To carb or not to carb? The question still remains.

randomartisrgirl

So lately I've fallen in love with sandwich shops like Potbelly Sandwich Works and Subway, but only most recebtly have I been worried about exactly how unhealthy it gets. I mean, say I go into Potbelly and order a Mushroom Melt on the multigrain bread, no cheese, extra mushrooms, mayo, hot peppers, lettuce, tomato, Italian seasoning. It sounds pretty clean (and it doesn't really vary in that direction, seeing as I'm a strict vegetarian and I like the taste of the multigrain read much better than the regular). And even though one sandwich is less than 400 calories, there's still the thing with carbs. Maybe getting into sandwiches aren't so good even if the bread is multigrain. But what's the verdict? Do you think that shops like Potbelly and Subway are "healthy" enough to be considered in the safe zone?

HoopFire5602

lol any restaraunt named potbelly can't be too healthy.
And to answer your question, no, they are not. They are still considered fast food.

arkenny

some carbs are good! it fuels your body and gives you energy to work out.... you dont want go OD on carbs but some are definitly good for you... and its good your doing the multi grain! i am a carb *kitten*...so it was hard to cut back....i still eat some...just not every meal in huge supplies!!! as long as your not going over board you are fine!!

Heatherbelle_87

Do you know what oils they are using to cook those veggies? is that totalled in the caloric intake? what is the sodium and carb content for one of your fav sandwiches? is it pushing you near or over your daily carb limit?

Personally there's nothing wrong with carbs, especially if you are still losing weight while eating them. Im in a gluten free household so carbs are pretty limited around here.

WildflowerAL

I love sandwiches--Panera, Jason's Deli, Newks, etc. I have nothing against carbs, I just try to pick healthy versions (whole wheat, multi-grain, etc.). That goes for pasta, bread, rice, potatoes etc. I concentrate more on the items I put on my sandwich, no mayo, no bacon, no ranch, etc. (I have to have cheese--I mean what is a sandwich without cheese?).

My biggest issue with sandwiches is the deli meat (but you said you are a vegetarian) with all the sodium. But I really don't let that stop me--I don't use salt in cooking, and I usualy sweat enough during my runs I need to replace it anyway.

stanvoodoo

Complex carbs are good and simple carbs not! Lots of sodium in those food and sandwich shops even wothout the meat.

Best of Luck!

k8edge

I think you can make them healthy if you are conscious about your choices... Which it seems that you are definitely doing. I wouldn't depend on these places all the time personally but for a quick on the go meal it is the better option compared to other fast food chains. Since I have started keeping track and making a constant effort to be more healthy I have found that preparing my food at home is the best choice. That way I can control exactly what goes into my body. I am 100% accountable for what I eat.

VeganGal84

I consider eating at Subway to be very healthy! Then again, I only order Veggie Delight in salad or sandwich form. Both of those options are VERY healthy and delicious! :-)

merrillfoster

I'd say the worst thing about *most* of those sandwiches is the sodium. The food itself is generally fresh and pretty healthy, esp if you don't slather it in mayo, etc. The poster above who said it was unhealthy b/c it is fast food is incorrect. There is nothing wrong with fast food, the problems that most people associate with 'fast food' are the cooking methods--grease, trans fats, oils, etc (well, and exactly what is in, say, a big mac patty). Sandwich shops don't have these problems, at least not for the vast majority of their foods, so you're in the clear. As long as what you're eating fits in your cals, etc, I'd say watch the sodium and enjoy yourself

KeyMasterOfGozer

You can eat carbs and still lose weight, just not as fast. Low carb doesn't work for everyone, but if you stop losing weight, I would say you should experiment for a few weeks by restricting your carbs down and see what happens. I think the science is clear that you will lose weight faster if you cut out carbs, but where the other shoe drops is other functions in your body that require carbs. For instance, your brain cells have no mechanism for using fat as energy. This is probably why Atkins people get depressed and tired.

Moderation is the key in all things.

dcgonz

As with anything you eat the key is moderation. Deli meat is high in sodium and their bread is high in sodium as well. When I know I'm going to have to eat out somewhere, I always check their website and choose the least harmful item. I won't say most healthy because there is way too much sodium. It's not always about calories. If you choose to add cheese, mayo or one of their sauces the totals go higher.
I would say it's not something you want to do everyday but every now and then is okay.

Diana

inafit16177

FYI...subway's "whole wheat bread" has high fructose corn syrup in it...we learned this the hard way...my youngest child has a HFCS sensitivity...and we thought veggie delights were safe...but no...