I am a purist when it comes to nutrition. But, there are times when we all need to grab a quick bite for one reason or another. I am always looking to find reasonable alternatives when such a situation arises. I try to find options that are nutritious and as unprocessed as possible.

Wendy’s has been touted for quite a while as the “healthy” fast food option. Taking a glance at their menu is a pleasant surprise. Wendy’s salad options are surprisingly healthy. As with any salad, it is not the vegetables that give rise to fatty, processed ingredients, but how you decide to dress the salad that makes a difference in its nutrient content. When I eat out, I will typically opt for the plain oil and vinegar option as a dressing. I squeeze a little lemon on the salad, add salt and pepper and have a nice, healthy dressing without all of the additives.

As far as Wendy’s salad dressings go, there are some low-fat “healthier” options available. What is nice to see on Wendy’s website is the inclusion of a “gluten-free” menu. For Wendy’s to accommodate the growing number of folks who suffer from gluten intolerance or celiac’s disease is refreshing and a good business decision.

Wendy’s website offers nutritional information for all of their regular menu options. I am a huge proponent of reading labels to educate myself on what is added to my foods. The good thing about Wendy’s is that there are options available where you can get sauces on the side or opt for no sauce at all.

For calorie counters, Wendy’s offers three menu options that contain less than 550 calories. The ultimate chicken grill without the sauce served with a side salad that is topped with fat-free dressing is a decent option for the health conscious. Also on the 550 calorie menu is a grilled chicken go wrap, sans the sauce and served with a small side order of chili. The final option is a plain baked potato with a small side of chili (which I would probably substitute with a salad).

Granted, these are not gourmet items but when eating in a rush and in a pinch, they will not wreck your diet.

Check out their website for more Wendy’s nutrition facts regarding their menu items. Their site is a good role model for other restaurants. In today’s health conscious society, people want to know what they are consuming. Wendy’s gives you that very valuable information.