One of the ways many Americans are saving money during the recession is through coupons and cheap eats at fast food joints.
We can't all eat expensive food nor can we afford to eat in restaurants even after many places offer discounts.
With that in mind
Health Magazine released their list of the top 10 healthiest fast food restaurants.
Some of the places aren't cheap but still cheaper than going out to eat for dinner.
Here's their list:
- Panera
- Jason’s Deli
- Au Bon Pain
- Noodles & Co.
- Corner Bakery
- Chipotle
- Atlanta Bread
- McDonald’s
- Einstein Bros. Bagels
- Taco Del Mar
I was surprised to see
Chipotle because they don't exactly scream cheap food there. McDonal'ds makes sense especially since their stock has been doing well even after the recession hit.
Some of the other names, I haven't really heard of before. They might be located in cities in other parts of the country.
Are you going to fast food restaurants to save money? What's your favorite fast food place?
dollarish.com
Comments (58)
panera is delicious but NOT CHEAP.
it's also not really healthy if you actually look into ingredients etc.
not many of those from the list scream cheap, or even remotely in my price range, except mcdonald's. also, there's a few on the list that don't even exist here. some of my favorites are sandwich places like blimpie and subway, that tell you on the cups and napkins just how many calories are in the food you're eating. also, chick-fil-a is pretty healthy. granted, it is fried chicken, it's done in peanut oil which is less bad for you or something, and they also have grilled chicken sandwiches that are REALLY good. strange thing though - the fried sandwich is healthier than the grilled one. another place i'm loving these days is quizno's. i can't really afford to eat at those even, most of the time, except the subway $5 footlongs. that's a sandwich that can last me all day.
cheapest place to eat: taco bell. it's not the best tasting food out there, and it's definitely not the best for you, but you can get 10 tacos for like, $8. also, wendy's. i go there with my mom a lot, and she can feed 4 people for $8 there.
cheap and healthy don't always coincide. but i think that they mentioned those places because they CAN offer healthier options, but most people don't get those items.
like chipotle, the healthy option is to get the chicken tacos without sour cream. for mcdonalds, you'd think it's a salad as a healthy option, but really, it's just the plain hamburger. it's healthier than the chicken sandwiches, grilled or fried...and the fish filet.
@MCRUsedfreak87@xanga - yea wendys has lots of cheap options that are filling. and healthy - chili/baked potato/salads.
and taco bell can be healthy if you order 'fresco-style'
I love the Atlanta Bread Co. It is really good but not really cheap... but well worth the money.
I've been actually eating fast food more then normal lately because Burger King and Mcdonalds had sent out coupon books for all sorts of B1G1 deals. So me and my boyfriend could eat for $5. The coupons have expired now, but I got new ones from subway. So it looks like I'll be eating subway for awhile. In general I tend to eat from Wendy's when I'm near one.
Panera isn't actually as healthy as everyone thinks.
It's also not really cheap.
However, it tastes really good. :D
I'm pretty sure a $5 sub at Subway is a lot healthier and cheaper than Panera or Chipotle...
Subway ftw!
Ewww fast food lol
Panera's the only one on there that's appetizing. Love them XD
The fast food prices almost rival restaurant prices now. Almost. I can't get a decent meal without shelling out 10 bucks, at least. It's crazy. Crazay!
EINSTEIN B AGELS IS AMAZING OH MY GOD THEIR PIZZA BAGELS. probably not the healthiest thing on the menu but SO WORTH ITTT
That list is "healthiest," not "cheapest." Cheap is Jack in the Box, Wendy's and the like. I can eat my fill there for under $3. However, I can also eat my fill of pasta for under $0.50 at home.
Shocking that McDonalds was on this list, it was one of the last things I expected out of a health magazine, but I guess I was waaay wrong.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE POTBELLY ♥
...McDonald's is healthy? Interesting.
at least with Chipotle, that burrito eats like a meal.
panera and corner bakery. small portions but passable
Panera's Bread's sandwiches are rock hard. The inside is great... if you can taste it through the blood from the roof of your mouth and gums.
I've eaten at three different Panera Breads. They all make them rock hard. Best bread, my butt.
However, the french onion soup there is the best I've ever had.
I didn't like Panera bread, and it wasn't cheap.
Subway is really great, and pretty cheap. Or you could always try baguettes like Lee's Sandwich or Mr. Baguette. Those are good. (:
Interesting.
I think Subway and Taco Bell are definitely the healthiest fast food options.
I'm not going to any fast foods b/c of the economy BUT Taco Bell/KFC is/are my favorites!
?
I LOVE Chipotle!
It's great food & it's cheap!
I totally agree with that one!
:)
I can't believe Subway isn't listed. Healthy, fast and cheap. My husband and I love it, and our budget thanks us.