Plus more good news this week.
Reviewed by Dietitian Emily Lachtrupp, M.S., RD
Key Points
- Out of 12 restaurants evaluated, Chipotle is the only fast-food chain that avoids ultra-processed ingredients.
- In their new report, the EWG gives advice on how to order healthier at the drive-thru with simple swaps.
- And more good news, like a new study revealing the exercises that can lower diabetes risk.
This is Good Food News, your weekly installment of positive food and health news from around the world. These feel-good stories are hand-picked by EatingWell editors to help make your week just a little bit brighter.
Featured Story: There’s a Fast-Food Chain That Serves No UPFs, per New Report
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) just released a new analysis of 12 fast-food restaurants. Specifically, the EWG looked at the ingredients used in these chains, pinpointing the healthiest options for consumers.
The following restaurants were evaluated by the nonprofit organization: Arby’s, Burger King, Chick-fil-A, Chipotle, Dominos, KFC, McDonald’s, Panera, Pizza Hut, Subway, Taco Bell and Wendy’s. Out of these 12 chains, there was just one that avoided ultraprocessed ingredients in all the food that’s served in its restaurants nationwide.
It may be surprising that there was even one fast-food restaurant that met this criteria, but it’s true: Chipotle guarantees that there won’t be any ultra-processed foods in your burrito bowl.
“Every menu item at Chipotle is made from some combination of 53 total ingredients,” the EWG notes, sourcing the company’s promise. “That includes the flour used to make tortillas, vegetables for guacamole and salsa, and seasonings to prepare beans, rice, meat and poultry. It also includes the rennet and cultures used to make cheese.”
While you should still eat any fast-food meal (even Chipotle) in moderation because of the saturated fat and sodium content, the chain offers healthier options for when you need something quick, thanks to its array of high-fiber veggies and plant-based proteins.
The EWG offers more tips on how to order healthier when you’re in the drive-thru, no matter where you go. Some things to keep in mind:
- Opt for lean proteins like chicken, fish or plant-based choices instead of red or deli meats to lower your sodium intake and reduce your risk of certain cancers.
- Use fewer sauces or seasonings, or switch out for simpler alternatives. Try making a homemade dressing ahead of time when ordering your favorite fast-food salad.
- A fountain soda is delicious on occasion, but for a more regular option, swap it for water or unsweetened iced tea when ordering.
More Good News This Week
Study Reveals the Exercises That Can Cut Your Diabetes Risk in Half
A new study published in the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport showed two exercise types that can significantly reduce one’s risk of type 2 diabetes: aerobic exercise and resistance training. Incorporating simple movements in your day and implementing body-weight exercises in your routine are great places to start!
Joanna Gaines Just Gave Us Her Favorite Fall Salad Recipe
In the new Magnolia Fall Collection Lookbook, Joanna Gaines shared her layered arugula salad with pear vinaigrette. It embraces fresh and vibrant flavors without a lettuce base, and it’s a perfectly bright fit for your next gathering. Or you can simply pair it with a satisfying soup for an easy, veggie-packed dinner.
Why All That Air in Your Potato Chip Bag Is a Good Thing
Do you ever get annoyed when your bag of potato chips is filled with air? There’s actually a few positive reasons for it: it promotes freshness and prevents the chips from getting stale, and it protects the chips from being crushed after traveling from the packaging facility to the consumer’s home. Try weighing your bag next time you buy chips for the best value.
Video of the Week
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If you have long hair, we’re sure you can relate to this one. Fortunately, these recipes are so quick that your hair won’t be an issue while prepping them: