Eating Junk Food vs. Fast Food

Some might consider fast food the same as junk food. However, not all fast food is junk food. The definition of junk food is food that has low nutritional value but high in calories, sugars, and fats. In contrast, the definition of fast food is food that can be bought quickly and conveniently from restaurants or cafes. Although some types of fast food do fall under the category of unhealthy junk food, there are other types of fast food that are better to consume.

There are some restaurants that are known for having junk food such as McDonald’s, Burger King, Wendy’s etc. Although it’s okay to order from these restaurants once in a while, it’s better that you find alternative fast food restaurants to eat at more regularly. Here are some fast food restaurants that have food that is delicious but healthier than junk food.

Chipotle

Generally, Chipotle is very quick, so it falls under the category of fast food. Any time you order a customizable bowl, meal kit, burrito, etc., they will assemble it in front of you. Since you can customize your bowl with whatever toppings you want, it’s very easy to make a healthy Chipotle bowl. There are also many healthy premade options such as the High Protein Bowl, Keto Salad Bowl, and Veggiefull Bowl.

Chipotle Coupons

Health Facts:

• Real ingredients prepared daily
• No GMO’s, artificial flavors, artificial additives
• Can be high in sodium and carbs

Here are some tips to make your Chipotle bowl extra healthy:

• For your base, use full or half salad
• Include a variety of food types
• Order one of their premade bowls that fits your diet type

Veggieful Bowl Nutrition Facts:

• 76g total carbs
• 47g fat
• 23g protein
• 840 calories

Pokeworks:

Similar to Chipotle, Pokeworks is a quick and convenient restaurant. They build your bowl in front of you after you tell them what toppings you want. There is no fried food because Pokeworks serves raw fish, a great source of protein. Additionally, each ingredient is fresh with no additives.

Health Facts:

• Ingredients are prepared fresh, in house daily
• Offer customizable low calorie bowls
• Balanced meals with proteins, carbs, and salad

Here are some tips to make your Pokeworks bowl extra healthy:

• For your base, use salad or brown rice
• Cut out sauces that are excessively rich or salty
• Add a lot of vegetable toppings

Spicy Ahi Bowl Nutrition Facts:

• 82g total carbs
• 27g fat
• 23g protein
• 588 calories

Sweetgreen

Sweetgreen is a convenient salad restaurant. It’s also a great option for vegetarians or vegans who want to eat something healthy and quick. Generally, all of the items at Sweetgreen are salad-based, and on the healthier side.

Health Facts:

• Sweetgreen uses organic, local ingredients
• Their ingredients are fresh and unprocessed, unlike regular fast food
• Some items have excess sugar and fats, but customers can choose different items that are much more nutritious

Here are some tips to make your Sweetgreen salad extra healthy:

• Limit high sodium items
• Substitute rice with brown rice or salad
• Include high-nutrient proteins such as salmon

Miso Glazed Salmon Bowl Nutrition Facts:

• 88g carbs
• 48g fat
• 35g protein
• 930 calories

Cava

Similar to Sweetgreen, Cava is a vegetarian based restaurant. They serve fast-casual Mediterranean inspired bowls. Although Cava is a quick restaurant, they don’t sacrifice healthiness for taste. They instead celebrate natural ingredients as the key to healthy eating.

Health Facts:

• CAVA is a restaurant that is geared towards health conscious customers
• They use fresh, nutrient rich ingredients such as avocado, lettuce, cucumber etc.
• USA has sued CAVA for having pesticides in their food and PFAs in their packaging

Here are some healthy Cava recommendations:

• Greek Salad
• Steak Mezze Salad
• Spicy Chicken + Avocado Pita

Steak Mezze Salad Nutrition Facts:

• 22g carbs
• 33g fat
• 33g protein
• 495 calories

Panera Bread

Although some of the food at Panera Bread is either less healthy such as the fried food and carb heavy pastries, there are other food items to try. The salads are delicious and a quick item that you can take to go.

Panera Coupons

Health Facts:

• Panera Bread has gotten rid of GMO’s, additives, and artificial flavors, replacing them with organic options
• Some options at Panera Bread tend to be on the carb heavy side
• Drinks tend to be high in sugar and caffeine

Here are some salad recommendations:

• Mediterranean Greens With Grains
• Greek Salad
• Balsamic Greens With Grains

Mediterranean Greens With Grains Nutrition Facts:

• 77g carbs
• 53g fat
• 38g protein
• 930 calories

As we see, not all fast food is junk food. Armed with this knowledge, we can make better picks for ourselves.