Fast-casual chains feed post-holiday health aspirations

Although fast casuals are known for their high-quality ingredients and atmosphere, many consumers also associate them with offering healthier food choices. And now that the New Year's resolutioners are out in full force, many concepts are hoping to attract health-conscious eaters by offering low-calorie, yet tasty menu options.

Below is a roundup of just a few restaurants planning to fatten up profits by marketing to skinny-focused eaters.

Tropical Smoothie Café, for example, created a salad and a wrap, both featuring coconut, to provide an innovative spin on its standard fare.

"Eating 'lighter' doesn't mean you have to eat boring or bland food," Lisa Wenda, chief marketing officer of Tropical Smoothie Café, said in a company press release. "Our new wrap and salad are a reinforcement of Tropical Smoothie Café's 'Eat Better. Feel Better.' mantra, where we believe that food that's good for you doesn't have to sacrifice on taste."

The chain is also marketing to customers who are embracing juice diets by offering a variety of fruit and vegetable smoothie options, including:

· Island Green, a blend of fresh spinach, kale, mango, pineapple and banana.

· Caribbean C-burst, a mix of carrots, mango, banana, goji and orange juice.

· Acai Berry Boost, made with blueberries, strawberries, pomegranate, bananas and acai.

· And Pomegranate Plunge, a combination of bananas, strawberries, cranberries and pomegranate.

Not to be outdone when it comes to juicing, Jamba Juice is also improving the nutrition of its smoothies by making them with whole food ingredients, including kale, carrots, chia seeds and Greek yogurt. Each has 10 to 14 grams of protein,said Julie S. Washington, senior vice president and chief brand officer, Jamba Juice Company.

"As consumers become more aware of the benefits of getting their daily recommended servings of fruits and vegetables, we are determined to support their everyday health and lifestyle needs through our delicious products," she said.

It's not only smoothie chains striving for healthy options. Even the cafés of the industry, usually known for high-carb and sugary treats, are on the bandwagon.

Panera Bread, for example, is challenging customers to lose five pounds in six weeks by ordering food from its new Power Menu, while Einstein Bros. launched The Smart Choices menu, featuring Thintastic Bagels, which have 35 percent fewer calories than the normal bagel.

Those who think eating a burger or grabbing a pizza while on a diet is a no-no probably haven't visited MOOYAH or Pie Five lately. The better burger chain is now offering its standard burgers and chicken on lettuce buns — calling themIceburgers — to customers who are watching their calories. Pie Five Pizza has created a Skinny Pie, featuring all-natural chicken, signature mozzarella and provolone cheese blend, red onion, red and green peppers, diced tomatoes, mushrooms and basil on an Artisan thin crust and topped with Marinara sauce. The entire pizza contains less than 500 calories.

"We already offer lots of healthy choices on our menu, including gluten-free and whole-grain crusts, signature salads and our Farmer's Market vegetarian pie, to name a few," said Pie Five Pizza Chef Andy Whitman. "But we wanted to offer something extra special at this time of year for those determined to drop a few pounds. The Skinny Pie will fit in just about any diet plan, and the best thing is, it's delicious."

While some restaurants have just a a few token "healthy items," McAlister's Deli is all in with its new "Lite Choose Two" menu. The chains boasts 200 sandwich, wrap or soup combos under 600 calories.

Taking the health trend to the next level is Pita Pit. Although the chain has always marketed its nutritional options, it's narrowing that focus by partnering with HEALTHY DINING, a company that has analyzed thousands of menu items to ensure consumers have healthy choices when dining out, Peter Riggs, VP of Brand Promotion for Pita Pit, said in a company press release.

The partnership allows guests to build their own pitas through three steps: Pick a pita, choose five toppings, and select one preferred sauce. There are 300-, 400- and 450-calorie categories from which consumers can build pitas.

"Our options are tailored specifically to the health-conscious individual who doesn't want to sacrifice taste for calorie count," Riggs said. "Our ample menu includes protein heavy options as well as vegetarian options and we're thrilled to be able to provide dietitian-approved selections while maintaining fresh and refined options."