The average American dines out on fast food twice a week. However, while fast food franchises might be convenient and delicious, the food they serve isn’t always healthy. A typical fast food meal contains 700-1200 calories or about half of an adult’s recommended daily intake.

At Shawarma Press, we want to do things differently. We believe fast food can also be good food and want to become one of the leading healthy-choice fast food franchises for sale. Here’s how we do it.

The Health Risks Associated with Traditional Fast Food Franchises

Research shows that eating at fast food franchises more than twice a week is associated with a 50% increase in the risk of obesity. A fast-food heavy diet is also linked to a variety of other health conditions, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, elevated blood sugar, insulin resistance, and water retention. This can lead to serious long-term health consequences such as Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and strokes.

So why is fast food so bad for us? It comes down to the contents. All our food is made of macronutrients, the most common of which are proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. A typical diet should consist of about 50% carbs, 30% fats, and 20% proteins.

The Macronutrients in Food

Carbohydrates are great sources of quick energy. Our bodies break down carbs into glucose, a type of sugar. Eating too many carbs can lead to blood sugar spikes that over time can put people at increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. The best types of carbs to eat are complex carbs, which take longer to break down into glucose and don’t cause blood sugar spikes. Good sources of complex carbs include beans, fibrous fruits and vegetables, and whole grains.

Fats have gotten bad press in recent years, but it’s important to include healthier fats in our diets. Fat is a great source of energy, but burns slower than carbs and can help keep hunger at bay. Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats are considered the healthiest types of fat to consume. Good sources of these fats include nuts, seeds, and fish.

Proteins are important for building healthy bones, muscles, and other tissues. The best sources of proteins are lean meats, but dairy products, fish, nuts, and legumes are also good sources of dietary protein.

The Macronutrients in Fast Food

Traditional fast food franchise offerings such as pizza or burgers and fries can lean heavily on carbohydrates and saturated fats, upsetting the balance of macronutrients. In addition, fast food frequently contains the wrong types of macronutrients, such as simple carbohydrates or trans and saturated fats. These macros can lead to health consequences such as elevated blood sugar or cholesterol levels.

Finally, fast food franchises also usually serve food high in sodium (salt). Too much salt can cause high blood pressure and water retention. That’s why lots of people report feeling bloated or puffy after eating a large fast food meal.

All About The Mediterranean Diet

Different regions of the world are associated with different diets. These are based on the foods available in those areas, as well as traditional cooking methods. The Mediterranean diet is common to regions in southern Europe and the Levant. This diet is packed with fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, lean proteins, and healthy fats.

The health benefits of the Mediterranean diet have been widely studied. Research shows that following this diet reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease by up to 25%. People who eat a Mediterranean diet are also 46% more likely to age healthily, which is defined as living to 70+ without suffering from any chronic diseases.

All the Flavor, None of the Additives

Shawarma is a traditional street food common in Mediterranean regions. Thinly sliced beef or chicken is roasted slowly in front of an upright grill and shaved off to serve in wraps or bowls.

The flavor from Shawarma Press shawarma comes from our authentic blend of traditional herbs and spices, without any of the artificial additives regularly used by other franchises. We believe in doing things the Mediterranean fast food franchise way, and serving up delicious, healthier alternatives to typical fast food.

Shawarma Press Fast Food Franchises Nutritional Values

A chicken shawarma from Shawarma Press can be a healthier choice than many other fast food options.

For customers who want to eat even better, we can take away the wrap and serve flavorful shawarma in a delicious salad bowl or steamed rice bowl, packed with fresh, nutritious ingredients.

Because we scratch-make our food to authentic recipes, we know what goes inside everything we serve. Our house-made hummus is a simple, healthful blend of chickpeas, garlic, tahini, and olive oil. And our traditional tabbouleh salad is bursting with fresh parsley, tomatoes, and bulgur wheat.

This makes the Shawarma Press menu a great, healthier alternative to many other low cost fast food franchises. We draw from a long tradition of serving quick, flavorful foods that don’t have to be bad for you in order to taste good.

Shawarma Press Fast Food Franchise Opportunity

We’re excited to bring our special brand of delicious, healthier fast food to locations across America. If you’re looking for a healthier fast food franchise opportunity and believe in serving scratch-made food that doesn’t have to be bad to taste good, contact us today to learn more about opening your own Shawarma Press franchise location.