McDonald’s is all over this year’s Olympic games, despite the fact that I guarentee you that no athlete is eating anything from the fast food giant. I have friend’s who are serious athletes nowhere near the level of the Olympians and their diet is so specific it sometimes scares me. Nonetheless, the millions upon millions of folks watching these athletes compete are being told to make their way to the golden arches. It is on that note that we at TakePart give you the Top 5 Organic Fast Food Alternatives.

Because let’s be honest, athlete or no athlete, sometimes we’re in a hurry and we still need to eat. Let me know if I’ve missed any and takepart to learn how you can support a film that is working to explore the ins and outs of organic food.

1) Whole Foods Organic To Go Meals:

Whole Foods is always a great alternative to greasy burgers and fries. They’ve almost all got amazing salad bars, cold bars, hot bars and even a pizza bar for when you’re feeling naughty. But if you don’t have time to make a salad or wait in a line they also have pre-packaged (in the store, not in a factory) Organic To-Go meals. They’re fresh, yummy and feature a variety of foods to work with whatever craving you may be having.

______

2) Organic To-Go

Not to be confused with Whole Foods, Organic To-Go is a new fast food chain that is starting to pop up across the country. They’ve got restaurants in California and both Washington’s (state and DC) and are America’s first fast casual café to be USDA certified as an organic retailer. More than that, they’re also a catering service - meaning no more gross sandwiches at your next big work meeting - esp if you’re a vegetarian, I mean does anyone think cold thick not fresh vegetable sandwiches actually taste good?

______

3. Gusto Organics

The first USDA certified organic restaurant in New York City, Gusto has meals for everyone - vegans, carnivores, vegetarians and those who can’t do gluten. Just looking at their website makes my mouth water. It may be a little fancier than most fast food but it’s definitely a step in the right direction.

______

4. Chipotle

Of course not everyone lives in a big city and sometimes you really do need your food in 5 minutes. For you, I recommend Chipotle. The company is the country’s largest restaurant buyer of naturally raised meats and 30 percent of their beans are organic. They’re sour cream is also free of any growth hormones. Not too bad, plus, like another unhealthy fast food giant, you can “have it your way” here and get whatever toppings you choose.

______

5. Dunkin Donuts

OK, so I know Dunkin Donuts isn’t an organic place, the reason they’re on my list though is that beyond food the one thing people need quickly and often is coffee. And if you need to stop at a big chain to get some coffee, the place I will always recommend to you is Dunkin Donuts. Back in 2003, before fair trade was hip, Dunkin Donuts starting using fair trade beans in all of their espresso drinks. And that, if you ask me, is pretty damn cool. Plus, let’s be honest, most of us aren’t Olympic athletes, and once in awhile we just need a donut.