Mike G wrote:I'm trying hard to imagine the hellish food court in which Subway would be the best choice. It would certainly have a Sbarro's and an Auntie Anne's pretzels, and maybe a Dippin' Dots machine, but I'd take my chances on the Chinese place offering free samples of bourbon chicken, or The Great Steak & Potato Fry Co., before I'd have Subway. And if there was a Popeye's, I'd be all over that.

You'll get no arguments from me on your food court preferences...I love Popeye's, but for day-to-day eating, it's not the healthiest option. If I woke up in some magical bizzaro world where bad stuff was good for you, it would be a three-piece meal with biscuit and mac & cheese for me!

Same goes for "fake Chinese", as we like to call it...a big, steaming mound of orange chicken on top of fried rice or noodles is some good eatin'. However, it's not a great nutritional choice for daily lunch purposes.

As for Sbarro's, that's my mortal enemy. To put it in terms of the majority sentiment in this thread, Sbarro's is my Subway. I find Sbarro's to be bland & unsatisfying...yet after a few days of eating it, I somehow forget how displeased I was. I think they put some sort of slow-acting amnesia drug in their food.

Ideally, I'd make myself a healthy, tasty lunch to take to work...but alas, I'm a lazy, lazy guy. So 12-inch Carbon-based Nutrition Modules it is. Boring-but-low-cal/low-fat for lunch so I can do tours de GNR on weekends

Khaopaat wrote:Ideally, I'd make myself a healthy, tasty lunch to take to work...but alas, I'm a lazy, lazy guy. So 12-inch Carbon-based Nutrition Modules it is. Boring-but-low-cal/low-fat for lunch so I can do tours de GNR on weekends

Which Subway do you frequent for lunch? I know you're downtown somewhere, so no doubt I can list at least 3 places within a few blocks where you can get a meal that's at least as healthy, way tastier, and just as fast.

Luckily, up here in Canadia, we've got Tim Horton's, which, speaking-enchained (as we are) ain't all that bad. Whew!

Geo

Mike G wrote:I'm trying hard to imagine the hellish food court in which Subway would be the best choice. It would certainly have a Sbarro's and an Auntie Anne's pretzels, and maybe a Dippin' Dots machine, but I'd take my chances on the Chinese place offering free samples of bourbon chicken, or The Great Steak & Potato Fry Co., before I'd have Subway. And if there was a Popeye's, I'd be all over that.

I wasn't thinking of a food court, which clearly has a lot of options. I was thinking of those times when I'm on an interstate in an unfamiliar place and just want a quick bite. Usually I opt for a burger or chicken fingers from McDonald's, or a 6" from Subway. I agree that Subway is pretty bad - worse than grocery store cold cuts, in my opinion. I generally avoid processed food and mass market fast food. But at least at Subway I can get a sandwich with real vegetables.

I'm certainly not claiming Subway is good in any sense. I was poking a little fun, though, at the outrage over just how bad it is.

Wait, Darren - you're about to get pelted with real vegetables!

Can we go somewhere else and talk about food we like, rather than trying to agree on which food we all agree is not very good is the most awful? Are we really rating each other's palates by what we eat when there's nothing better to be had? Gimme a break.

Mhays wrote:Can we go somewhere else and talk about food we like, rather than trying to agree on which food we all agree is not very good is the most awful? Are we really rating each other's palates by what we eat when there's nothing better to be had? Gimme a break.

This is exactly what I was thinking - this thread reminds me of a spoof of a real LTHForum discussion.

If it's a spoof, it needs this:

I went to Subway at 9:55 and even though the hours say 10 pm, they were already closed!

That's appalling! If they intend to be in business for the public, then they ought to be open for the public. I have never been there but if they cannot show ordinary decent common courtesy then they do not deserve to be in business. There are plenty of other places to eat that have the sense to be open when I might possibly be contemplating eating there, even though I never will.

Mike G wrote:

That's appalling! If they intend to be in business for the public, then they ought to be open for the public. I have never been there but if they cannot show ordinary decent common courtesy then they do not deserve to be in business. There are plenty of other places to eat that have the sense to be open when I might possibly be contemplating eating there, even though I never will.

someone with way to much free time wrote:Your opinion is worthless. No one cares what you say. Apparently you have no taste buds! Maybe you'd be happier at another discussion forum.

.

#¶§!! wrote:someone with way to much free time wrote:
Your opinion is worthless. No one cares what you say. Apparently you have no taste buds! Maybe you'd be happier at another discussion forum.
.

Well, @!¡##¶§∞•¢¡ [insert rest of flame here]

Geo

OP here.

I'll adjust the thread title to reflect the Subway-centrism. I also think the bread smells like gopher vomit, but do like a Spicy Italian (off-menu!) once in a blue moon, with Baked Lays.

Mike G., you can't possibly be serious about choosing Subway over Auntie Anne's in a last-resort situation. I could eat those salty things every day, particularly the pretzel sticks with a little cup of Cinnabon frosting. Pretzel dough slathered in butter - what's not to like? [requisite fake flame]: Damn you, sir. You wouldn't know a pretzel from a knot of toe lint.

Santander wrote: Damn you, sir. You wouldn't know a pretzel from a knot of toe lint.

Seriously! Straighten up and fly right, else Gourmondo will never grace us with his insightful wisdom!

Him much smarter than most of the people here, you know.

Darren72 wrote:Khaopaat, you are attempting to inject a bit of reality and perspective into this thread. That never goes down easily.

My view is the same as yours. When you are stuck somewhere with a handful of chains and not much else, Subway is fine.

And that's the issue.
While the food does not taste good, it is possible to order something there that is relativley healthy. The only similar alternative is Potbelly.
Mmmnnn. Tastes god, or keeping the cardiologist happy?
Admittedly, I usually go with tastes good, but on those rare times that I decide it would be nice to have a meal that might allow me to live to 50, I do go with Subway.

DML wrote:While the food does not taste good, it is possible to order something there that is relativley healthy. The only similar alternative is Potbelly.

You must have very bad luck choosing restaurants. I can't think of a single place I've been recently where it would have been impossible to order something healthy. Somehow the marketers have fooled people into believing that Subway cornered the market on healthy. Truly bizarre.

Kennyz wrote:Somehow the marketers have fooled people into believing that Subway cornered the market on healthy. Truly bizarre.

I think the whole "healthy" perception with Subway is mainly versus other fast foods, and hinges on the fact that, for all its faults, at least the food at Subway is not fried--and therefore has relatively little fat content. And, in fact, this is not merely perception, but true. Whether that makes it worth eating is another story! And certainly there are other ways to eat healthy, and certainly the preservatives that are in Subway's meat might not fit the definition of healthy, and certainly it's possible to load up a Subway sandwich with enough mayo and cheese to ramp up the fat content, if that is one's objective. But the "not fried" aspect of Subway's food makes the health perception at least not completely bizarre.

Kennyz wrote:

DML wrote:While the food does not taste good, it is possible to order something there that is relativley healthy. The only similar alternative is Potbelly.

You must have very bad luck choosing restaurants. I can't think of a single place I've been recently where it would have been impossible to order something healthy. Somehow the marketers have fooled people into believing that Subway cornered the market on healthy. Truly bizarre.

Subway has a basis boring sandwich, but fat can be kept at a minimum.
It beats the heck out of the burger places. The pizza options are not that great either.

riddlemay wrote:I think the whole "healthy" perception with Subway is mainly versus other fast foods, and hinges on the fact that, for all its faults, at least the food at Subway is not fried.

There are very few places where all the food is fried. Heck, even at places with "Fried" in the name you can get grilled or roasted products, and salads. The "healthy" perception doesn't hinge on the "fried" issue, it hinges on the gullibility issue.

Mike G., you can't possibly be serious about choosing Subway over Auntie Anne's in a last-resort situation.

As a parent, it's very important to maintain distinctions about what does, and does not, constitute an acceptable lunch.

Whether you believe and practice them in private is another matter...

Let me put it to you this way: I am far less likely to overeat at Subway, in part because the food is the way it is (for some reason, this doesn't stop me at McDonalds, and I loathe the food) Therefore, if my objective is to take in fewer calories, it is achieved.

Kennyz wrote:There are very few places where all the food is fried. Heck, even at places with "Fried" in the name you can get grilled or roasted products, and salads. The "healthy" perception doesn't hinge on the "fried" issue, it hinges on the gullibility issue.

All true. But in the real world, if I go into a McDonald's, it's going to require an act of Herculean willpower for me to only have a salad or a fruit 'n' yogurt parfait. But if I go into a Subway, I have to go out of my way to eat fat. I think people go into Subways because they don't trust themselves to eat relatively healthy somewhere else. Going into a Subway means removing temptation. (Your punchline here.) The flesh is weak. It's not strictly rational, but I understand it.

To me. the interesting thing about Subway is that it is almost exactly the sort of sandwich I would bring with me from home, but with bread and meat that are not as good. Subway offers convenience.

I choose not to bring lunch from home largely because I don't like that sort of thing, but in terms of health, it is not bad.

Salads at McDonalds are actually fattier than a Big Mac.

I think I'm starting to relate to the Subway eaters. When I was single and not ready for a serious relationship, I intentionally dated the least interesting and most unattractive people I could find.

Kennyz wrote:I think I'm starting to relate to the Subway eaters. When I was single and not ready for a serious relationship, I intentionally dated the least interesting and most unattractive people I could find.

Okay, I have to say it: you are fighting a losing battle here. If you say "I don't like Subway", you'll get no arguments from anyone. Hell, bunch of folks will probably agree with you. But trying to convince people that something they eat is "gross" is the very definition of futility. I hope you don't sincerely expect anyone to say, "You know what? You're right, what I had for lunch today is disgusting, which, by extension, makes me disgusting. Thank you for showing me the light!"

As it stands now, this thread has, in my view, entered the realm of infinite loop:
"Subway is gross."
"I don't mind Subway all that much."
"Subway is nasty."
"I sometimes eat Subway because it's cheap & relatively healthy."
"Subway tastes like used toilet paper. People who think Subway is healthy are gullible."

The most reasonable thing to do might be to sum it up thusly: some hate Subway, some don't mind it. Unless you're secretly working for Subway, in which case this thread is a brilliant marketing tool...because oddly, the longer it goes on, the more I want to eat at Subway for lunch tomorrow. Maybe it's just my obstinate side coming out, but I foresee an Italian BMT in my near future.

But come weekend, I'll see you where ever better food is served

The only way you'll get out of Subway with a "healthy" 12-inch sub is to eat the meat on dry bread. Unfortunately, then, drywall would be more palatable. In order to make a Subway sandwich palatable, you've got to load it with fats: mayo, giardiniera, cheese, olives, oil, etc.. to cover the taste of the bread and meats. So, maybe if you're judicious with the toppings and order a 6" at Subway, you *might* have a healthier option than at some other fast food outlets, but otherwise, you're probably better off ordering a hamburger and small fry at McDonald's if you're going with the 12".

Huh. Well, if we're talking calories and nuthin' else, Subway wins, with a Wendy's offering next, at least according to About.com. Actually, Taco Bell has some competitive offerings, as does (mirable dictu!) Mickey D's.

In a pinch, I'd probably go to T. Bell's and get something involving a tortilla, beans, (processed) cheese, lettuce, and their (unconscionably mild) 'hot' sauce. Harmless, and prepping the tortillas doesn't waft anyone no nauseating smells!!

Geo

aschie30 wrote:The only way you'll get out of Subway with a "healthy" 12-inch sub is to eat the meat on dry bread. Unfortunately, then, drywall would be more palatable. In order to make a Subway sandwich palatable, you've got to load it with fats: mayo, giardiniera, cheese, olives, oil, etc.. to cover the taste of the bread and meats. So, maybe if you're judicious with the toppings and order a 6" at Subway, you *might* have a healthier option than at some other fast food outlets, but otherwise, you're probably better off ordering a hamburger and small fry at McDonald's if you're going with the 12".

You know, I popped over to Subway's website, fully prepared to gather nutritional info for "in your face" purposes, but instead I got a seriously rude awakening:

12" Italian BMT on Italian herb & cheese bread with pepper jack cheese, tomato, onion, bell pepper, olives, banana peppers & red wine vinegar (my sub configuration of choice):
1080 calories (480 from fat)
54g fat (25g saturated, 1g trans)
160mg cholesterol
4510mg sodium
112g carbs (14g sugar, 12g fiber)
54g protein

Holy crap. Compare that to one cheeseburger and one Premium Crispy Chicken Club sandwich from McDonalds (my order of choice, on the rare occasion that I eat at McD's):
930 calories (360 from fat)
40g fat (13g saturated, 1g trans)
115g cholesterol
2120mg sodium
93g carbs (19g sugar, 5g fiber)
50g protein

If I had been eating 12" turkey breast, chicken breast, ham, roast beef, or any of the other low fat subs on wheat bread with no cheese, I'd have been eating literally half the calories, fat & sodium as I've been eating in the Italian BMT.

Sources:
http://subway.com/applications/NutritionInfo/index.aspx
http://nutrition.mcdonalds.com/nutritionexchange/nutritionexchange.do

Or if you'd been eating a 6' with no cheese on white bread, which I typically do (interestingly, the white bread shows up with less sodium and calories than wheat.) Doesn't help a lot with the sodium, but it's still better than your typical fast food sandwich. What's interesting is how little nutritional value the veggies offer, according to the website - but I think, although this is in large part due to the serving size, there's some part that's due to the labeling guidelines. I've noticed, when using nutritiondata.com to analyze a recipe, the label has minimal information about nutritents - but if you look at their other analysis, there's a lot of stuff there that just doesn't get counted.

To interject another ingredient:

Subway has always been my fast-food alternative for many of the above reasons (can decide/see what's in the sandwich, don't like fried, don't like McDonalds, etc). But to avoid the mystery meats, I always go for the tuna fish (fishy oil, good-for-me). Not to make any extravagant claims I find it to be . . . edible.

I highly prefer Jimmy John's and Potbelly to Subway, when there is road necessity for a mass-produced sub.

I think JJ does a very nice job with their nutrition info on their site:

http://www.jimmyjohns.com/menu/nutrition.aspx

Transparent and easy to manipulate. But check out their default Gourmet Veggie Club:

Calories: 855.98 --
Fat: 45.94 g --
Sodium: 1500.06 mg --

Want your healthful vegetarian sub on whole-grain bread now, anyone?

I think I'll have a few Popeye's Delta Minis (which come with packets of Frank's Louisiana Hot Sauce) or a large (!) KFC popcorn chicken for better taste, lower fat, and higher protein than the sandwich.

I just checked Popeye's site to see the nutrition values on their red beans & rice, which I consider the single best side in the entire fast food world. It ain't *that* bad, 174 cals, but 19 gms of fat, none of it trans. Some fiber, 10 gms of protein, buncha carbs. Sigh.

Still and all, not so bad I'm going to quit the stuff...

(Hmmmm, wonder about the gravy at KFC [or, as we say it up here, PFK], another semi-treet..)

Geo