Finding healthy options at fast-food restaurants like Jimmy John's requires strategic choices. The primary method for creating a healthier meal is by customizing your order, with the most impactful change being the selection of an Unwich.
The Unwich Advantage
An Unwich replaces the standard bread with lettuce wraps, drastically cutting down on calories and carbohydrates. This allows you to enjoy the fillings while adhering to lower-carb eating plans.
Healthier Base Options
Several menu items offer a good starting point for a healthy Unwich:
- Turkey Tom Unwich (#4) with turkey, lettuce, and tomato is a lean, protein-rich choice. Removing mayo keeps calories low.
- Little John (#4) provides a smaller, calorie-controlled portion.
- Slim 2 (Roast Beef) as an Unwich offers a high-protein, low-calorie alternative.
- The Veggie Unwich (#6) can be a low-calorie, vegetable-focused option, especially with reduced avocado spread.
Customization Tips for Health
To maximize the health benefits of your Jimmy John's order:
- Opt for the Unwich: This is the most effective way to reduce carbs and calories.
- Select Lean Proteins: Turkey breast, roast beef, or ham are better choices than higher-fat meats.
- Choose Condiments Wisely: Swap mayo and Kickin' Ranch for options like Grey Poupon® mustard or oil and vinegar. Use avocado spread sparingly.
- Add Extra Veggies: Increase volume and nutrients by adding more lettuce, tomato, cucumber, onion, and pickles.
- Be Aware of Sodium: Deli meats are high in sodium; adjust your overall daily intake accordingly.
Nutritional Comparison
Here's a comparison showing the impact of choosing an Unwich:
| Item | Calories | Fat (g) | Carbs (g) | Protein (g) | Sodium (mg) | 
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turkey Tom (8" French) | ~510 | ~20 | ~57 | ~25 | ~1240 | 
| Turkey Tom Unwich (No Mayo, Add Avocado) | ~90 | ~1 | ~6 | ~14 | ~590 | 
| Bootlegger Club Unwich (No Mayo) | ~330 | ~20 | ~5 | ~31 | ~1180 | 
Items to Limit or Avoid
Some menu items are higher in calories, fat, or sodium:
- Spicy East Coast Italian is a higher-calorie sandwich option.
- Mayonnaise and Ranch dressings add significant calories and fat. Removing mayo from a Turkey Tom can save calories.
- Club sandwiches often include bacon and extra processed meat, increasing fat and sodium.
Conclusion
The healthiest choice at Jimmy John's is often a customized Turkey Tom Unwich, without mayo, and with added vegetables. This combination is low in calories and provides a good protein source. Smart customization of lean base options allows you to create healthier meals. Nutritional details are available on the {Link: Jimmy John's website https://www.jimmyjohns.com/documents/nutrition-info}.