McHealthy?

Burger King just announced that they will begin marketing new healthier options to kids starting in 2008. Their big hit seems to be what they call "BK Fresh Apple Fries," which are simply apple slices cut and packaged to look like french fries. I must say, while a small step, I still admire BK's attempt at moving toward a healthier America.

Full Story at cnn.com

This got me to thinking about other fast food chains that are starting to offer healthier options, and how healthy are they really? Also, how much advertising are they investing into the health of their patrons?

McDonald's Nutrition Facts

Notice that while some of the salad options are lower in the calorie department, some, like the Southwest Salad with Crispy Chicken has about the same amount of calories as a Quarter Pounder. I find it interesting as well, that none of the nutritional values for the salads include the dressing. In addition, the sodium values for the dressings are ridiculous - some 1/3 of the daily recommended value. Haha, can you tell I'm not a big McDonalds fan? Moving on:

Burger King Nutrition Facts

This one was pretty cool. Burger King lays out all of thier food options, ranged by calorie intake. You can also do the same for carbs and fat. What I found really impressive was that they have several links to view healthier eating strategies, as well as tips for making their own food more nutritionally sound, including lightening up on the dressing and cutting back on the mayo. Check it out, it's pretty interesting.

Wendy's Nutrition Facts

Check out the sodium levels for the salads. I want to cry. I was afraid to even look at the burgers. They include some sites about special diets, including gluton free and diabetic, but not much in the way of their own healthier options. Wendy's needs to get on the ball here.

Finally, I've been really irritated by the Quizno's commercails knocking down Subway because they have less meat. Isn't that the point? Portion control and healthier ingredients are Subway's aim. Shame on Quizno's for having such a lame advertising department. The proof is in the print!

Quizno's Nutrition Facts

Subway's Nutrition Facts

So you notice that Quizno's nutrition facts doesn't send you to a link? That's because I couldn't find it, and it doesn't seem to exist online, at least not one endorsed by Quizno's. On thier website, it said that they will be offering nutritional information in the fall of 2007. However, I noticed that under the "Kidz" menu, every entree is advertised with a cookie and soda, and for adults, there is only one vegetarian option.

Subway, however, has a very cool nutrition guide that's pretty fun to play with. I think the websites speak for themselves.

Now time for a juicy burger and fries...