by Betty Carew

Created on: June 09, 2009   Last Updated: June 22, 2009

When we step into a fast food restaurant for lunch we don't have to indulge in the usual greasy burgers and fries or the over sized soda that we usually order. Today we have alternatives and they come in the form of soups, salads, and juices. A survey was carried out on one hundred of America's fast food restaurants and they were looking for the healthiest fast food restaurant chains. The results were surprising to say the least and prove that we do have alternatives which people have been demanding for quite some time.

The surveyors were looking for fast food restaurants that had alternatives to burgers and fries and were delightfully surprised that there were many restaurants that made healthy eating a priority. Here is the list that resulted from the survey and the alternatives that they offered.

Panera Bread

Panera bread came in as number one of the top ten. This bakery caf styled eatery stunned everyone as the statics came in. Their menu was comprehensive with healthy choices for every meal that was served. Their portions fit into the lifestyle of those that eat with health in mind and were served with half portions of soups, salads and sandwiches. This in itself help people to not over eat at a meal but it didn't stop there they served chicken that is free of anti-biotic and hormones, which is very hard to find these days. Consumers are trying things such as Turkey Artichoke on focaccia bread complimenting their black bean or garden vegetable soup. There are calories in some of their foods such as their sticky buns and cheese Danish so you have to beware but on the whole their meals are the healthiest and they taste delicious. Their kid's meals are just as tasty and healthy which really pushed Pandera into the number one spot.

Jason's deli

Coming in second is Jason's Deli. Jason's Deli has only 206 locations which can be found in the West, Midwest, Mid-Atlantic and the South but it is packed with healthy things to eat. This deli is committed to organic food which approximately one-fifth is used in their meals. You can choose from blue-corn tortilla chips and whole wheat wraps of green spinach and greens. On the menu you will find ultra healthy sandwiches and the menu also includes the nutritional information to make your choices easier. There is a draw back with this deli as you have to be very aware of the high sodium counts on some sandwiches but with the nutritional information it should be easy to avoid those.

Au Bon Pain

Au Bon Pain has 280

• 1
• 2
• 3
• Next Page >>