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The best sonic sequence for weight loss

The best sonic sequence for weight loss

A visit to Sonic’s drive-thru is always a special experience. Whether you order the chain’s pickle fries, Southwest Crunch queso wrap, “Sonic Smasher,” buffalo chicken dip bites, or refreshing rainbow slush, you know you’re in for a delicious treat. But if you’re looking to lose weight, you may be putting your favorite fast-food restaurants on the back burner. The good news is that you can still indulge in the healthier menu options at places like Sonic while sticking to your diet. Rejoice, because we’ve got the best Sonic order for weight loss.

“Are you short on time and need a quick bite to eat? Or maybe you just want to satisfy your cravings without overeating. Sonic has a few menu items that can help you stick to your nutritional goals, as long as you know how to order properly,” explains Sarah Keathley, MS, RD, LDfrom Top Nutrition Coaching.

Keathley reveals some of the best Sonic orders for weight loss and shares her top tips for healthier orders to keep in mind on your next visit to Sonic.

The three-piece chicken tender with small Ched ‘R’ bites is a great choice for weight loss

Sonic Crispy Chicken FilletsSonic Crispy Chicken Fillets
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Nutrition (per order):
Calories: 565
Fat: 39 g (saturated fatty acids: 9 g)
sodium: 1,135 mg
Carbohydrates: 79 g (fiber: 4 g, sugar: 98 g)
protein: 35g

Keathley’s first recommendation for Sonic is the Three-Piece Chicken Tenders with small Ched “R” Bites and a large Diet Cherry Limeade. At just 565 calories, you’ll get an impressive 35 grams of protein and deliciousness in your order. Plus, the small size is crucial when ordering items like the Ched “R” Bites.

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“When ordering at a fast food restaurant, we should still focus on portion size and protein,” Keathley emphasizes. “Ordering smaller portions can be a key factor in weight loss success. An oversized portion can make it really hard to stop eating, even when our body tells us it’s full. By ordering a small portion from the start, we can save extra calories and stop having to think about when to stop eating.”

If you’re not a big fan of chicken tenders, there are a few other Sonic dishes that Keathley recommends for dieters.

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Option 2

  • Sonic Jr. Cheeseburger
  • Small gherkin
  • Large Coca-Cola Zero

Option 3

  • Small Jumbo Popcorn Chicken
  • Small groovy fries
  • Large Diet Coke with sugar-free blackberry add-in

What makes all of these options great choices is their protein content, an excellent macronutrient for your body. “(Protein) helps us feel fuller longer, provides better blood sugar control, helps with weight management and builds muscle mass,” explains Keathley. “You should try to standardize on double-digit amounts of protein in your order, even if you’re ordering fast food.”

The best and worst Sonic drink orders – sorted by nutritional value

General tips for ordering healthier at Sonic:

Sonic storefront on striped blue backgroundSonic storefront on striped blue background
Photo: Jonathan Weiss / Shutterstock. Design: Eat this, not that!
  1. Pay attention to portion sizes. Practice mindful eating habits and stop eating when you feel full. “Pause between bites,” recommends Keathley. “Always order water (even if you have another drink next to it) and sip frequently. Take time to enjoy the food, savor it, and take in the full experience.”
  2. Keep an eye on your calorie budget and your favorite foods. “No matter what you make a priority, the key is to choose what means the most to you,” says Keathley. “If you really want a fully loaded cheeseburger, skip the large fries!”
  3. Limit dressings and sauces. Dressings and sauces are usually high in calories, so ask to order them separately. “That doesn’t mean you have to avoid them altogether,” Keathley stresses. “Instead, dip your fork in your favorite sauce before you take a bite, or try to put only a minimal amount of it on your food. That way you still get the delicious flavor but can control the amount.”
  4. Choose drinks carefully. Sonic has some pretty great drinks on offer, but keep in mind that sugar and calories can add up quickly. “Stick to low- or no-calorie drinks with minimal additives and smaller serving sizes when opting for high-calorie options,” recommends Keathley.
  5. Plan ahead. Sonic makes it easy for guests to plan ahead, so use the online menu. “Go in and be informed of your options,” Keathley emphasizes. “This will help you get a picture of your entire day, how you want to prioritize your meals if you’re eating out, and what options you might have at Sonic if you decide to go in.”

Alexa Mellardo

Alexa is the Deputy Editor of Eat This, Not That! at Mind + Body. She oversees the M+B channel and provides readers with exciting topics on fitness, wellness and self-care. Read more about Alexa

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