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 locations nationwide and comes in as number three on the health list of fast foods. This restaurant pioneered in healthy fast foods and answered the cry of the consumer when it was needed. They serve soup, sandwiches, salads, hot whole grain entrees, veggies, and hormone free antibiotic free chicken. Fourteen of their menu items are nutritionally small portions and less than 200 calories. A wonderful twist in this fast food restaurant is that nutritional information is given right in the restaurant so you know what you're eating before you even order. Their Jamaican Black Bean soup and Fire Roasted Exotic Grains and vegetables can't be beat and are proving very popular. Again you have to watch for high sodium content before you order.
Noodles and Company
Noodles and Company came in fourth place with 204 locations in the West, Midwest, Mid- Atlantic and South. This restaurant goes beyond Asian by cutting out the grease and using healthy soybean oil in their sauting. Hormone and antibiotic free chicken is used as well as beef and shrimp. Their portions are within healthy limits and they use organic tofu. The danger zones in this restaurant are the desserts.
Corner Bakery Caf
Coming in at number five is the corner Bakery Caf with 111 locations in the West, Midwest, mid-Atlantic and South. This restaurant gets into the top ten by the healthy breakfast they serve. This is just one of the fantastic choices you'll find at this restaurant. It also offers healthy soups, sandwiches, salads. Their soups are made with whole grains, lean meats and vegetables as well as other healthy ingredients. They also have controlled portion sizes which makes keeping the calories low very easy. The drawback here is you have to visit their web site to get the nutritional facts of their food.
Chipotle
Chipotle comes in sixth with 800 locations nationwide. In this restaurant you have complete control over every calorie in every bite you eat. Your burrito, taco or salad can be built by you with local fresh ingredients. This restaurant is dedicated to organic products. They use antibiotic and hormone free chicken and meats. In this restaurant there is a warning for the calorie wise and that is to go easy on the cheese and sour cream.
Atlanta Bread
With 106 locations in twenty four of our states this bakery is innovative in its whole grain bread, fresh sandwiches and hearty soup and salads. It earned high marks for great side dishes too which includes Fire-roasted black beans and corn salads. There is a slight drawback and that lays with the pasta entrees that are offered with bread which adds up to quite a few carbs but over all this restaurant is going in the right direction.
McDonalds
Yes, McDonalds took eighth place! McDonalds is worldwide and is one of the leaders of fast food restaurants. It seems their changes in the last few years have served them well such as the happy meal which now has low-fat milk instead of soda, apple dippers with low fat caramel instead of fries and if your choice is fries they are cooked in granola oil and come under the calorie line at 230 calories. Their grilled chicken and wraps are healthier choices these days and you will find all the nutritional values of the food listed on the back of the tray liners. Even if McDonalds made the list we all know that the choice of foods are up to us but it is nice to know that we do have some options.
Einstein's Brothers Bagels number nine is Einstein Bros. Bagels with 649 locations nationwide. It is no secret that bagels are a high carb food but with cream cheese or butter on them you can kiss your diet goodbye. Einstein offers healthier choices for the toppings such as hummus and peanut butter which are better alternatives. The bagels they serve are good grains which have a total of 4 grams of fiber and their salads can be ordered in half sizes. The thing to watch out for here is stuffing your sandwiches which can turn into a calorie wise disaster.
Taco Del Mar
Last but not least Taco Del Mar comes in at number ten with 270 locations in 22 of the states. Their secret is in whole grains. The whole wheat tortillas are an alternative in their burritos. This restaurant got high marks for its 320 calorie chicken burrito. They have also banned lard from its beans and bake their fish and taco shells instead of frying them. The drawback here is their Mondo Breakfast Burrito which packs a whopping 1000 calories or more.
So there you have it but the choices are still ours to make and with the epidemic obesity that is hitting our nation it is obvious what the decision should be. It is really good to know that these restaurants are taking steps in the right direction to give us the options we need towards a healthy lifestyle. When we are informed of the healthiest fast food restaurant chains then it's all up to us which one to choose and what food is best for us and our children.