Americans spend approximately $70.1 billion on eating out each month and 38% of consumers say they eat healthier when dining out than when eating at home (GITNUX Market Data Report 2023). 

As a 36+ year Stage 4 cancer survivor and founder of The Templeton Wellness Foundation, I have made it my mission to connect the hungry public with vetted healthy restaurants all across the country. The Templeton Wellness Foundation introduces The Templeton List, a comprehensive online guide of the healthiest restaurants in America. Rather than relying on random restaurant choices, you can now opt for establishments that are certified healthy by a team that recognizes the significance of fresh, healthy food.

The Templeton List offers a transparent glimpse into restaurant practices, empowering diners to make choices aligned with their health goals. My personal mission as a cancer survivor stems from a deep understanding of the challenges faced during business travel and the occasional desire for a break from home-cooked meals. This guide is a reflection of my personal journey and a commitment to helping others in their pursuit of a healthier lifestyle. 

The Power of Informed Dining 

A strong conviction to the importance of healthy, organic, farm-to-table food led to the creation of The Templeton List – and a true labor of love. The Foundation's team works diligently to survey thousands of restaurants across all 50 states, asking seven critical questions to determine the nutritional soundness of the food they serve. Restaurants meeting all seven criteria for ingredient, preparation, and environmental guidelines are awarded five stars, with the rating decreasing based on missing criteria. 

From locally sourced ingredients to MSG-free preparation, The Templeton List ensures you have the tools to choose healthier dining options. The Templeton Wellness Foundation recognizes the pivotal role of a healthy diet, especially for those facing health challenges and for anyone who wants to find a spot serving up fresh, wholesome goodness. The List offers a transparent glimpse into restaurant practices, allowing diners to make informed choices about what they consume. 

You have a right to know what is in your food.

These are the seven questions The Templeton Team uses to vet restaurants across the country. 

Is the food you serve locally sourced? It’s no secret that fresh fruits and vegetables lose much of their nutritional quality when shipped long distances. In fact, the nutrients in fresh produce are diminished within 24 hours of being picked. That’s why fresh produce is often exposed to chemicals, gasses, or waxes in order to preserve food for long-distance transport. Add to that dense, and you can see why food that is locally sourced is preferred. 

Is the food you serve organically grown, free of pesticides and chemicals?  As reported in a news article published on The Templeton Wellness Foundation website, those who eat organic food regularly are 25% less likely to develop cancer. 

Do you use healthy, non-hydrogenated oils? Junk foods are typically made with hydrogenated vegetable oils such as soy and canola. These oils are not only known to be inflammatory, but are linked to cancer and heart disease. That’s why a diet high in junk food often leads to a higher risk of colorectal, stomach cancers, and cancers of the respiratory tract. 

Do you serve filtered water and use filtered water when cooking? Clean, pure water is not necessarily guaranteed in many places across the U.S. Shocking, right? This is one area of concern you can’t afford to overlook. Check out the cancer connection in The Templeton Wellness article, If You Have Cancer, Clean Up Your Drinking Water NOW! 

Do you use real butter and absolutely no margarine? Unfortunately, many waitstaff all across the nation do not realize the distinction between real butter and substitutes like margarine. And that’s just one of the reasons we feel it’s important to screen restaurants for you. Margarine has been found to have a shocking number of cancer-causing substances and should be avoided. 

Are you GMO-free? GMO foods are more likely to be contaminated with pesticides and herbicides as they are genetically modified in an attempt to be more tolerant to chemical exposure. Glyphosate is one of the deadliest chemicals to date. Learn more in the Templeton Wellness article: The Dangers of Glyphostate. 

Are you MSG-free? Monosodium glutamate (MSG), a flavor enhancer that originated in Japan, has been around for a long time. Unfortunately, it has been implicated in several neurological symptoms. It remains one of the most harmful food additives and hides in everything from frozen dinners to processed meats, salad dressings, broths, nut milks, etc. Learn more about Finding Hidden Ingredients on Food Labels. 

Your Guide to Healthier Dining 

By visiting TempletonList.com and entering the city/state of where you are or where you want to travel, you’ll discover a curated list of restaurants meeting stringent guidelines. This comprehensive guide isn't just a list of restaurants; it's a commitment to a healthier lifestyle. As you explore curated options, this guide can be your ally in making health-conscious dining decisions—because your well-being deserves a seat at every table.