What are the Healthiest Fast Food Options Out There?

Time is a commodity fewer and fewer people have these days. In addition to that, many of us are forced to spend many hours per day on the road, in our cars. As a result we have less time to take care of us and our dear ones. Nutrition has and always will be a major factor in a person’s health. But being on the run most of the time, deters us from eating proper healthy food, thus we often eat junk food. Nevertheless, we wondered what are the healthiest fast food options out there and decided to share our results.

The results were chosen on a few criteria. First of all, we looked after healthy dishes that are being sold in fast food restaurant. Afterwards, we looked into the ingredients used to prepare these dishes. In the end, we believe the results will both amaze as well as please many people, we know we were.

1. Taco Del Mar

Everybody wishes to remain fit and look good after they reach 50. A decisive factor in looking good in senior years is nutrition. A good diet involving fish, vegetables and fruits is a rejuvenating instrument. And here comes Taco Del Mar. What impressed us most is the straying from the traditional part in this fast food chain. They replaced beef and chicken with fresh ingredients and fish. Of course, most of their restaurants still comercialize chicken burrito, but as opposed to other chains, their chicken burrito only has 320 calories. In addition, they also sell whole wheat tortillas as an alternative for burritos. Another aspect we love is the fact that they bake fish and taco shells instead of frying them, thus allowing these dishes to maintain their nutritional value. The frying process drains nutrients out of the respective dish.

2. Panera Bread

The next entry in our list surprised us with its variety. Panera Bread has a wide and diverse menu. Ranging from half size soups, sandwiches with whole wheat grain bread, salads and even baked chips, there is something for everyone. Even kids can choose from yogurts, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches or grilled cheese sandwiches and even fruits. The fact that the restaurant chain has over 1,230 locations comes as no surprise, as its popularity is ever more growing. Another thing that we like is the fact that products such the chicken is hormon free, which in all honesty is a rarity for many fast food chains.

3. Noodles and Company

Another fast food chain that has specialized in organic, hormone free products is Noodles and Company. Some of its dishes contain as less as 250 calories, which is a rarity for a noodle bowl with beef. We also like the fact that the restaurant has three main styles of dishes from which people can choose from, and each style can be further personalized. You basically choose what to eat, instead of ordering from a pre-ordaned menu. As a result, the fast food chain has the Asian, Mediteranean and American styles that are absolutely amazing.

4. Atlanta Bread

Ever dreamed of a muffin with let’s say only 200 calories? Well now it’s possible at Atlanta Bread. They are not only specialized in low calorie muffins, but also offer whole grain bread, soups, salads and a variety of sandwiches including paninis. Their side dishes mainly consist of corn salads and fire roasted black beans. So if you are watching for your waist we truly recommend this restaurant.

5. Jasons Deli

Wish to truly eat healthy at a fast food joint? Then try Jasons Deli. With one fifth organic ingredients, this fast food chain is specialized in healthy sandwiches and salads. Some of its most famous ingredients are whole wheat wraps, blue corn tortilla chips, greens and spinach.

6. Chipotle

Chipotle is an amazing fast food chains for its commitment to use organic, hormone and antibiotic free ingredients. Another amazing aspect is that it uses ingredients from local suplier, which is a pretty difficult task considering it has more than 800 locations. Furthermore, it allows customers to create their own burritos, tacos or salads. As a result many of its entrees are low in sodium and customers are free to eat their own creations. This is truly one of the healthiest fast food chains out there.

7. Corner Bakery Cafe

One of the healthiest fast food chains due to their unique breakfast menu, the Corner Bakery Cafe has a highly specialized and diverse list of dishes. Some breakfast dishes contain as less as 260 calories. In addition to breakfast dishes they also serve, sandwiches, salad and soups. Their favourite ingredients are whole grains, lean meats, vegetables, low fat yogurt, fruits and skim milk. Too bad it only has 111 locations.

8. Einstein Bros. Bagels

Einstein Bros. Bagels has employed an interesting trick that makes it one of the healthiest fast food chains. Even tough bagels contain many carbs, their hummus, peanut butter or low fat shmears do not however.  Fibers are really important in a breakfast and as a result they offer bagels containing 4 grams of fibers. In addition to their specialties, the fast food chain also offers salads and fruit salads.

So there you have it, a list of some of the healthiest fast food chains around. When having to maintain a diet, or just trying to eat healthy there are many aspects that must be taken into consideration. For starters, most of us eat relatively healthy, yet we use many condiments in our dishes. Condiments are a great source of fats and calories. Take into consideration mayonnaise or oil based sauces.

Of course side dishes also can be high in fats and calories. So try to replace French fries and onion rings with salads that are not soaked in dressings. Dressings are also sources of salts, sugars, sodium, fats and calories. Another thing most of us fail to realize is that sodas are bassicaly liquid sugar. As a result we intake drinks without nutrients that do not even quench our thirst and instead aggravates it.

Eating healthy, especially in our day and age, is no easy thing. Yet there are plenty of alternatives. Thank you for reading our article on “What are the Healthiest Fast Food Options Out There?” and feel free to let us know if we failed to mention a healthy fast food chain, in the comment section below.

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