Healthy Fast Food. Is There a Demand?

Posted by: Bob Hodgin on July 12, 2010

Have you ever wondered that with all the talk about healthy eating and the obesity crisis in America and other nations, why we don’t see “healthy” fast-food chains? This week, Advertising Age, the predominant magazine for the advertising industry had an interesting article titled, “Did Somebody Say McHealthy?”

During this busy summer season full of family activities and vacations, we undoubtedly find ourselves hearing our children say that they are “starving” when we are away from home and it is mealtime; or we are just too tired to cook after a day full of events. For the more health conscious of us, it seems like a “no-brainer” that there should be health minded fast food outlets.

The “McHealthy” article is about two former McDonald’s executives and their efforts to build a new healthful, fast-casual dining concept set to launch next year, code named “Stephanie’s.” Although they have lofty ambitions, they also are moving slowly since history has not been kind to the idea of healthy fast-food. At the end of the day, most people may say they want healthier fast-food, but that is not what they necessarily buy.

Do you know of any successful healthy fast-food restaurants in your area that go beyond just a few healthy alternatives on the menu? If so, we’d like to hear from you! For those who submit, we’ll put you into a drawing for a Dr. Sears L.E.A.N. Start Kit, to include a parent’s guide, DVD, activity book and Dr. Sears’ NDD Book. Some caution, you might be thinking like we did that there is healthy fast-food out there, i.e. Chipotle. However, while we applaud Chipotle for its fresh ingredients, you might be surprised to see how it compares to a Big Mac!

Admittedly, as someone who spends his days focused on helping others avoid the pitfalls of poor nutrition, until reading this article and thinking about what I would consider healthy fast food, I was duped by the food marketing machine. Sad, given I am a former and repentant food marketer myself.

So, even though I avoid fast-food with the exception of finding a healthy alternative on the menu in a pinch, I actually thought of Chipotle as a healthier alternative. While I generally would skip the chips and split the burrito, I’d still be right there with a Big Mac in terms of calories and fat. And, for those occasions where hunger and taste get the best of me (they are good) and eat the whole burrito, it is a whopping 1,100 calories and 51 grams of fat. Ouch! I’m hoping Dr. Bill somehow skips this particular post.

So, if an average person goes into a Chipotle and orders a burrito, chips and a soda, they likely will intake 2,000 calories, which is the average RDA for an individual. Perhaps, we really do need “McHealthy” offerings more than we think. But, buyer beware, read the fine print.

7 comments for “Healthy Fast Food. Is There a Demand?”

Valerie
Great post! I have not personally been to these places,as they're not in my area. But I have read some great reviews. The first is Nature's Express in Berkeley. I believe it was started by a physician, a retired oncologist no less. http://natures-express.com/ The next one is VG Burgers in Colorado. http://www.vgburgers.com/index.html Looking at their websites again is making me very hungry!

Elise Hahn
We are lucky here in Orange County/Los Angeles, CA, -there are many choices for healthy fast food. "The Veggie Grill" with restaurants in: 8000 Sunset - Los Angeles. 720 Allied Way, El Segundo, CA 90245 4213 Campus Drive, Irvine, CA 92612 81 Fortune Drive, Irvine, CA 92618 Opening Dec 2010 - 2025 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90403 "Mother´s Market & Kitchen" with locations in 5759 E Santa Ana Canyon Rd., Anaheim, CA, 92807. 1890 Newport Blvd., Costa Mesa, CA,92627. 19770 Beach Blvd., Huntington Beach, CA, 92648. 2963 Michelson Drive, Irvine, CA, 92612. 24165 Paseo de Valencia, Laguna Woods, CA, 92653. 151 East Memory Lane, Santa Ana, CA, 92705. http://mothersmarket.com/ How about "Daphne´s Greek Café"? http://www.daphnesgreekcafe.com/ http://veggiegrill.com/ "The Juice Stop" 641 Camino De Los Mares # D100, San Clemente. They have smoothies, juices, wraps, soups and sandwiches. "Native Foods" 26705 Aliso Creek Rd, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656. 2937 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, CA 92626. 73-890 El Paseo, Palm Desert, CA 92260. 1775 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92264. 2453 Park Ave., Tustin, CA 92782. 1110 1/2 Gayley Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90024.

Jenn
EVOS!!!! There was one in LV, but it looks like CA, GA, FL and NC only now. Delicious steak burgers, salmon wraps and air-baked fries. Delicous ketchups and smoothies as well.

Tracie
My vote would go for Wahoo's and their fish tacos, located here in So CA. While I don't know the exact calorie or fat content, I can't imagine that a piece of grilled fish and a corn tortilla with healthy beans and rice as a side being loaded with fat and calories. Did I mention the food is awesome, even my kids love the fish.

Abra S
I am also frustrated by the current lack of healthy fast food. In Kalamazoo, Michigan there is a healthy restaurant called Food Dance. Generally, it is a sit-down restaurant and does not offer a drive-thru window, but there is a market-like section near the entrance of the restaurant where customers can purchase ready made meals, foods, snacks, and drinks. This is as close to a good, healthy fast food restaurant as I can think of that currently exists. A healthy fast food chain is definitely needed.

Janelle
I too am shocked by Chipotle! Although I chose a bowl, no rice, no cheese, no sour cream, no chips, no soda...but wow! We typically stop at a grocery store over a restaurant...grab raw nuts, greek yogurt, some produce, and voila a quick healthy meal on the go! I know, there's no drive through... We are also JP+ distributors and say that is our fast food franchise...ha!

JillT
Wow, I am shocked by the number of calories in a Chipotle burrito. I thought the same thing, that they were healthy alternative but without regards to calories. Lesson learned. We have another chain here in Boston called UFood Grill, which is supposed to be healthy as well. But I might need to check the calories first.