CRISP & GREEN brings healthy fast food options to Billings - Nonstop Local

BILLINGS, Mont. – Summer is coming, and people are starting to think about ways they can transition to healthier options. - But that starts with looking at nutrition and what access to healthy food options looks like in Billings.  

According to the CDC it's not all about cutting out your favorite meals, it's about adding a variety of healthy foods to those meals like dark leafy greens, oranges, and other foods loaded with vitamins, fiber, and minerals. 

However, access to healthy food options can be difficult for some. The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services says 30 out of Montana's 56 counties contain areas that are considered to be food deserts. 

The CDC said this can lead to people choosing foods that are higher in calories and lower in nutritional value, which increases the risk of chronic diseases. 

Landon Horst, a Registered Dietitian from Billings Clinic said the typical patients he sees are around 40 to 60 years old and are struggling with obesity, which causes various ailments like type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol. 

Horst said his focus is not on the latest diet trends, but on establishing and maintaining a healthy lifestyle by introducing more fruits and vegetables and avoiding processed foods when possible. 

"People start to feel better, and I'm always saying that if weight loss is your only goal with your nutritional regimen, it's going to take a long time. And as humans, we need some of that immediate feedback. And I do try to get people to focus on whether they are more mentally clear - "Do you have more energy?" - Those are things that can happen one week after healthy eating. If we can get people to buy into some of those, typically they will stick with it longer and see those long-term results," said Horst. 

Here in Billings, there are hundreds of locations to get a quick and convenient meal – but not every place is always the best place to get a bang for your buck and nutritional value. 

CRISP&GREEN, a new fast-casual food chain with an eye on healthier eating options, recently opened its 50th location in the Magic City. Co-Founder, Lily Phillips said it's all about bringing healthier options to the Magic City.  

"We want to give a spread of whole, amazing foods that you not only feel good about eating, but it's all amazing tasting. We kind of take that guesswork out of it and do all the things that we don't want to do. We have a culinary team that has created several signature salads and grain bowls, and we've got acai bowls and smoothies, and all these things are made from whole, fresh produce and proteins that we make every day in-house," Lily said. 

Horst and Phillips can agree that a few simple changes to your diet can make all the difference when it comes to your health.

You can learn more about CRISP & GREEN and read the menu online at crispandgreen.com/menu.

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