.7 g of fat.
BETTER:
Cheese pizza- If you can manage to only eat one slice, you will be okay. One slice of large cheese pizza comes up at 200 calories and 5.1 g of fat. (If you want more than one piece, get a small or medium pizza!!)
BEST:
Wings-5 of their regular wings are only 180 calories!
Boneless wings- These are even better, but make sure to only have 3 and you will stay at 145 calories and 5g of fat!
Taco Bell
Oh Taco Hell, I mean Bell. Most people would dare eat there during the day, but after midnight is a whole other story…
WORST:
Volcano Nachos- With a name like Volcano, you know it is going to be exploding (pun intended) with calories. This mountain of chips is 970 calories and 58 grams of fat!
Beefy 5 layer burrito- While not as bad as the nachos, this the worst item on the value menu. This burrito wraps up 580 calories and 22 grams of fat!
BETTER:
Cheesy Nachos- If you are still craving those nachos, just get “cheesy” ones for 270 calories and 15 grams of fat.
Gordita supreme (chicken or steak)- This wrap will satisfy your Mexican cravings for 270 calories and 10 grams of fat
BEST:
Crunchy Taco- Ding, Ding! Ladies we have a winner! This taco is only 170 calories and 10 grams of fat! That is not bad for fast food!
Cinnamon Twist- If you want some sweet for your late night meal, these twists are the way to go. They only have 170 calories and 7 grams of fat.