What Is The Healthiest Thing to Eat at The Habit? A Nutritional Guide

According to nutrition data, a standard Charburger ordered 'protein style' (lettuce wrapped) has significantly fewer calories and carbohydrates than the version with a seeded bun. Navigating a fast-food menu while trying to eat healthily can be a challenge, so what is the healthiest thing to eat at The Habit, and what should you look for?

Quick Summary

Discover the best low-calorie, high-protein options available at The Habit Burger Grill, including smart substitutions and customization strategies to help you make nutritious choices.

Key Points

• Opt for Lettuce Wraps: Swap a traditional bun for a lettuce wrap on any burger to drastically cut calories and carbs.

• Customize Your Salads: The BBQ Chicken Salad with fat-free Italian dressing is a top low-calorie, high-protein choice. Beware of high-calorie creamy dressings and add-ons.

• Choose Lean Protein: The Fresh Albacore Sandwich and grilled chicken options are great sources of lean protein.

• Select Healthier Sides: Prioritize sides like applesauce or a simple side salad with light dressing over fries and onion rings.

• Avoid Sugary Drinks: Skip the shakes and sodas in favor of water or unsweetened tea to reduce sugar intake.

• Be Mindful of Toppings: Asking to hold the cheese, bacon, or mayo is an easy way to reduce calories and saturated fat.

Making Smart Choices at The Habit Burger Grill

Many people assume that dining at a burger chain means a guaranteed high-calorie meal, but this isn't always the case. With a little knowledge of the menu and some key customization strategies, you can enjoy a flavorful and satisfying meal that aligns with your health goals. The Habit has several menu items that can be adapted to be surprisingly nutritious, focusing on lean protein and fresh vegetables.

The Healthiest Burger and Sandwich Choices

When it comes to burgers, the biggest trap is the bun and the toppings. Opting for a lettuce wrap over a traditional bun is a simple yet powerful modification. The lettuce-wrapped Charburger, for instance, contains only 350 calories, compared to the 500 calories in the version on a seeded bun. This substitution dramatically reduces the carb and sodium content, making it a much lighter option. For those seeking plant-based protein, The Habit offers several vegan and vegetarian-friendly items as well.

• Lettuce Wrap Charburger: A classic flame-grilled patty, tomato, caramelized onion, and crisp lettuce instead of a bun. Hold the mayo for an even lighter meal.
• Fresh Albacore Sandwich (Seeded Bun): This is one of the original menu items and a standout lean protein choice. At 390 calories and 33g of protein, it's a great option, but you can opt for a lettuce wrap or remove the tartar sauce to reduce calories further.
• Veggie Burger (no cheese, on a vegan bun): For vegetarian diners, the veggie burger is a solid, filling choice. Ensure you order it without cheese to save calories and fat.

Navigating the Salads: Dressings Make the Difference

Salads are often seen as the default healthy option, but at fast-food restaurants, creamy, sugary dressings and high-calorie add-ons can make them surprisingly unhealthy. The key to a healthy salad at The Habit is to choose your dressing wisely and to be mindful of cheese and croutons.

For a low-calorie, high-protein powerhouse, the BBQ Chicken Salad is an excellent choice. When you order it with fat-free Italian dressing, you get 37g of protein for only 340 calories. In contrast, the Santa Barbara Cobb salad comes in at a much higher 840 calories due to higher-fat ingredients. The Garden Ranch salad is another decent base, especially if you order it without chicken and opt for a lighter dressing.

The Best Sides and Beverages

Your side dish and drink choices can either complement your healthy meal or completely derail it. The Habit offers a few guilt-free sides alongside some less-than-stellar options. Sweet potato fries are often considered healthier than regular fries due to their vitamin content, but they are still fried and contain significant calories. The best choices are non-fried or low-calorie alternatives.

• Applesauce: This is an excellent low-calorie, low-sugar side option.
• Side Salad with Fat-Free Italian Dressing: A simple and effective way to get more vegetables without adding many calories.
• Unsweetened Beverages: Stick to water, unsweetened iced tea, or the lite lemonade if available, and avoid sugary shakes and sodas.

Smart Customization Strategies

Don't be afraid to ask for modifications to tailor your meal to your needs. The Habit is accommodating to many requests. For example:

• Go "Protein Style": Swap any burger or sandwich bun for a lettuce wrap.
• Hold the Mayo: Skip the high-calorie mayonnaise on your burgers and sandwiches.
• Request Lighter Dressings: Always ask for fat-free or light dressing options and get it on the side to control the amount.
• Add Avocado: Instead of cheese or bacon, add fresh avocado for healthy fats.
• Skip the Cheese and Bacon: These are high in saturated fat and sodium and can be easily omitted from your meal.

Nutritional Comparison: Smart Choices at The Habit

Menu Item	Calories	Protein (g)	Customization for Health	Why it's a good choice
BBQ Chicken Salad (w/ Fat-Free Italian)	~340	37	Use fat-free Italian dressing.	High in protein, low in calories, and very filling.
Lettuce-Wrapped Charburger	~350	~17	Request "protein style"; hold the mayo.	Classic burger flavor with significantly fewer calories and carbs.
Fresh Albacore Sandwich (Seeded Bun)	390	33	Ask for a lettuce wrap or hold the tartar sauce.	Excellent source of lean protein from a sushi-grade tuna filet.
Side Salad (w/ Fat-Free Italian)	~57	N/A	Choose fat-free dressing.	A low-calorie, veggie-packed addition to any meal.
Double Charburger (Seeded Bun)	730	37	N/A	High in calories and saturated fat; a less healthy option.
Santa Barbara Cobb Salad (w/ Dressing)	840	48	N/A	The high calorie count from cheese and bacon makes this a less healthy salad option.
Pastrami Sandwich (French Roll)	900	N/A	N/A	One of the most calorie-dense items on the menu.

Conclusion: Your Power to Choose

Eating healthy at a fast-food restaurant like The Habit is possible by focusing on lean proteins, fresh vegetables, and mindful portion control. Your best bet is typically the BBQ Chicken Salad with fat-free Italian dressing, offering a great balance of high protein and low calories. However, the lettuce-wrapped Charburger and the Fresh Albacore Sandwich are also solid choices when customized correctly. By using strategies like going "protein style" and swapping out high-calorie dressings and sides, you are in control of your meal's nutritional profile. For the most detailed nutritional information, consult The Habit Burger Grill's official website.

Vegetarian and Vegan Choices at The Habit

For those following a plant-based diet, The Habit provides several options that can be prepared vegan. The Veggie Burger patty itself is vegan, but it's important to specify that you want it on a vegan bun and without cheese or mayo. The Impossible Burger is also available and vegan when ordered correctly. Sides like the regular and sweet potato fries, applesauce, and tempura green beans are also suitable, though the tempura batter is an added fried component. Always request a side salad without croutons and with a vegan dressing, such as fat-free Italian.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a 'protein style' burger at The Habit?

A 'protein style' burger is a customization option where the burger patty and toppings are wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves instead of being served on a bun. This is a low-carb and lower-calorie alternative.

Are the sweet potato fries healthier than regular fries?

Sweet potato fries contain more vitamins, but they are still a fried item with a high calorie count. While potentially a better choice than regular fries, the side salad or applesauce remains a healthier, lower-calorie alternative.

Is The Habit Veggie Burger vegan?

The Veggie Burger patty itself is vegan. To make the complete meal vegan, you must request it without cheese and specify a vegan bun, as some buns may contain milk or eggs.

Which salad dressing is the healthiest at The Habit?

Fat-free Italian dressing is generally the healthiest choice, as it is the lowest in calories. Creamy dressings like ranch or thousand island can add a significant number of calories and fat to your meal.

How can I reduce the sodium in my meal?

To reduce sodium, choose a lettuce wrap over a bun, skip the cheese and bacon, and ask for dressings and sauces on the side to use sparingly. Fast-food items often contain high levels of sodium.

What is the best drink to order for a healthy meal?

The best drink to order is water. Unsweetened iced tea or a diet soda is also a better choice than a high-sugar, high-calorie shake or soda.

Can I add healthy toppings to my burger or salad?

Yes, you can customize your order by adding fresh vegetables like tomato, lettuce, and grilled onions. Adding fresh avocado is also a great way to incorporate healthy fats.