RATING: 3 out of 5 Forks!
This week's review is with a Ventura County, California small-chain of breakfast restaurants called Eggs ‘n’ Things. Even though you may not live in Ventura County, California – this review can still be helpful because most communities have a local café that is focused primarily on breakfast. So, the tips and suggestions on how to make the most of this type of restaurant will benefit you regardless of where you find yourself dining.
RATING: 3 out of 5 forks!
In business since 1974, Eggs ‘n’ Things does offer quality service and a wide range of food choices on their menu. Even though the majority of the menu is not “waistline friendly” you can enjoy a delicious egg white or egg substitute vegetable omelet, oatmeal and even oat bran pancakes. AND if you’re not in the mood for a traditional style breakfast you can settle for their breast of chicken sandwich, turkey burger or a fajita wrap.
The reason they fall in the middle of the road (getting 3 out of 5 forks) however, is because they primarily use vegetable oil instead of olive oil in the kitchen, and their ketchup has high fructose corn syrup and the jams (jelly) offered are also high in refined sugar. And when it comes to buttering your food, the only option is traditional butter which is high in saturated fat.
Now you may wonder why I am singling out the use of vegetable oil. In short, vegetable oil is an omega-6 fatty acid, which is linked to part of the reason Americans are battling with inflammation. Part of the health movement is to eat less omega-6 fatty acids and more omega-3 (e.g., fish oil) and omega-9 (e.g., olive oil). Plus, most vegetable oils have trans fats as part of their ingredients and this is a big NO-NO when it comes to your waistline and your overall health.
On a positive note, Eggs ‘n’ Things is a great example of a modern-day restaurant with traditional quality customer service. This said, they are more than eager to prepare your food as you want. You can get eggs cooked dry and they make it easy to replace foods you don’t want with alternatives. For instance, you may pass on the hash browns and enjoy a fresh bowl of fruit or sliced tomatoes instead.
Lastly, when eating out we recommend you keep in mind that what is on the menu is simply a suggestion. You don’t “have to” eat what is listed. AND when it comes to enjoying toast we recommend you choose sour dough over what is offered as whole wheat or whole grain. The reason for this is simple – you can’t tell whether or not the bread is whole wheat or whole grain by looking at it or through taste, but with sour dough you can. This said, sour dough converts to blood sugar slower than whole wheat. But this doesn't mean to stop eating 100% whole wheat. It just means when you're eating out you are more likely to keep lean and healthy by choosing sour dough over what may or may not be 100% whole wheat.
If you have a restaurant you’d like us to review – whether local or a national chain, send me an email and we will consider it.
My e-mail: cap@dietfreelife.com
