Airports Serving Up Healthier Fare

Survey: Dallas, Chicago and Detroit Head Healthy Foods List; Washington National, Atlanta, Miami On Other End

(CBS)  Traveling by air doesn't have to mean eating foods that are bad for you.

A new survey finds there's a good chance you can find healthy entrees at many of America's busiest airports.

An annual report just released by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine finds that 82 percent of the eateries checked offer at least one low-fat, cholesterol-free vegetarian entrée.

It's the second straight year to get such high scores.

The survey, now in its seventh year, examined food served at 15 of the busiest airports in the country.

The group says, "Some airports are much better than others. If you’re laying over in Dallas, Chicago, or Detroit, you’ll have no trouble finding a healthful meal. If you’re traveling through Washington (National), (Atlanta) or Miami, you’ll have to look harder.

The PCRM added, "More than 90 percent of the restaurants at Dallas, Detroit, and O'Hare airports offer a healthful option. The figure in Miami is 67 percent, and at Washington National is a dismal 42 percent." Atlanta's score was 72 percent.

Las Vegas, ay 75 percent, was most-improved.

Susan Levin, a PCRM registered dietician and staff nutritionist, told Early Show co-anchor Harry Smith Wednesday that O'Hare, for instance, once had big posters bragging of its high standing on the group's list, and has consistently done well since -- so the survey is noticed.

For more details on the survey, click here.

[johnfrank11]

That''s good news! I''ve noticed that airports do seem to be working harder to offer healthy food, and it''s nice to see some confirmation. I try to avoid cheeseburgers and hotdogs and all that other high-fat stuff, especially since I saw a news story recently about how eating meat on a regular basis can up your risk of cancer.