The Least of All The Evils: Where to Eat When You Are Away From Home.

I always try to keep a few snacks handy for those enevitable busy days when you are starving to death and there is no time to run home to whip up a quick meal; nuts, granola bars, beef sticks. But it happens to the best of us, when you’re away from home and need to eat out, making healthier choices is possible. With a little knowledge about which options to select, you can steer clear of unhealthy ingredients and still enjoy a satisfying meal. This guide will help you make informed choices that are not only better for your health but also delicious.

The Healthiest Fast Food Options

When choosing healthier fast food, grilled items are typically your best bets. This helps you to avoid much of the seed oils foods are fried in. Opt for restaurants that source their meat from hormone-free and antibiotic-free producers to ensure quality. Depending on how big the city is you find yourself in, there might be some great local options and family owned restaurants.

Another appealing option is the burrito bowl. Many fast-casual Mexican restaurants like Chipotle allow you to customize your bowl with nutritious ingredients such as brown rice, black beans, grilled veggies, and guacamole. Chipotle is probably one of the least toxic, large chain restaurants out there right now. With limited, fully disclosed ingredients, they do use Sunflower oil for frying, but at least is significantly better than Canola oil used in most other restaurants. They also source their meat specifically to avoid routine antibiotics.

Where to Satisfy Your Cravings

When you need a quick bite, finding places that prioritize clean ingredients can make all the difference. Chipotle stands out for its commitment to high-quality meats and fresh produce. With customizable meals, you can create a bowl or salad that aligns with your dietary preferences without compromising taste.

Panera Bread also offers a variety of healthy bowls, salads, and sandwiches. Their menu includes items that are often free from artificial preservatives. Panera used to have strict no antibiotic standards but have since laxed them a bit, their chicken remains the only meat that is still antibiotic free, avoid their pork and turkey.

The Least Healthy Fast Food Options

Not all fast food is created equal. Steer clear of heavily battered and fried options. Items like deep-fried chicken tenders or fried fish sandwiches are usually laden with unhealthy oils and additives. The only exception for this rule is when you find the rare, but wonderful beef tallow restaurant. These will only be found in larger cities and are very rare in most places. Olive oil use is a good second, any restaurant that emphasizes they do not use seed oils is a much safer bet.

Breakfast items from fast-food places are often loaded with unhealthy additives, from processed egg substitutes to low-quality sausages. Whenever possible, look for chains serving real, whole foods such as eggs cooked to order or whole grain options for a healthier start to your day.

Key Takeaways for Dining Out

When you find yourself needing to eat out, prioritize meals that focus on whole, real foods while steering clear of toxic additives and unhealthy fats. Don't hesitate to ask about ingredients if you're unsure or request modifications to help you stay on track, request butter instead of oil. With a little effort, you can minimize unhealthy choices while still enjoying the convenience of dining out.

Eating fast food doesn't have to lead to unhealthy decisions. By making conscious choices and searching for healthier alternatives, you can enjoy your meals without jeopardizing your well-being.