Fast food good for your waistline and your wallet

(WXYZ) - It’s quick, cheap, but often packed with fat and calories – the drive-thru.

Chris Powell from ABC’s, “Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition,” shares his top healthiest fast food choices.  The trick is knowing what to order.

“It’s like a blueprint to our body,” Powell says.

Powell, also a personal trainer, begins at Subway where at around 300 calories, he picks a 6-inch oven roasted chicken sandwich.  He likes Subway’s Fresh Fit option without cheese, avocado, or dressing.

“I’ll tell you what a fantastic option is: vinegar, believe it or not,” says Powell.  “But just a little vinegar, not vinaigrette because vinaigrette is vinegar and oil.”

Another good choice Powell recommends is a turkey flatbread sandwich with loads of veggies.  But instead of chips and soda, go with apple slices and a bottled water.

Powell says it’s going to keep you within your budget and on your diet.

Chipotle Mexican Grill offers some healthy options too. 

“I know a lot of people go for burritos – not the best option.  Because flour tortillas alone are 300 calories,” Powell says.

So he opts for a chicken bowl with brown rice, black beans, and fresh tomato salsa.  For a low carb option, a steak salad with grilled veggies and green salsa without cheese or avocado.  Both are less than $7.00.

Powell's next choice is Wendy’s, where he highlights two healthy options.

The Grilled Chicken Go Wrap is a perfectly portioned 225 calorie meal leaving off the cheese. He says to ask for extra veggies to keep you full.

If that doesn’t sound good, the Ultimate Chicken Grill Filet is a good choice, if you ditch the bun and replace it with lettuce, this will help you cut the carbs and calories It’s safe to add half of a baked potato topped with broccoli and chives. However, put sea salt in place of butter and sour cream. This meal adds up to only 285 calories.

“It’s good quality food, it’s all fantastic, it’s going to fill you up,” says Powell.

Whether you’re ordering at a sit-down restaurant or a fast food restaurant, always get your croutons, dressings and sauces on the side.