'Healthy fast food' taking Australia by storm; is this the answer to worldwide obesity?

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Dec 07, 2015 05:30 AM EST

Australian fast food chain, Oliver's Real Food is serving healthy alternatives and it is taking the country by storm.

Oliver's Real Food serves breakfast, gourmet pita pockets, salads, fruit salads, snacks, soups & curries, sandwiches and even a variety of food for the kids. The self-named fast food chain also caters to people with special diets or has food requirements including vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free and vegetarian foods.

According to their website, the company uses raw and organically grown produce to make their food. Their philosophy revolves around good clean food and a green planet.

"We use whole foods; these are natural untainted foods, which are rich in their natural endowment of nutrients. Whenever possible we use 'Organically Grown' to promote not only our health, but also the health of our planet," they wrote.

In addition to having a healthy food menu, the company and its chain stores even patronize biodegradable food utensils, bamboo furniture and even stock up on paper napkins that have been recycled.

What started as a dare from his sister-in-law, founder Jason Gunn opened Oliver's Real Food to create a fast food alternative for people who want real and organic food. Gunn had to mortgage his house and borrow $3 million to open his first store in 2005. Last year, the chain has garnered $35 million in turnovers.

There are currently 17 stores open in Australia, according to The Age. Gunn plans to have 300 stores in the country by 2025. He is in talks to open a store in California in 2016.

Patrons of the store wrote to Gunn about how the food changed their lives and health for the better.

"He had lost a significant amount of weight, his blood pressure had come back in order and his eczema had cleared up," Gunn said. He was referring to an interstate truck driver who dropped junk food and spent more on Oliver's sandwiches, salads and yoghurts.

Gunn adds that the chain will continue to thrive now that it's clear that there are people who want to have healthier choices when it comes to fast food even if the foods were a little bit more expensive.

Another patron who is a construction worker used to eat KFC or Maccas, or Australian slang for McDonald's daily but has tried to steer himself to getting more greens and smoothies from the store.

What do you think of Oliver's Real Food coming to the US in 2016? Would you be willing to have organic fast food every day? Tell us in the comments below!

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