Healthy Fast Food?

The words "fast food" typically conjure images of greasy fries, overdone (or underdone) hamburgers, and wilted lettuce. Many fast food chains are trying to transform their public image by including healthy options on their menus or by completely overhauling their menus and ingredients. A recent survey done by Health evaluated the nation's 100 largest fast-food chains based on the use of healthy fats and preparations, healthy sodium counts in entrées, availability of nutritional information, and the use of organic produce. Based on those results, Health's experts, including dietitians and nutritionists, ranked the top ten fast-food restaurants.Some of these restaurants aren't available in our area, but they're places to keep in mind when traveling. If your traveling companions are picky eaters, have no fears. Many of these restaurants offer items ranging from nutritious soups and healthy salads to fresh whole grains and sensible desserts. In addition, many of them feature Mexican, Asian, American, and Mediterranean menus.

1. Panera Bread: A bakery-café-style establishment, this restaurant offers variety in breads and sides (how about an apple rather than baked chips?). The eatery also allows customers to control portion sizes through half-sized soups, salads, and sandwiches. The establishment also provides fare that children of all ages enjoy, including organic yogurt, PB&J (all-natural peanut butter), and grilled organic cheese on white, whole-grain bread.
2. Jason's Deli: Jason's Deli came in second because of the emphasis on organic food and innovative menu items. Approximately one-fifth of all the restaurant's ingredients are organic. The restaurant also provides smaller portion sizes and nutritional information.
3. Au Bon Pain: This restaurant features well-proportioned portions. In fact, many of the appetizers are 200 calories or less. The restaurant also provides on-site nutritional information via computer kiosks.
4. Noodles and Company: Noodles and Company puts a new spin on Asian, Mediterranean, and American cuisine. Customers choose from these three categories then choose from four noodle bowl options. Customers can also add lean proteins, such as chicken, beef, shrimp, and organic tofu, to their bowls. The establishment only uses soybean oil in sautéing, which decreases the grease. In addition, the restaurant allows customers to choose smaller portion sizes.
5. Corner Bakery Café: This establishment features an amazing breakfast menu, including Swiss oatmeal, a chilled European breakfast, and scrambled eggs (the Farmer's Scrambler is only 260 calories when ordered with egg whites). The restaurant also offers healthy salads, sandwiches, and soups as well as portion-controlled combinations. Unfortunately, nutritional information is not available on-site.
6. Chipotle: Chipotle gives consumers control over their food choices through its buffet-style setup. Chipotle has a commitment to providing organics, hormone- and antibiotic-free meats, and produce sourced from local suppliers. Many of the entrées are low-sodium.
7. Atlanta Bread: This bakery-style establishment features "skinny" muffins and whole-grain breads. Every sandwich is made fresh and to order. The restaurant also offers healthy soups, salads, and sides.
8. McDonald's: McDonald's has been largely successful in revamping its image from completely unhealthy to somewhat healthy. Happy Meals can now be ordered with a side of apple dippers and low-fat milk or juice. McDonald's fries are some of the healthiest; they are fried in a canola-blend oil, and, in the small size, they only are 230 calories. McDonald's also features some healthier sandwiches, wraps, and salads. In addition, McDonald's is very conscientious in their provision of nutritional information.
9. Einstein Bros. Bagels: Bagels usually are calorie-laden, especially after adding cream cheese or butter. Einstein Bros. features healthier condiments, including reduced-fat shmears, hummus, and peanut butter, allowing consumers to add flavor and healthy fats without overextending their calories for the day. Einstein Bros. also features a fun kids' menu; kids can order the "bagel dog" and a fruit salad side.
10. Taco del Mar: This restaurant features a Baja-style cuisine and most of its menu items are made with fish rather than beef or chicken. Taco del Mar also provides many whole-grain options. Finally, the restaurant has barred lard from its beans and bakes its fish and taco shells.

Many of these restaurants aren't in the El Paso area, but that doesn't mean that healthy options are unavailable. With some research, you can find healthy-eating establishments, such as Crave, which offers a scrambler made with egg whites and served with a side of fresh berries. What healthy restaurants have you found in the area to frequent?

Source: Health