Health Magazine Names America’s Top 10 Healthiest Fast Food Restaurants

So is there really such a thing as healthy fast food? Health Magazine's March issue of 2009 features the healthiest fast food chain restaurants in the United States, just in time for swim suit season. The list includes a few surprises.

See who made the list:

Panera Bread - Whole-grain bread and fresh fruit are centerpieces here, and there are plenty of vegetarian options. Health says that most of the chicken is antibiotic- and hormone-free, a rarity in large chains.

Jason's Deli - The chain is very dedicated to organic food - one-fifth of all its ingredients are organic, "from blue-corn tortilla chips and whole-wheat wraps to field greens and spinach."

Au Bon Pain - Considered a "pioneer in healthy fast food." Au Bon Pain's chicken is hormone-free and antibiotic-free, also.

Noodles & Company - Pasta is a filling enough meal that it's easy to omit the meat, but if you want protein, your choices include hormone- and antibiotic-free chicken and organic tofu.

Corner Bakery - Not a lot here on the cafe chain's green cred, but a quick look at the menu reveals that beef, which has the largest carbon footprint, is found sparingly here.

Chipotle - "Chipotle won high marks for its commitment to organics, hormone- and antibiotic-free meats, and produce sourced from local suppliers, which is revolutionary in a chain this big," said Health.

Atlanta Bread Company - This sandwich chain was praised for the freshness of its veggies and other ingredients.

McDonald's - Believe it or not, it's in the top 10 for healthy choices - but with the burger recently named the Hummer of our diet, the company isn't scoring many environmental points with its menu.

Einstein Bros. Bagels - Bagels and cream cheese and fresh veggies combine for plenty of meal options with a small footprint.

Taco Del Mar - Baja-style Mexican cuisine is a growing trend, says Health, and the menu shies away from beef and chicken in favor of fresh ingredients and fish.

Click here to view the full article.

Recurring Chick-Fil-A Flares

I haven't had Chick-Fil-A since I was diagnosed with interstitial cystitis and twice this week I had it for lunch. I got the chicken nuggets and some of those trademark waffle potato fries. It was delicious. But, each time I had Chick-Fil-A a horrible flare hit me out of no where about 5-6 hours later. The first time I didn't think much of it since this seems to happen to me occasionally and a few weeks ago I ate something that left me feeling the wrath of IC for two weeks straight, so I thought I may just not be completely over that.

My boyfriend, who has a very sensitive stomach, said he has actually had Chick-Fil-A a couple times recently and had terrible stomach pains after a few hours. He didn't associate the two together until I got my flares.

Now, I've eaten breaded white-meat chicken at other restaurants without many problems. However, my boyfriend mentioned Chick-Fil-A fries their chicken and fries in peanut oil and prepares their food a little differently, so this might be the culprit.

Whatever it is I would seriously recommend staying far away from Chick-Fil-A.