by erin thursby scopes1925@msn.com
Trying to be informed about what’s healthy and what’s not is something plenty of Jacksonvillians are interested in, despite (or perhaps because of) our city placing 6th on the Forbes Obesity List.
Eat This Not That! has received tons of press lately, from NPR and other national media outlets. At the Mandarin Barnes & Noble, 55 people had it on order. They’ve since replenished their stock of the popular book. It’s a superb choice to help you navigate healthy choices whether you’re at the super market picking out a prepackaged meal or in the drive thru trying to decide what the healthiest option is. This is the kind of book a health conscious or dieting individual should keep in their car. Not only can you compare restaurants, you can also look at what the best ordering options are at some of the big name chains.
Fast food resturants such as Chick-Fil-A, Subway and Boston Market earned some of the highest scores healthwise, with Pizza Hut, Panera and Domino’s taking the least healthy scores.
Panera will be the most shocking for most people who haven’t researched the actual amount of fat and sodium in their food. After all, Panera seems to cultivate an air of all-natural health. Unfortunately, the numbers say it is isn’t true.
As to sit down restaurants, Macaroni Grill, On the Border and P.F. Changs got the lowest scores, with Bob Evans, Fazoli’s and Denny’s as the winners. (Most of Denny’s stuff is loaded with fat and calories, but they have a great selection of Fit Fare for those who want something on the lighter side).
Luckily, even the restaurants with the most dismal scores will have something on the menu for healthy eaters. The authors of the book even collected data on the sit-down eateries that don’t provide their info to the public.
The breakdown of actual menu items will be the most useful to readers. You’ll find out which pretzel to order at Auntie Annie’s in the mall (the jalapeno pretzel is better than the more healthy sounding whole wheat pretzel) and at places from Applebee’s to Wendy’s.
The best thing about this book is that it acknowledges indulgence and a tendency to eat out instead of in. They don’t say “Don’t go to Baskin-Robbins!” Instead they tell you the best way to indulge without going overboard. This is a book that recognizes American eating habits and then gives us the option to choose something healthy. It’s an indispensable, easy to read guide that every health conscious person should own.
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