(Franchise Buy) - By . Updated Aug 10, 2009

Healthy Dining Restaurant of the Month: Blimpie

By Pamela Ofstein
Director of Nutrition Services: eDiets

We know you won’t always have time to prepare a proper lunch or cook up a healthy dinner, so we’re going to make eating right anywhere much easier. eDiets has teamed up with Healthy Dining Finder to bring you the best meals at your favorite restaurants each month.

If you are looking for a quick, convenient bite for lunch or dinner — and are in the mood for a sub — Blimpie is the place to go. I have eaten them since college, especially when I am in the mood to eat something that is going to be low in calories and fat, but sub-stantial (seriously, it will fill you up). 

I am a turkey-sub girl. Blimpie Turkey and Provolone Sandwich on wheat bread (adding that fiber) hits the spot when I need to grab something fast and easy, but still want to be conscious about those calories.

The combination of the oven-roasted turkey with provolone cheese, loaded with tomatoes, lettuce and onions (an easy way to get those veggies in for the day); add a little vinegar, oregano, and oil for a tasty sandwich totaling only about 370 calories with 11 grams of fat (27 percent of total calories) and 6 grams of fiber. Make sure you tell them to double up on the lettuce, tomatoes and vegetables — bring it on!

Blimpie isn’t all about subs and sandwiches. You can get salads and soups, too. I like to pair up their Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad with Chili (I can’t help it, I am a bean lover). To keep the calories in check, I usually get the salad dressing (about 1 Tbs. = 70 calories) on the side and dip once or twice to save some calories.

These two items provide about 370 calories with a whopping 20 grams of fiber while still keeping the fat under 30 percent of the total meal; by enjoying the Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad and Chili combination, you just had 3 servings of your fruits/vegetables for the day. Over halfway there for the day!

About Blimpie: Blimpie Subs and Salads is known for serving freshly sliced meats, crisp, fresh vegetables and fresh baked breads since 1964. With a variety of menu items, including sandwiches, salads, soups and chili, Blimpie is sure to satisfy most any craving and can do so in a healthy way. At Blimpie, you can build and customize any sub and salad; you pick the meal that will satisfy your tastes and dietary preferences. Make your favorite Blimpie menu item even healthier (keeping calories in check) by adding more vegetables and limiting the cheese and other condiments.