Budget-conscious fast food substitutes

A good test is to wait 20 minutes after eating your first serving to see if you're still hungry for more says UC Davis Health System. Remember you are what you overeat. Eating fast food the healthy way is only good in moderation.

Remember to stay alert, choose wisely and customize what you consume and digest in your body. Under the Food and Drug Administration's FDA Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Affordable Care Act chain restaurants and similar retail food establishments must show nutrition labeling of standard food items.

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It causes about 21, lung cancer deaths in the U. every year, according to U. Environmental Protection Agency EPA estimates. Donahue and Roberts planned to open at least a thousand restaurants.

But they soon ran up against an insurmountable obstacle: the American agricultural system, which is set up to distribute many calories at a low cost.

Large chains freeze their food and often ship it from one end of the country to another. At the new chains, customers care deeply about what they put in their mouths.

But high-quality products require expensive ingredients. Lyfe Kitchen offers a grass-fed steak for twenty dollars; raising cattle on grass can take a year longer than raising livestock the conventional way, which makes the animals much more expensive to feed.

No small group, no matter how popular, can compete with their prices, particularly if it stresses the quality of its ingredients. To offer those choices on a national scale will require an agricultural system that rewards regional farming networks. Today, though, taxpayers heavily subsidize corn and soybeans, two crops that feed livestock and help create the processed food that public health officials have warned us for years to stop eating.

Few federal incentives exist for farmers to grow a more varied selection of vegetables or to motivate consumers to eat them. And at least half of our calories come from food that is subsidized by the government, a figure that has held steady for years.

The grain that feeds the cows is subsidized. The oil used to cook the fries is subsidized, and the high-fructose corn syrup used in sodas is subsidized, too. But if you walk in the next day and order a salad, a piece of fruit, and some tea you will be on your own.

Uncle Sam will not be there to help you. Marion Gross realizes that, and she is caught in the bind. We need to make that case. Tens of millions of egg-laying hens were slaughtered.

Prices soared. The decision had been expected and, clearly, it was made to appeal to the same people who have started to eat at places like Chipotle and Shake Shack.

But the effect was powerful nonetheless. Costco, which sells millions of rotisserie chickens, followed suit within days. operations by September of In the United States today, you can sell meals for a dollar or you can sell nutritious meals.

Doing both on a large scale is not possible. Besides, millions of Americans rely on the kind of cheap food they get at chain restaurants. It may not meet a nutritional ideal, but they often have no choice.

The decision was part of a much broader wellness campaign, and many people congratulated the clinic on its commitment to health. But comments poured into the newspaper, some angry, some distressed. Is the Clinic going to come up with a value meal to replace them?

The first time I ate at Lyfe Kitchen, I had a Quinoa Crunch Bowl, with avocado, arugula, and edamame hummus. Gail Taggart, one of the owners of the Chicago restaurants, suggested I taste a vegan chocolate-chip cookie. That cookie was the best hundred and fifty-six calories I consumed that week.

I had no idea you could make tasty cookies without butter or eggs. Taggart told me that for the company to prosper it has to remain nutritionally above reproach. Many of the restaurants that benefit from changing attitudes about food and health, however, fail to meet that standard.

Chipotle, with nineteen hundred locations, is the most successful of the new chains. The company has admirable goals, but, more often than not, meals from Chipotle are high in both saturated fat and calories, and often exceed the recommended daily allowance of sodium.

We take our three girls to Taco Bell and buy five tacos for the price that one of us could eat at Chipotle. Wansink has also served as the executive director of the U.

But the data rarely follow the prevailing view. Lyfe Kitchen is an enlightened business. Sweetgreen, which was started in by three Georgetown graduates, aims to be a movement, selling a set of values in addition to its food.

There are currently thirty-three Sweetgreen restaurants, and there are plans for many more. In nearly every city where the company has restaurants, it sponsors a program to educate fourth- and fifth-grade students about the basics of nutrition and the value of relying on seasonal produce.

So far, Sweetgreen in Schools has reached four thousand students, most of whom come from lower-income families. As a restaurant, Sweetgreen offers less variation than Lyfe Kitchen, but the food is nutritious and satisfying. There is no Chipotle-style assembly line, because the owners want to create a more intimate atmosphere.

I remarked that it would be hard to consider their salads, which can be seven hundred calories or more, diet fare. We want to bridge the gap between health and convenience and be the ones on a more mainstream level to do that.

We are only going to expand where it makes sense and when the resources are in place to guarantee diners a good experience. That sounds like what the owner of any such chain would say. But Ru and his partners have invested heavily in these education programs.

I dare anyone to have dinner at one of those restaurants and then choose to go back to their Big Macs. Sweetgreen has raised nearly a hundred million dollars; Danny Meyer, the restaurateur and Shake Shack founder, was an early investor.

They ran La Caravelle, a famous New York restaurant that closed in Case has been particularly eager to marry the culinary experience to technology. The founders are also savvy at cultivating cool.

Ten per cent of the profits from that salad are donated to FoodCorps, which educates children about agriculture and nutrition. When Sweetgreen enters a new territory, the team seeks out farmers before finding a landlord.

The arrangement is essential: the menu varies every few months depending on the city, the season, and the farmers. Meals at Sweetgreen usually cost between ten and twelve dollars, and a customer can be in and out in twenty minutes.

Like other fast casual chains, Sweetgreen can grow only if the farm system it relies on grows, too. In many parts of the country, that shift is already under way.

The menus of expensive restaurants increasingly feature local ingredients. Nonetheless, fatty, salty meals remain far cheaper to produce, distribute, and buy than healthier alternatives.

When I asked if they could see themselves in thousands of locations one day, the ambivalence in their eyes was obvious. We just want to make sure that this food appeals to them, whether they eat it here, at home, or at another place. All they need to do is think about it, and we have won.

By Malcolm Gladwell. Opt for the Power Menu Bowl, skipping the added cheese and sour cream. A Power Menu Bowl without chicken, added sauce, cheese, sour cream, and rice is just calories with 6 grams fat and 3 grams sugar, making it ideal for a mini meal or craving-crushing snack.

Nutrition info: calories, depending on what you add to your bowl. This pizza chain may be famous for its stuffed crust pizzas and gooey cheese sticks, but it also makes eating a lighter meal surprisingly easy with its thin crust option. And a medium-sized pie clocks in at calories per slice.

Nutrition info per slice : calories, 5 g fat 2. Nutrition info for chili: calories, 13 g fat 5. Nutrition info for baked potato: calories, 5.

in your region, one thing remains consistent: It likes its burgers tall, fatty, and gooey with cheese. The chain has a few workable options, including a Charbroiled BBQ Chicken Sandwich.

This sandwich skips the ingredients this restaurant is known for, like bacon and fried onions, and instead comes with grilled chicken, lettuce, tomato, and BBQ sauce. Nutrition info: calories, 5 g fat 1 g saturated fat , 49 g carbs 1 g fiber, 14 g sugar , mg sodium, 33 g protein.

Simple and fueling, the Wake-Up Wrap can be made to order with your choice of protein and with or without cheese. The turkey sausage option is low in calories, high in protein, with a reasonable amount of sodium. Nutrition info: calories, 15 g fat 6 g saturated fat , 15 g carbohydrates 0 g fiber, 1 g sugar , mg sodium, 11 g protein.

A 6-inch turkey sub at Subway is one of the healthiest items on the menu, if you forgo the cheese and condiments and opt for their nine-grain wheat bread. DeFazio also suggests adding some avocado for healthy fat and mustard or vinegar to boost the flavor.

Nutrition info: calories, 3. Nutrition info: calories, 9 g fat 3. More of a BK person? The Burger King classic hamburger stacks up almost identically to the McDonald's burger, nutrition-wise. It has 13 grams of protein for less than calories and contains zero trans fats.

To cut back on salt, fat, and sugar, consider skipping the fries and opting for a seltzer water instead of a soda. Nutrition info: calories, 10 g fat 4 g saturated fat , 29 g carbs 1 g fiber, 7 g sugar , mg sodium, 13 g protein.

The key to ordering healthier pizza is opting for a thin crust over anything thicker. Ask to go light on the cheese and load up on protein-rich grilled chicken and an abundance of veggies, suggests Laura Cipullo , R.

But because of the high sodium, you should drink plenty of water with your pizza.

Missing Sandwiches, salads, diced up veggies and dips like hummus, Greek yogurt based dips, peanut butter, etc. will all be helpful. String cheese and Grilled Chicken Salad: Instead of a fast-food burger, opt for a grilled chicken salad. · Homemade Veggie Wraps: · Oatmeal with Fruit: · Bean

The Healthiest Fast Food Chains In The U.S.

Budget-conscious fast food substitutes - Many fast-food restaurants offer nutritious options, including wraps, salads, and burritos. While most fast foods are based on cheap, unhealthy Missing Sandwiches, salads, diced up veggies and dips like hummus, Greek yogurt based dips, peanut butter, etc. will all be helpful. String cheese and Grilled Chicken Salad: Instead of a fast-food burger, opt for a grilled chicken salad. · Homemade Veggie Wraps: · Oatmeal with Fruit: · Bean

You can take a look at their SkinnyLicious menu here. Kentucky Fried Chicken KFC is an international fast-food restaurant known for its signature deep-fried chicken.

This franchise serves mainly unhealthy foods. However, some of their restaurants sell grilled chicken to serve their more health-conscious customers. Healthy options: grilled chicken pieces and sides like green beans or corn on the cob.

Subway is a fast-food restaurant that primarily sells build-it-yourself submarine sandwiches subs and salads.

That said, you can also skip the bread altogether and get a salad with chicken breast and plenty of fresh vegetables. Healthy options: whole-grain bread, plus plenty of vegetables.

Panera Bread is a bakery, café, and restaurant that serves baked goods, soups, salads, and sandwiches. These days, almost every fast-food restaurant offers healthy options. If not, the meals can sometimes be modified to suit your dietary preferences.

Some people prefer whole and protein-rich food, such as steak or fish, along with a side of veggies and perhaps a baked potato. But fast-food restaurants usually have vegetarian options available as well.

Just take your time to read through the menu. You will most likely find something healthy — or that can be made healthy with simple modifications. Many of the restaurants above are renowned for their wide selection of unhealthy foods.

Some fast-food restaurants also offer gluten-free options and vegetarian meals. The next time you find yourself in a rush and headed for fast food, be sure to choose a healthy option. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

Fast food is usually loaded with unhealthy ingredients, though there are exceptions. This article reviews the 18 healthiest fast foods you can eat. When visiting fast-food restaurants, it can be hard to know which, if any, options are best for your dietary needs and preferences.

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How Well Do You Sleep? Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Nutrition Evidence Based 10 Fast-Food Restaurants That Serve Healthy Foods. By Adda Bjarnadottir, MS, RDN Ice — Updated on February 14, Share on Pinterest. This order definitely " has the meat ," but it also delivers plenty of veggie goodness, big Greek-inspired flavor, and is served in a warm pita.

Per serving : calories, 29 g fat 7 g sat fat , 48 g carbs, 5 g sugar, mg sodium, 3 g fiber, 24 g protein. Get your strive-for-five servings of veggies at Au Bon Pain with this vegetarian salad. It's full of greens, peppers, kalamata olives, feta, chickpeas and other veggies to give your body the nutrition it needs.

Per serving : calories, 24 g fat 7 g sat fat , 24 g carbs, 7 g sugar, mg sodium, 8 g fiber, 12 g protein. You can even request a double portion of veggies to get a super-dose of vitamins and fiber.

Per serving : Nutrition varies by side choices. We're not going to tell you to just order a salad from Culver's —but we are going to tell you to order from the "mindful choices" portion of the menu, and get a ButterBurger "The Original" with a side salad and fresh brewed unsweetened iced tea.

You'll be satisfied and satiated with just the right amount of nutrition and fun. Per serving : calories, 19 g fat 8 g sat fat , 43 g carbs, 7 g sugar, mg sodium, 2 g fiber, 22 g protein. Sometimes, you just need ice cream!

When a sweet craving hits, go for a kid's size soft serve from Dairy Queen. It has less fat than other options, and just enough sugar to hit the spot.

Per serving : calories, 4. Denny's has all the diner breakfast staples you love, as well as some healthier picks. When eggs call your name, the loaded veggie omelet will deliver flavor, protein, and nutritious familiarity; ask for a side of fruit instead of potatoes, and order whole wheat toast. You can also sub egg whites instead of whole eggs to lower the fat content, if that's your style.

Per serving : calories, 38 g fat 12 g sat fat , 9 g carbs, 4 g sugar, 2 g fiber, mg sodium, 29 g protein. Start your day off right by ordering a Dunkin' wake-up wrap. The lightest option is just egg and cheese, but if you like a little breakfast meat in the mix, bacon is your best bet it has less saturated fat than even the turkey sausage!

Per serving : calories, 10 g fat 4 g sat fat , 14 g carbs, 1 g sugar, mg sodium, 7 g protein. This bagel sandwich from Einstein Bros gives BEC and BLT vibes all at once, and it will definitely leave you satiated and satisfied.

Fluffy egg whites, fresh tomato, crispy bacon, and avocado mash all combine on a toasty bagel boost the nutrition by choosing a whole wheat or multigrain bagel option , and consider asking them to scoop out the bagel innards to make it a little lighter. Per serving : calories, 19 g fat, 47 g carbs, 18 g protein.

Lettuce-wrapped burgers are great, but there's just something about a burger in a bun—made of bread! Order a hamburger from Five Guys , then try skipping the cheese and instead pack in flavor and nutrients by loading that baby up with all the lettuce, green peppers, grilled mushrooms, onions, and tomatoes your heart desires — they're all free, and a yummy way to get your veggies!

Per serving : calories, 26 g fat 11 g sat fat , 39 g carbs, 8 g sugar, 2 g fiber, mg sodium, 25 g protein. When it comes to getting the most bang for your nutrient buck, it's all about the veggies—and pizza is the perfect excuse to gobble some up.

This is one of Papa John's meatless pies, and it's already topped with peppers, onions, mushrooms, tomatoes, and olives, but you can feel free to add even more goodness by tacking on extra spinach or hot peppers.

You can have it made on their thin crust to lighten the load a little more but OG crust is just fine in our book! Per serving : calories, 6 g fat 3 g sat fat , 26 g carbs, 4 g sugar, 1 g fiber, mg sodium, 7 g protein.

This Jack in the Box pick is basically a handheld salad — fresh veggies, flame-grilled chicken and zesty salsa if you're watching your sodium levels, ask for salsa on the side or extra veggies and no salsa are all nestled into a whole grain pita pocket.

Per serving : calories, 9 g fat 4. Alyssa is a senior editor for the Hearst Health Newsroom, where she has written research-backed health content for Prevention , Good Housekeeping and Woman's Day since She has also written for Chowhound, HealthiNation.

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Keep London's fast food ordering tips in mind for healthier noshing: Focus on what you can add as opposed to take away.

For instance, it's a smart move to always look for ways to add more vegetables or fruits to your meals or snacks. Try placing an online order. This allows for more transparency and customization than you'll find in store. Whenever you see a whole grain option for bread or rice bowls, choose or swap in that.

This provides more fiber and better blood sugar balance. Set your sights on menu items that feature lean proteins like grilled chicken or turkey, and of course veggies. Prioritize rotisserie, roasted, grilled, poached or sautéed meat or fish options over fried or processed.

The Discounted bulk spices is also famous for Faet fresh-squeezed lemonade made on the Budhet-conscious. Take the assessment and get matched Budget-conscious fast food substitutes a therapist in substituted little as zubstitutes hours. People spend nearly half their food budget on meals prepared away from home, and in the process they tend to consume more fat, more salt, a greater number of calories, and fewer nutrients. Fast food pasta dishes are usually little more than a heaping serving of refined-carb noodles and meat-heavy sauces. Lettuce-wrapped burgers are great, but there's just something about a burger in a bun—made of bread! It has less fat than other options, and just enough sugar to hit the spot.

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10 Cheapest Menu Items At Fast Food Restaurants (2023)

Budget-conscious fast food substitutes - Many fast-food restaurants offer nutritious options, including wraps, salads, and burritos. While most fast foods are based on cheap, unhealthy Missing Sandwiches, salads, diced up veggies and dips like hummus, Greek yogurt based dips, peanut butter, etc. will all be helpful. String cheese and Grilled Chicken Salad: Instead of a fast-food burger, opt for a grilled chicken salad. · Homemade Veggie Wraps: · Oatmeal with Fruit: · Bean

Nutrition info: calories, 29 grams of fat, 18 grams of protein, 95 grams of carbs. It's the highest-calorie option of Chipotle's lifestyle bowls, but it's well-suited for anyone on a high-protein diet because it has the highest amount of the important macronutrient, which keeps you full for a long period.

You can have it in two sittings, McGowan says. Nutrition info: calories, 28 grams of fat, 82 grams of protein, 68 grams of carbs. This lifestyle bowl ditches the carbs and is heavier on greens, so it's Paleo, Whole30 and keto friendly, in addition to being gluten and grain-free.

It comes with chicken, but you can swap for steak. Nutrition info: calories, 29 grams of fat, 35 grams of protein, 18 grams of carbs. This side option is a great source of protein thanks to the meat and beans, as well as iron and fiber. Ingredients include tomatoes, chili pepper, ground beef, red kidney beans, pinto beans and onions.

Nutrition info: calories, 11 grams of fat, 22 grams of carbs, 16 grams of protein, milligrams of sodium. Without the dressing, this salad is low in calories and high in fruits, veggies and lean protein, thanks to its mix of greens, apples, dried cranberries and grilled chicken breast. Nutrition info: calories, 21 grams of fat, 28 grams of carbs, 29 grams of protein, 1, milligrams of sodium.

This wrap has fewer refined carbs than the burgers and other sandwiches on the menu, yet still offers a good amount of protein.

Nutrition info: calories, 16 grams of fat, 27 grams of protein, 42 grams of carbs, 1, milligrams of sodium.

This salad comes with curly kale, green cabbage and salted almonds for some crunch. Its dressing is made from apple cider vinegar and dijon mustard. To up your protein, order grilled chicken on the side. Nutrition info: calories, 12 grams of fat, 4 grams of protein, 13 grams of carbs, milligrams of sodium.

Grilled chicken is going to provide better nutritional value than breaded and fried chicken every time. It also comes on a multigrain brioche bun. Don't forget to order the honey BBQ sauce on the side.

Nutrition info: calories, 12 grams of fat, 44 grams of carbs, 28 grams of protein, milligrams of sodium. This salad hits a lot of different food groups and macronutrients with its fruit, greens, chicken, cheese and almonds. And you can add extras to up your protein and fiber, like eggs, beans and corn.

It's also the lowest-calorie option of Chick-Fil-A's salads. Nutrition info: calories, 31 grams of fat, 42 grams of carbs, 28 grams of protein, 1, milligrams of sodium.

This side dish option is one of tastiest items on the Popeye's menu, and it's relatively low in calories. You can order it by itself along with a side of green beans and corn to add some extra nutrients and make it more filling. Nutrition info: calories, 16 grams of fat, 22 grams of carbs, 8 grams of protein, milligrams of sodium.

You can order almost any item on the Taco Bell menu "fresco style," which will swap any sauces, cheese or sour cream for fresh tomatoes. So, a grilled chicken taco fresco will be lighter on calories but still have some protein. Nutrition info: calories, 6 grams of fat, 16 grams of carbs, 9 grams of protein, milligrams of sodium.

This vegetarian option contains rice, black beans, guacamole, tomatoes and lettuce. Nutrition info: calories, 47 grams of carbs, 12 grams of protein, milligrams of sodium. This is another item where you'll want to order the dressing on the side or leave it off entirely.

Without the dressing, a large salad packs in quite a bit of protein and is relatively light on sodium. Nutrition info: calories, 14 grams of fat, 26 grams of carbs, 21 grams of protein, milligrams of sodium. This bowl has a base of healthy grains with brown rice and quinoa, and lots of nutritious toppings, such as olives, mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, humus, feta and Greek yogurt.

And the dressing is made from pretty light ingredients, like tahini, soybean oil, vinegar and lemon juice. Nutrition info: calories, 29 grams of fat, 54 grams of carbs, 26 grams of protein, 1, milligrams of sodium. Turkey is a leaner protein source than beef, and chili has a lot of beans, so this dish will keep you full for a while for fewer calories.

It also serves up almost half your dietary fiber needs thanks to the chickpeas and edamame. Nutrition info: calories, 10 grams of fat, 31 grams of carbs, 21 grams of protein, milligrams of sodium.

This sandwich comes on a couple of slices of tomato basil bread, but you can swap it for a whole grain option or sourdough for fewer calories. Despite having no meat, the protein from the humus and feta will make it feel filling. Nutrition info: calories, 14 grams of fat, grams of carbs, 23 grams of protein, 1, milligrams of sodium.

This dish hits on a lot of food groups with its lean grilled chicken, base of lettuce and black beans, corn salsa, pico de gallo and tortilla strips.

The dressing adds about an extra calories. Nutrition info: calories, 23 grams of fat, 51 grams of carbs, 36 grams of protein, 1, milligrams of sodium. Oatmeal, especially steel cut, is a consistent breakfast favorite among doctors and dietitians.

It's high in fiber, vitamins and minerals and can lower cholesterol and help with weight loss and maintenance. Starbucks oatmeal is made with water. Nutrition info: calories, 2. This prepackaged box comes with hard-boiled eggs, apples, grapes, multigrain bread, white cheddar cheese and a peanut butter packet.

Nutrition info: calories, 24 grams of fat, 22 grams of protein, 40 grams of carbs, milligrams of sodium. Ordering a grilled chicken breast by itself may seem strange, but it packs in a lot of protein, and if you pair it with some veggie sides, you can make a full, nutritious meal.

Nutrition info: calories, 7 grams of fat, 0 grams of carbs, 38 grams of protein, milligrams of sodium. This is the healthiest side option available at KFC though green beans are a good choice too, if you see them on the menu. You can get the sweet corn in an individual or large size.

Nutrition info: 70 calories, 0. Nutrition info: calories, 3 grams of fat, 39 grams of carbs, 10 grams of protein, milligrams of sodium.

On the flip side, the Zesty Buffalo Sauce is at 25 calories per serving. If you don't mind the idea of drinking your meals, Pressed may be the perfect way to achieve your fruit and veggies goals. Pressed offers cold-pressed juices, smoothies, and wellness shots.

Or if you want to "spoon your juice," they offer smoothie bowls and soft serve as well. Pressed states on their website that they use seasonal produce and avoid added sugars and preservatives.

Their products focus on sustainably sourced, vegan ingredients. And health isn't the only thing they care about. We don't just want to boost your wellness, we want to wow your taste buds too!

Pressed cofounder Hayden Slater told CNN that getting into juice was a "gateway" for him that changed his life, and he ultimately wanted to share the benefits of cold-pressed juice with others.

Being able to increase access to nutritious foods at an affordable price were two of his primary goals. According to Harvard Health Publishing , cold-pressed juices and smoothies can help you get more fruits and veggies into your diet. But it's important to be mindful of the calorie and sugar content, as these can quickly add up.

Panera Bread may seem like your standard sandwich and soup shop, but actually, they've got great options to suit even the most health-conscious crowd. And they take every last ingredient seriously.

According to Panera's website , they're committed to serving only clean ingredients eliminating all foods that "contain artificial preservatives, sweeteners, and flavors along with colors from artificial sources.

If you're a vegetarian, CNN recommends the Greek Salad with quinoa. If vegan fare is what you're after, you can opt for the salad sans feta cheese. For those looking to reduce sugar intake, you can order a turkey sandwich on sourdough which nets 2g of sugar in total.

For a little extra superfood kick, they allow you to add avocado and kale. For the gluten-free foodies, they've got a Fuji Apple Salad with Chicken that's sure to fill you up. And they've even got a Kale Caesar Salad for the low-carb crowd. If your kiddos are in tow, fear not, they have all-natural chili and yogurt for a boost of healthy protein — and yes, those are separate items.

While plant-based eating hasn't always been on-trend, this restaurant was clearly ahead of the curve with its dedication to serving eco-friendly fare.

While they offer ultra-healthy food options, their biggest draw may be the "plant-based versions of comfort foods like meatball subs, nachos, steak sandwiches and double cheeseburgers.

At Native Foods, patrons can stick to their plant-based diet without compromising on taste. It's a win-win. Speaking of winning, according to Vegan.

com , the chain has taken home a number of accolades, including VegNews' Restaurant of the Year. Sandra Maria Thum, director of marketing at Native Foods, tells Nation's Restaurant News, "Comfort food has a place in every diet, including a healthy diet.

If you're going that way to indulge, you may want to make a better choice like Native Foods. Starbucks is pretty much everywhere nowadays, and while most of us think of coffee first when it comes to this chain, they actually have a number of healthy meal items as well.

Whether you're stopping in for your morning cup of coffee or your afternoon pick-me-up, they have breakfast and lunch options to choose from that can keep you on track when it comes to healthy eating. For instance, their classic oatmeal is a great, fiber-rich way to start your day.

With the addition of their fresh blueberries and chopped nuts, you can get a little extra superfood boost with your meal per MindBodyGreen.

Registered Dietician Frances Largeman-Roth tells MindBodyGreen, "I love that I can eat some of the items now the eggs and cheddar cheese and save some for later the PB packet and muesli bread. The total protein for the box is 23 grams and you also get 5 grams of fiber. Fresh Brothers is a pizza place doing their pies differently and, as they promise on their site , they've made it their mission to serve up healthy pies.

While most traditional pizzas are high in calories, sodium, and fat, Fresh Brothers focuses on nutrient-dense ingredients, starting with their dough and ending with their toppings. The restaurant claims that all their dough is made fresh and never frozen, in order to avoid unhealthy preservatives.

And they also offer alternative crusts including gluten-free and cauliflower crust for those with special dietary needs or those who just want to sneak extra veggies into their meal.

In addition to a preservative-free dough, you'll also be eating preservative-free sauce that's locally sourced, according to Fresh Brothers. And if all this didn't sound health-conscious enough, you may be convinced by the fact that they source their cheese from Wisconsin and it's completely without artificial ingredients or preservatives.

Oh, and if you're a dedicated veganite, they have plant-based options just for you. After launching a vegan pepperoni 'za in , CEO Geoff Goodman said in a press release via Veg Out , "We've been looking for new ways to satisfy the needs of our plant-based fans and we're ecstatic to be one of the first pizza chains to offer vegan pepperoni that's tasty and premium.

Mendocino Farms is a fast casual restaurant doing everything different from your typical fast food joint, including a rotating menu that's seasonal. That said, it's hard to get bored here. The main dishes they offer up are sandwiches, salads, and soups.

While sandwiches can be a no-go for the low-carb foodie, Mendocino offers breadless options with the ability to turn any sandwich into a salad, according to California Nutrition Group. Additionally, they've turned classic comfort food into something a little more fitting for the healthy lunch-goer.

For instance, their Not So Fried Chicken Sandwich is a healthier take on a fried chicken sandwich, using shaved roasted chicken breast and crunchy polenta as the alternative. If vegan food is your jam, they offer Impossible meat you can add to your salad of choice.

The Impossible Taco Salad which has "0 mg cholesterol compared to 80mg in traditional beef and only 14 grams of fat compared to 23 grams in traditional beef ," per California Nutrition Group. And even if you're not looking to eat vegan, they don't shy away from superfoods in their meat-containing salads.

You'll find that ingredients such as avocado, quinoa, millet, and succotash are a common addition to their salad bowls at Mendocino Farms.

But don't think you'll be stuck with eating a stale, boring salad here. This restaurant offers delicious vegan food that'll make you forget it's all made of plants. Menu items include things like buffalo wings, mac and cheese, and burgers, according to Verywell Fit. In addition to ongoing staples on their menu, they also offer a rotating, seasonal list of items as well.

And their mission to offer healthy food doesn't just stop at plant-based menu items. Impressively, they also offer options for those who steer clear of gluten and carbs. According to Verywell Fit, "Its plant protein is made from non-GMO soybeans, and it only uses monounsaturated fats that don't negatively affect cholesterol levels.

Au Bon Pain, also referred to as ABP, can fix any sandwich, soup, or salad craving you might have. This bakery-style fast food chain offers both fixed and rotating seasonal menu items to ensure you never get bored. They make their mission clear on their website : "From delicious meals, to satisfying snacks or wholesome treats, food should always taste good, no matter if that choice is indulgent or nutritious; because life is about balance.

And their menu certainly seems to embrace health-conscious eating and even offers a whopping 19 low-fat soups that come in at under calories, according to Washingtonian.

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