I'm going on a road trip this weekend. There will be 10 other people coming along, and one thing I know for sure is that it will be unavoidable that I'll have to go for fast food at some point.

Now, I absolutely HATE fast food. I've been avoiding it like the plague since I decided it was time to get healthier. That being said, there's not going to be a lot of options (especially on the drive down, which is an 8 hour car ride), so I'm probably going to have to bite the bullet and eat wherever we stop. Most likely McDonalds, Burger King, Taco Bell etc...

Is there ANY way that I can make this not totally, disgustingly counter-productive for my diet? Do they have any health options?

When I am forced to do that, I will order a hamburger and not eat the bun, I ask for a fork or bring one along and eat it that way. Most fast food restaurants offer salads, do not put dressing on the salad, I dip my fork in the dressing and then the salad, that cuts down on calories. If you are near a store get some non fat yogurt or fresh fruit. You could take along some protein bars .
By the way fast food restaurants will not think you are weird if you don't want the bun, people who do not eat grains do it all the time.

Is it possible to bring along a cooler with some healthier snacks for yourself (and others if they want)? That way when you do stop to eat you wont be as hungry and can eat less of the junk?

Just look up the nutrition info for these restaurants and find the lower calorie options. Taco bell has the drive thru diet which has some lower calorie, lower fat options. I usually eat the southwest salad at mcdonald's with a little of the southwest dressing. Subway is another good option, too. I also find, at least in my area, that convenience stores are starting to offer more options for fruit and salad, some yogurt and occasionally protein shakes.

There are pretty healthy options at fast food joints. Look up the nutritional info for various fast food places and have one or two go-to meals for each one.

My current go-to favorite is the Berry Almond Chicken Salad at Wendy's, sans dressing

I think most if not all fast food places offer healthy menu options so as long as you stick with those options and stay away from the soda (my problem), you should be good! Good Luck

I was thinking the same, including picking up items along the way to make your own wraps and other meals. Even convenience stores now carry a lot of grocery items, albeit pricey. I'm the same way and will eat from our local fast food chain, Dick's only once a year if that.

That's a good idea, though I'm not sure if I'd be able to fit a cooler in the car (since we're sorta "clown-car"ing it)

I've never had a salad from a fast food restaurant. I'll have to try that!

I'd bring snacks and a meal that you made yourself. I'm not sure what you eat, but I often go on day trips with friends and have packed everything from a natural peanut butter sandwich on whole grain bread to quinoa pilaf for my meal, and I always pack water is my SS bottles so I am not tempted to buy a soda or iced tea. They make these little soft-sided coolers that are basically designed as a lunch box- they have that aluminum lining that reflects heat or cold back and I always toss my lunch in one of those with a gel cold pack from the freezer and it keeps it cold for hours. When you're done with the cooler, you just roll it up.

Chick-fil-a has some really great low calorie options. I eat there a lot.

My DH is big on fast food, i simply have it with out the bun, my favorite is jack n the box's double cheese burger, its basically meat, cheese, mustard and ketchup. I LOVE IT!!! but i know that McDonalds does it and burger king does it too, if you do eat carbs and looking for something subway is a good option, i usually just eat the meat lettuce cheese and mayo