Eating To Reduce Our Anxiety
They say old habits are hard to break, but when our health is on the line we take things more seriously. It’s not our fault that we live in an…

Vlad Dmytrenko/ Getty Images
Vlad Dmytrenko/ Getty ImagesThey say old habits are hard to break, but when our health is on the line we take things more seriously. It's not our fault that we live in an ultra-processed toxic food environment, but the more we know, the more proactive we can become. Not only does the food we eat cause more health problems, but food also affects our mental health. For instance immediate headaches, stomach cramping, sore limbs, and so much more. Dr. Georgia Ede is a Harvard-trained nutritional and metabolic psychiatrist specializing in nutrition science, brain metabolism, and mental health issues. She says that mental health disorders are skyrocketing worldwide. Her new book is titled Change Your Diet, Change Your Mind: A Powerful Plan to Improve Mood, Overcome Anxiety, and Protect Memory for a Lifetime of Optimal Mental Health. That book title is a mouthful, but the issue is so complex we should cover all the bases.
What are your favorite healthy foods?
There are berries, avocados, green veggies, dark chocolate, green teas, and fatty fish oils to keep us healthy, but we must check what foods are on the recall list. The FDA has extensive lists that we can check out before purchasing foods that may harm us. At present, they have 84 pages of items like cereals, bars, and snacks that have the potential for Salmonella contamination. My favorite store is Publix but their Deli Carolina-Style Mustard BBQ Sauce Food & Beverages have allergens due to undeclared fish. Of course, growing our gardens and raising livestock is a good option, but that takes some research, time, and money.
4 Fast-Food Restaurants Flavorful Plant-Based Picks
The once-challenging quest for vegan options at fast-food restaurants has gotten a lot easier in recent years. Gone are the days of painstakingly customizing orders to suit specific dietary needs. Or worse, just having French fries and lettuce. Fast-food chains have taken significant strides in recent years, expanding their menus to offer an array of plant-based choices.
Plenty of fast-food chains have recognized the shifting dietary preferences of their customers and have embraced the challenge of providing satisfying vegan options. The evolution of vegan choices at these establishments has been impressive. From the golden arches of well-known burger joints to the cozy corners of popular sandwich shops, the vegan revolution has made its mark.
Plant-based and vegan fast-food options
Vegans no longer have to rely solely on customizing existing meals to meet their dietary requirements. Instead, they can revel in the sheer variety that now graces the menus of fast-food chains. These establishments now proudly feature vegan burgers that sizzle and satisfy, dairy-free milkshakes, and even plant-based twists on classic comfort foods.
With an increasing number of people embracing plant-based lifestyles and seeking sustainable dining choices, the fast-food industry has risen to the occasion. These establishments understand that providing diverse options isn't just about following a trend but about fostering inclusivity and catering to many people with specific tastes and needs. So, the next time you're in a hurry and hunger strikes, rest assured that the vegan options at fast-food restaurants are not only abundant but also thoughtfully crafted to satisfy your cravings and nourish your values.
Whether you’re on a diet, dairy-free, vegetarian, or simply vegan there are fast-food places for you to grab a quick bite. Check out these fast-food vegan restaurant menu items. If you're a very strict vegan, you might consider checking with the establishment regarding any potential cross-contamination with meat products when placing your order.
Taco Bell
According to Taco Bell, most of their products are vegan. They say to order any item "fresco style", which replaces mayo-based sauces, cheeses, and reduced-fat sour cream with freshly prepared diced tomatoes. Then, substitute the protein with black beans, refried beans, or potato bites. In June, the chain announced that they’re testing a new Vegan Crunchwrap which is meatless and dairy-free. If all goes well, you can soon see that on menus too.
Dunkin’
For a restaurant known for its coffee, you may be surprised by the vegan options. Dunkin offers more than 20 vegan menu items, according to their site. Dunkin' features avocado toast and a selection of non-dairy milk alternatives such as oat, almond, and coconut milk to accompany your coffee. In addition to avocado toast, vegans can enjoy other choices like avocado and roasted tomato toast, a bacon avocado tomato sandwich minus the bacon, various bagels including plain, cinnamon raisin, everything, and sesame without cream cheese, an English muffin, and hash browns.
Chipotle
For those seeking plant-based options, Chipotle has consistently offered a reliable meal comprising rice, beans, fajita veggies, salsa, and guacamole. The year 2013 saw a transformative addition to Chipotle's menu with the introduction of vegan sofritas. This was a game-changing choice; it features flavorful spicy braised tofu. As confirmed by the restaurant chain, their sofritas option has been given the seal of approval for both vegans and vegetarians alike.
Burger King
Burger King offers the Impossible Burger patty, which is widely available across their fast-food outlets nationwide. The Impossible Whopper, just like the classic version, features an Impossible patty crafted from plant-based ingredients. Both Burger King and Impossible Foods representatives informed INSIDER that, upon request, the Impossible Whopper can be prepared separately to ensure it is not cooked on the same surface used for meat products. Additionally, Burger King has begun testing Impossible chicken nuggets.