Fast food restaurants are cooking up a new twist on healthy -- "natural chicken." This means no additives, a little pricier and some even say it tastes better and is healthier for you.
To qualify for a "natural" label the chicken must not contain hormones, antibiotics or artificial ingredients. In addition to these guidelines the U.S. Department of Agriculture stated it must also be "minimally" processed. Since these rules are considered less stringent than those for organic foods, fast-food restaurants might have an easier time meeting these requirements.
Three Popular Fast-Food Restaurants Put "Natural" Chicken to the Test
Arby's is testing natural chicken in sandwiches and salads in Michigan, Florida, South Carolina and Ohio. The chicken will be called "All Chicken Chicken."
Panera Bread began testing natural chicken around a year ago and introduced natural chicken in some of their salads and sandwiches for a 25-cent up-charge.
Chipotle currently sells natural chicken in some areas such as the Washington area, New York and parts of Atlanta also for an additional 25 cents.
Arby's has plans in the works to sell the natural chicken by the end of the year. A spokeswoman for Arby's stated that this move is a step toward the increasing trend to better diets and overall health. She also stressed that it was ideal timing to introduce this chicken particularly because chicken is recently becoming one of fast-food's hottest growing markets.
Consumers driving this market have two major interests in natural chicken and other natural meats: safety and health. Cases of mad cow disease and E. coli bacteria have initiated consumers to seek out higher-quality meat when going to fast-food restaurants. They also want to become more educated on what's going on with the food they eat.
One possible problem in the growing popularity to offer natural chicken at fast food restaurants is a limited supply.
USA Today February 4, 2005
You may recall the article I ran on McDonald's attempt to bring healthy choices to their menu by offering bunless burgers and adult happy meals.
It's always an encouraging sign to see fast food restaurants make decisions to offer a healthier selection. This push for "natural" products is certainly a positive step in the right direction, and somewhat convenient if you're in a hurry. But they aren't as good options for your health as free-range, organic chicken. The big difference? Free-range chickens have plenty of room to roam and eat their entirely natural diets and grow and live free of stress. This will make all the difference in terms of their health and taste value to you.
If you are looking for the cleanest source of chicken available, make sure you find clean free range chickens. It is best to find them locally. Many health food stores actually now sell that type of chicken or can direct you to farmers that can sell it to you. That is the best option as you eliminate costly shipping charges.
However, a few years ago I realized that many people simply don't have the time to track this type of chicken down. So I spent about 14 months of research with my team and identified top quality free-range, 100-percent certified organic chicken. We also found providers of healthy bison and ostrich meat for your convenience.
Many frequently find themselves stopping at fast-food restaurants or heading to the nearest drive-thru for two reasons: convenience or lack of time. Eating a healthy diet is a way of life and a real possibility as long as you decide to commit yourself to a lifestyle of optimal health.
If you're looking for some good ways to cook whole foods on the run -- and keep your day job -- I strongly recommend reviewing Colleen Huber's excellent article on this topic.
As is the case with many people, I am challenged with making the best use of my time. I could never sleep, have 100-hour days and still not get 50 percent of the things done that I want to. However, when I am not traveling either my family, or I prepare over 95 percent of our meals.
You need to understand that someone has to invest time in the kitchen for you and prepare real food or your health will suffer. You simply cannot consume processed foods for long periods of time without suffering health complications.
I do understand that with today's fast-paced society eating nutritious meals can be a major challenge for busy families; however, there are some healthy solutions for families (and individuals) on the go.
You can be a bit more proactive, as, after all, it is no mystery that you will need to eat lunch during the day, so plan ahead and make healthy choices. If you get caught up in a bind or an emergency and simply don't have any time to prepare a meal you can always rely on one simple solution, Whey Protein with Aminogen®. This is a nutritious convenience food that is less expensive than most fast food options
Even though fast-food restaurants are making changes for the better with their menu offerings your best bet is always to prepare your own meals at home. This is the only sure fire way to know exactly where your food is coming from.
Related Articles:
Why do You Need Organic Food? Organic Food Becoming Big Business More Antioxidants in Organic Food Than Conventionally Grown Food Agriculture Department Cancels Controversial Organic Food Changes "I am Eating Healthy Organic Foods, So Why am I Still Feeling Miserable?" Finally, A Solid Answer! Many Organic Foods Contaminated With GM Crops
Why do You Need Organic Food?
Organic Food Becoming Big Business
More Antioxidants in Organic Food Than Conventionally Grown Food
Agriculture Department Cancels Controversial Organic Food Changes
"I am Eating Healthy Organic Foods, So Why am I Still Feeling Miserable?" Finally, A Solid Answer!
Many Organic Foods Contaminated With GM Crops