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Stamp of Approval: Au Bon Pain

FitSugar — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 02:00:00 -0700

Look, it's not surprise that I am not the biggest fan of fast food restaurants. However, I do know that sometimes you just have to eat there so I am always on the hunt for healthier fast food joints and Au Bon Pain gets my stamp of approval.

Au Bon Pain provides Nutrition Kiosks, which allow guests to plan their meals before ordering them. You can sort the menu by a specific nutritional requirement (high fiber, high protein, low carb, low fat, low calories, etc.). They also launched Kids Nutrition Kiosk in their suburban and hospital locations. The children's version includes interactive games intended to teach the basics of making healthy meal choices. What's more? They've moved to using preservative-free chicken and they've recently introduced a new product line called Portions — a line of 14 dishes made fresh daily, packaged individually and with 200 or less calories per dish. And to bring it home, all products at Au Bon Pain have zero grams trans fat.

So next time you're going for fast food, you may want to think about stopping at Au Bon Pain. They have made every effort to help you become aware of the healthy choices they offer, all you have to do is choose them.

Food Court Survival: Part I

FitSugar — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 03:00:00 -0800

The mall is almost unavoidable during the holidays, and something about all that running around and waiting in lines makes me hungry. What's worse: Not only am I hungry, but I also know there is a place where food is easily accessible. That place, like the fast food holy land, is the Food Court.

Don't worry, we can get through this.

My first idea is to stick to places where you can actually eat healthy. Deli-type places (Au Bon Pain, Subway, etc.) that don't even have a deep fryer are good options — in other words, places where you can't get french fries and onion rings. Places such as Cinnabon, where it's gooey cinnamon roles or nothing, are out.

Au Bon Pain is a favorite of mine but watch out for cheeses, mayonnaise, and any other special sauces they throw on a sandwich and opt for mustard instead. A great option is the Tuna Nicoise Salad, with 270 calories and 12 grams of fat; get the dressing on the side to lower those numbers even more. People tend to think Chinese food is healthy, but that is not always the case — go steamed or not at all. A good option at Panda Express is the Mushroom Chicken with a side of mixed veggies, all for about 220 calories and 15 grams of fat.

Source

Don't Get "Malled" by the Food Court

FitSugar — Sun, 19 Nov 2006 05:30:00 -0800

I hate to be the one to bring it up, but it's that time of year again -- time to think about getting that holiday shopping done. [Insert scream heard round the world.] I usually try to do a lot of my shopping online, but I always still have to make the obligatory trip to the mall for something that I couldn't get online.

While I'm there, I get hungry. It's unavoidable, and it just happens. What's worse? Not only am I hungry but I also know there is a place where food is so easily accessible. A place that reminds me of the fast food holy land: The Food Court.

For ways to hit the food court without hitting rock bottom on your diet,