Going to the Sonic drive-thru is always a special experience. Whether you order the chain’s signature pickle fries, Southwest crunchy cheese wrap, Sonic Smasher, Buffalo chicken dip bites, or refreshing rainbow slushie, you know you’re in for a treat. However, when you’re trying to slim down, you may want to put your favorite fast food joints on the back burner. The good news is that you can still indulge in healthier menu options at places like Sonic while still sticking to your diet. Get excited, because we’ve got the best Sonic order for weight loss.
“Short on time and need a quick snack? Or maybe you’re just looking to satisfy a craving without overindulging. Sonic has a few menu items that can help you stay on track with your nutrition goals, as long as you know how to order correctly,” explains Sarah Keathley, MSc, RD, LDfrom Top Nutrition Coaching.
Keathley shares some of the best Sonic orders for weight loss and her top healthier ordering tips to keep in mind the next time you head to Sonic.
Three-Piece Chicken Tender with Ched ‘R’ Bites is a great choice for weight loss
Nutrition (per order):
Calories: 565
Fat: 39 g (saturated fat: 9 g)
Sodium: 1,135 mg
Crabs: 79 g (Fiber: 4 g, Sugar: 98 g)
Protein: 35 g
Keathley’s top recommended Sonic order is the three-piece chicken with small Ched “R” Bites and a large diet cherry limeade. At just 565 calories, you’ll get 35 grams of protein and deliciousness in your order. Plus, the small size is key when ordering items like the Ched “R” Bites.
“When choosing to order fast food, we should always focus on portion size and protein,” Keathley emphasizes. “Ordering smaller portions can be a key to successful weight loss. An oversized portion can make it very difficult to stop eating, even when our body is telling us it’s full. Ordering a smaller portion early on can save us extra calories and take the guesswork out of when to stop eating.”
If you’re not a big fan of chicken tenders, Keathley recommends a few other Sonic orders for dieters.
Option 2
- Sonic Jr. Cheeseburger
- Small pickle fries
- Coca Zero large format
Option 3
- Little giant popcorn chicken
- Groovy little fries
- Large Diet Coca-Cola with added blackberries, no sugar
What makes all of these options great choices is their protein content, an essential macronutrient for your body.[Protein] “Fast meals help us feel fuller longer, provide better blood sugar control, aid in weight management and build muscle,” says Keathley. “Your goal should be to hit double-digit protein levels in your order, even when ordering fast food.”
General tips for ordering healthier foods at Sonic:
- Pay attention to portion sizes. Practice mindful eating habits and stop eating when you feel full. “Pause between bites,” Keathley recommends. “Always order water (even if you have another drink on the side) and sip frequently. Take time to enjoy the food, savor it, and soak in the experience.”
- Keep in mind your calorie budget and your favorite foods. “No matter what you decide to do with your favorite food, the key is to choose something that you care about,” says Keathley. “If you really want a loaded cheeseburger, then forget about the large fries!”
- Limit dressings and sauces. Dressings and sauces are typically high in calories, so ask for them on the side. “That doesn’t mean you have to avoid them altogether,” Keathley stresses. “Instead, dip your fork in your favorite sauce before you bite in, or try to use a minimal amount on your food, which will help you get a delicious taste, but you can then control the amount.”
- Choose your drinks carefully. Sonic has some pretty cool drinks, but keep in mind that the sugar and calories can add up quickly. “If you’re going to opt for high-calorie drinks, opt for low-calorie or no-calorie drinks with minimal fillers and smaller serving sizes,” Keathley recommends.
- Plan ahead. Sonic makes it easy for customers to plan ahead, so take advantage of its online menu. “Go in knowing what your options are,” Keathley says. “It gives you a big picture of your day, how you want to prioritize your meals when you eat out, and what your options are at Sonic when you decide to go.”
Alexa Mellardo
Alexa is the Associate Editor of Mind + Body at Eat This, Not That!, overseeing the M+B channel and providing readers with engaging topics on fitness, wellness, and self-care. Learn more about Alexa
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