Top 10 Healthiest Fast Food Restaurants

Because many of us are so time deprived, we don't always have time to shop, cook and consume a healthy meal.  Fast food fare has become a viable option because it is convenient, affordable and stimulates our taste buds.  Unfortunately, a lot of these eat and run dining experiences are not always the healthiest choice.  If you are always on the go, please take advantage of my top 10 list of the healthiest fast food restaurants.

After surveying the nation's 100 largest fast-food chains, the staff at Health Magazine scored the chains on such factors as the use of healthy fats and preparations, healthy sodium counts in entrées, availability of nutritional information and the use of organic produce to determine the 10 highest-ranking healthy restaurants.

Each year Health Magazine rates the top healthiest restaurants in the US.  I have analyzed their list, added my comments and made a few menu recommendations.

#1 Panera Bread - Over 1,230 locations nationwide and in Canada

For starters, you can visit their website and choose any menu time to determine the nutritional information.  If you choose to substitute ingredients, the site recalculates the nutrition value.  You always know exactly what you are eating!

You can choose between two whole-grain breads for your sandwich and have healthy sides such as a fruit cup, apple, baked chips and soup.  If you are trying to exercise portion control, you can choose your soups, salads, and sandwiches in a half sized version. In the area of sustainability, they get kudos for using chicken that is antibiotic and hormone free.

My favorites:

    * Breakfast Power Sandwich 360 calories
    * Strawberry Granola Parfait 280 calories
    * Fuji Apple Chicken Salad 520 calories
    * Mediterranean Salmon Salad 480 calories
    * Low Fat Chicken Noodle, Garden Vegetable and Black Bean Soups 110 calories

#2 Jason's Deli - 206 locations in the West, Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, South

Jason's Deli may not be as popular as Subway, but it gets high sustainability marks because approximately 20% of their ingredients are organic.  They use creative ingredients such as organic field greens, grapes, chicken breast, feta cheese, walnuts, dried cranberries, pumpkinseeds, raisins, and organic apples to create wonderful menu items like the Nutty Mixed Up Salad.  However the latter salad is 917 calories and their Chicken Caesar is 1300 plus calories.  Just because it is a salad, doesn't mean it is all good.

My Favorites:

    * Choose items from their Real Choices category - Most are around 500 calories
    * Fresh Fruit Plate with Creamy Liqueur Dip - 387 Calories
    * Big Chef Salad - 550 Calories
    * Turkey Reuben - 510 Calories
    * Mediterranean Wrap - 306 Calories

#3 Au Bon Pain - 280 locations nationwide

They are definitely an innovator in healthy fast food category.  On-site via a computer kiosk, they provide nutritional information about all of their menu items.  Their menu includes sandwiches, soups, salads, and hot entrées made with whole grains, veggies and hormone-free chicken.  There is even a small plate menu with most items coming in under 200 calories.  These menu items range from apples, blue cheese, and cranberries to salads like chickpea and tomato.

My Favorites:

    * Bacon Bagel Sandwich 340 Calories
    * Spicy Tuna Sandwich 470 Calories
    * Portabella and Goat Cheese Sandwich 550 Calories

#4 Noodles and Company - 204 locations in West, Midwest, South

The three different cuisine options are Asian, Mediterranean or American.  There are four noodle bowl options and the protein choices include hormone and antibiotic-free chicken, beef, shrimp, and organic tofu.  Their menu offers a plethora of options less than 400 calories and even illustrates how to add ingredients to keep the dishes low calorie.

My Favorites:

    * The Mediterranean Salad 490 Calories
    * Bangkok Noodles 310 Calories
    * Chinese Salad 310 Calories

#5 Corner Bakery Cafe - 111 locations in West, Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, South

For a fast casual restaurant, Corner Bakery surprisingly has a great variety of low calorie options.  Their 260 calories Farmer's Scrambler includes eggs scrambled with red and green bell peppers, red onion, mushrooms, potatoes, and Cheddar cheese. If you are not a big fan of oats, the Swiss oatmeal made with rolled oats, green apples, bananas, currants, dried cranberries, low-fat yogurt, and skim milk are sure to change your mind.

My Favorites:

    * Loaded Oatmeal with Toppings 340 Calories
    * All American Scrambler 350 Calories
    * Big Al's Chili 380 Calories
    * Mom's Turkey on Harvest 390 Calories

#6 Chipotle - 800+ locations nationwide

At Chipotle, every customer has complete control over her burrito, taco, or salad.  The chain received accolades for its commitment to organics, hormone and antibiotic-free meats and produce sourced from local suppliers.

My Favorites:

    * Barbacoa  170 Calories
    * Cilantro Lime Rice 130 Calories
    * Green Tomatillo Salsa 20 Calories

#7 Atlanta Bread - 106 locations in 24 states (Southeast, West, and North)

This chain is known for its skinny muffins, which are half the size of regular muffins.  Their muffins range from 200 to 410 calories compared with 320 to 640 calories for regular-size muffins.  The menu also features whole-grain bread, fresh sandwiches, and hearty, healthy soups and salads.

My Favorites:

    * Low Fat Pumpkin Muffin 200 Calories
    * Chicken Waldorf Sandwich 450 Calories
    * Frontier Chicken Chili 290 Calories
    * BBQ Chicken Pizza 320 Calories

#8 McDonald's - 14,000 locations nationwide

McDonald's has been criticized over the years because many feel that they have contributed to the obesity epidemic.  If you take a closer look at the menu, the famous hamburger chain has taken a leadership position to offer more heart healthy fare. From offering apple dippers instead of fries in the happy meal or fruit juice instead of soda, there are now many options to select low calorie options.

If you in the mood for something other than a burger, the Grilled Chicken Classic sandwich and wraps are healthy choices. At just 270 calories, the Snack Wraps with grilled chicken provide a tasty meal without a lot of unwanted carbs.

My Favorites:

    * Small Fry 230 Calories
    * Premium Southwest Salad with Grilled Chicken 320 Calories plus 100 for Dressing
    * Egg McMuffin 300 Calories
    * Fruit N' Yogurt Parfait 160 Calories

#9 Einstein Bros. Bagels - 649 locations nationwide

Most people stay away from high calorie bagels, but Einstein Bros. is trying to change people's perception.  Einstein Bros. offers healthier alternatives like reduced-fat spreads, hummus and a Good Grains bagel that has an impressive 4 grams of fiber.

My Favorites:

    * Deli Tuna Salad Sandwich 440 Calories
    * Seafood Minestrone 130 Calories

#10 Taco Del Mar - 270 locations in 22 states

Baja-style Mexican cuisine never tasted so good because Taco Del Mar uses fresh ingredients and offers alternatives to beef and chicken such as fish.  Taco Del Mar bakes its fish and taco shells instead of frying them.  If you want a burrito with less carbs, you can always choose the wheat tortilla wrap with your burrito.

My Favorites:

    * Breakfast Taco, flour tortilla 260 calories
    * Mondito Burrito, chicken, black beans 480 calories
    * Soft Taco, fish 270 calories

Posted in Healthiest Fast Food Restaurants