Health Magazine recently released a list of who they think the healthiest fast food restaurants are. This is a very handy list, because at some points in our adult lives, we need to eat, quickly, and usually on a road trip. The article can be found here, at Health Magazine’s website. (Vote in my poll below!)
Health Magazine reporters found that many more fast food chains are trying to better their menu, by offering whole grains and healthy salads likened to food that we would prepare ourselves at home. The panel of experts who rated the fast food joints is listed on this website. The panel is made up of dietitians, nutritionists, and doctors.
The panel rated the following factors:
- use of healthy fats and preparations
- healthy sodium counts in entrees
- availability of nutritional information
- the use of organic produce
I was pleasantly surprised to see Panera Bread top the list. As a college student, I am almost predestined to eat unhealthily. But when offered the chance to stop at Panera Bread instead of a local pizza joint, I am filled with glee. They offer tons of options, including a “You Pick Two” of either soup, salad, or sandwich. This helps customers control portion sizing. Normally at other restaurants, one would have to get an entire sandwich and salad to enjoy the tastes of both. However, at Panera I can order two of my favorites (“Half of a Sierra Turkey and Greek Salad, please!”) and not feel like a cow afterward. In addition, everything I have tried at Panera is super tasty. The french onion soup is to die for! (One problem: last year, my father experienced a bowl of Chicken Noodle soup…without noodles.) BUYER BEWARE… of carbs: bread comes with the soup as a default sometimes, but you can always exchange it for an apple if you want. There is also a wide selection of desserts.
Other winners:
2. Jason’s Deli
3. Au Bon Pain
4. Noodles & Company
5. Corner Bakery Cafe
6. Chipolte
7. Atlanta Bread
8. McDonald’s
9. Einstein Bro’s Bagels
10. Taco Del Mar
