Greasy French fries aren’t the only delicious menu options at fast food restaurants. You can also find magnesium-rich foods that support your health while satisfying your hunger on the go. It all depends on how well you know each option’s nutritional value. Check out everything you need to know about fast foods high in magnesium to strategize your next meal in the car.
What is magnesium?
Magnesium is a mineral people need to create and sustain their energy so their cells function efficiently. The body stores 50%–60% of it in your bones and keeps the rest in tissues or your bloodstream. It facilitates bone growth, fortifies bones and supports cellular synthesis.
You might be looking for fast foods high in magnesium because you want a more well-rounded, healthy diet. You could also be among the 31% of people in the U.S. at risk of a vitamin deficiency. Either way, supporting your well-being with magnesium-rich foods could provide the health benefits you want.
Magnesium-rich foods at fast food restaurants
The next time your stomach starts growling while you’re out in town, look for these magnesium-rich foods at your favorite fast-food restaurant. You’ll enjoy the menu selections you love while knowing how they’re helping you reach your health goals.
1. Turkey, ham and roast beef sub sandwich
Sometimes, a sandwich hits the spot like nothing else. It’s also easy to eat behind a driver’s wheel. Whenever you’re craving a Subway sandwich or something from Jimmy John’s, ask for turkey, ham and roast beef on white bread with lettuce and tomatoes. You’ll get around 90.9 milligrams of magnesium after finishing your meal. All you have to do is add your other preferred toppings, like mayonnaise or spicy Ranch dressing.
2. Burrito with beans
The burrito that melts in your mouth is also more nutritious than you might realize. If it contains beans, your meal will provide 86.8 milligrams of magnesium per serving. Enjoy each bite of the cheesy, spicy burritos you love. They’re one of the fast foods high in magnesium due to their ground beef and beans.
If you want to enjoy this kind of fast food but have a dairy allergy, don’t feel bad about asking for no cheese. Experts estimate that 32.2% of adults experience an allergic reaction from cross-contamination. Requesting what you need is the best way to avoid this kind of accidental situation at any restaurant.
3. Grilled chicken sandwich with bacon, lettuce and tomato
You might not think that a chicken sandwich would be among magnesium-rich foods, but the healthy alternative to a burger is among the top three. If you add cheese and mayonnaise, you’ll enjoy 85.8 milligrams of magnesium with your delicious meal. This kind of sandwich is available at leading fast food restaurants like McDonalds, Wendy’s and more, so you likely won’t be far from this nutritious meal while you’re driving around town.
4. Crispy chicken sandwich with bacon, lettuce and cheese
Not a fan of grilled chicken sandwiches? Your preferred crispy alternatives can also help your search for magnesium-rich menu options. A crispy chicken sandwich with bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese and mayonnaise provides 84 milligrams of magnesium in a single serving. Pair it with fresh fruit or a sugar-free beverage to feel your best with health-fortifying foods on the road.
Although you can find keto sandwich options at places like Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr., you can also stick with your low-carb diet by ordering this sandwich without the bun. You’ll still get the magnesium you need because it comes from the chicken.
5. Nachos with ground beef, cheese and tomatoes
Nachos are some of the most legendary fast food options available around the world. They’re also among the fast foods high in magnesium. Order a serving and enjoy every salty, savory bite. Your meal will add 73.3 milligrams of magnesium to your daily diet. Just remember to get some extra napkins on the side so your mouth-watering cheesy toppings don’t make a mess on the steering wheel.
6. Double hamburger with veggies and mayonnaise
Your plans keep you busy all day, so your fast food meals need to satiate you for hours on end. A double hamburger might be the most delicious way to get enough protein to stay satisfied, but it’s also a helpful tool to increase your magnesium intake. A single double-burger will give you 67.3 milligrams of magnesium due to the high magnesium content in ground beef. Top it with your favorite vegetables and mayonnaise to deepen your flavor profile while achieving this magnesium content.
Improve your diet away from home
Stopping by a fast-food restaurant doesn’t have to derail your diet if you’re trying to get more nutrients in each meal. Order some of these magnesium-rich foods when you’re hungry away from home. They’ll satisfy your hunger, give you the most magnesium possible in your serving and remain readily available at your usual chain restaurant brands.