Monday, March 15, 2010

...continued...

Sonic: C
For whatever it's worth, Sonic manages to keep all of its burgers under the 1,000-calorie threshold, but just barely. Its sides menu, with a fat-loaded lineup of fries, tots, and onion rings, will push you well beyond that. And if you settle on a shake or a sugar-spiked "fruit" drink to wash down your lunch, you may have just doubled your caloric intake. it's best to view Sonic as a quick-stop snack shop because full-on meals can be dangerous.
SURVIVAL STRATEGY
The Jr. Banana Split makes an awesome treat with only 180 calories. Besides that, there are a couple of staples that you should remember: the Jr. Burger, the Grilled Chicken Wrap, and the Grilled Chicken on Ciabatta.
Best: Grilled Chicken Wrap
Worst: Super Sonic Cheeseburger with Mayo

Subway: A minus
If Jared was able to shed 245 pounds on his own Subway diet, then surely you can find a dec ent meal to keep your gut in check. But beware of what researchers call the "health halo." Patrons who believe they're eating in a healthy place tend to reward themselves with extra cheese, mayonnaise, and soda, none of which woud have helped Jared lose a single pound. Avoid the halo shine and you'll be fine at Subway.
SURVIVAL STRATEGY
Stick to 6-inch cold subs made with ham, turkey roast beef, or chicken. Be sure to load up on veggies and skip the fattening sauces and dressings (calorie counts at Subway don't include cheese, mayo, or dressings).
Best: Ham Sandwich on 9-Grain with all the veggies you want
Worst: Footlong Meatball with Cheese

Taco Bell: B plus
Here's the good news: The next time you run for the border, you don't have to run all the way home to burn off the calories. Taco Bell combines 2 things with bad nutritional reputations - Mexican food and fast food - but provides plenty of paths to keep your meal less than 500 calories. The best way to do it is to stick with the Fresco Menu, where no single item exceeds 350 calories.
SURVIVAL STRATEGY
Grilled Stuft Burritos, food served in a bowl, and anything prepared with multiple "layers are trouble. Instead, order any combination of 2 of the following: crunchy tacos, bean burritos, or anything on the Fresco menu.
Best: Fresco Ranchero Chicken Soft Tacos (2)
Worst: Fiesta Taco Salad

T.G.I.Friday's: F
We salute Friday's for one thing and one thing only, and that's their smaller-portions menu. The option to order smaller plates ought be the new model to dethrone the dogmatic bigger-is-better principle that dominates chain restaurants. But no matter how small they shrink the entrees, we're still forced to fail this chain due to their strict policy of nutritional secrecy.
SURVIVAL STRATEGY
We realized just how dangerous Friday's menu was when a New York City ordinance forced them to cough up the numbers on their caloric bombs. Our advice: stick to either their smaller-portions menu or check out the Lighter Side of Friday's menu, which promises to find you meals with around 500 calories apiece.
Best: Shrimp Key West
Worst: Jack Daniel's Ribs and Shrimp

Of course, all of my favorite places got the worst grades. Oh well... Let's eat!

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