For those of us who are health conscious (and really, we all should be) finding food while we are on the go can be difficult. Now sure, you can technically eat “healthy” food anywhere because most restaurants have “salads” but, are you sure about where that lettuce was grown? What about the cucumbers? You get the point. So, whether you are a Vegan or just someone who watches what you eat, take a look at the following restaurants that you should NEVER even bother with.

1. The Cheesecake Factory- While their menu is incredibly large, most of their choices are full of refined carbs, heavy meats, cheeses, and sugar.

2. Chilli’s- Another example of a menu full of options like grilled chicken and fajitas with veggies, but…what about the calories? The smoked chicken burrito has 866 calories, the chipotle chicken bowl- 870 calories, and their version of a classic turkey sandwich has a whopping 930 calories!

3. Cracker Barrel- Cracker Barrel DOES NOT offer nutrition or allergen information for their food! So, load up on whatever sounds good but don’t ask what’s in it.

4. Denny’s- Denny’s is open late and FULL of processed ingredients, and cal-or-ies. In fact, the ‘Slam Burger’ has hash browns, eggs, and bacon, and will set you back 1,010 calories! Not to mention the week your lymph system will need to clear that bun!

5. TGI Friday’s- The healthiest options at this place, a chicken salad and turkey burger will set you back 1000 and 960 calories, respectively. And you call that healthy?

6. PF Chang’s- PF Changs does offer a gluten-free menu but the amount of calories in their dishes is worrisome. The gluten-free coconut curry dish has 1,270 calories, 90 grams of fat and more sodium than you need in an entire day.

7. Applebees- Applebees, a family-favorite, overfeeds its customers: A simple appetizer can cost you over 1,000 calories!

8. Waffle House- Most people who dine here end up ordering waffles. However, traditional ones are filled with gluten, doused in sugary syrup, and topped with processed meat like bacon and sausage.

Now, if after reading about the ingredients and calories at those chain restaurants still hasn’t changed your mind, perhaps knowing what’s IN those ingredients will:

1. Antibiotics- Factory-farmed animals are raised indoors in filthy, disgusting conditions. And being raised that way means they are more likely to become sick. Enter the antibiotics.

2. GMO’s- Unless the burger and fries you are eating come with a GMO-free label on the menu, your meal is full of genetically modified ingredients. From the article, “Eating GMO’s has been linked to allergies, reproductive system disorders and more. The most common GMO foods include corn, soy, and canola. Corn and canola oils are regularly used in restaurant cooking. Corn is also used as a filler in foods that are low-quality.”

3. Farmed Fish- Most people believe that fish is a healthier option than most other meat, but not if you are eating it at a chain restaurant. Farmed fish is cheaper and more convenient than fish caught in the wild. The fish you eat at one of those restaurants is full of toxins and pesticides.

4. Excessive Calories- Just ONE MEAL at a chain restaurant can equal an entire day’s worth of calories. Meals like these are often full of sugar, low-quality meats and cheeses, starch, sodium and refined carbohydrates. In terms of health and wellness, one meal can ruin your entire day.

Your best option is to prepare your own food ahead of time (preferably local and organic) or eating at a small local restaurant. Normally, locally-owned restaurants are more careful about their ingredients and food prep…plus it comes with the extra care taken that small businesses owners have. Some even serve locally-grown food. By doing this, you’ll be supporting local businesses and that’s better for the economy AND the planet!

Source: David Wolfe