The people who want healthy food fast have spoken.

Atlanta-based registered dietitian Joanne Lichten keeps her eyes peeled for what's new in healthy dining out. She shares a few of her observations on what works when you're looking for quick and easy snacks and meals on the go.

Chris Hunt / AJC (ENLARGE)

Half a lean ham sandwich and low-fat black bean soup are among the selection of healthier options at Panera.

Carolyn O'Neil is a registered dietitian and co-author of "The Dish on Eating Healthy and Being Fabulous!" E-mail her at healthyeating@ajc.com. RELATED • What?s for dinner? Plan a healthy, nutritious meal • More health headlines

• Au Bon Pain has added a line of 14 dishes called Portions that are under 200 calories each. Created by executive chef Thomas John, they're meant to be eaten as mini-meals, snacks or paired with the eatery's soups, salads or sandwiches for a full meal. Prices range from $2.99 to $3.49 for items including hummus and cucumbers, Thai peanut chicken, Mediterranean tuna salad and brie, fruit and crackers. "These smaller portions are great. Just don't eat five of them," Lichten says.

• Fuddruckers now has lighter burger choices on whole-wheat buns and bunless burgers for those cutting carbs. There is also a new cast of patty choices: veggie, ostrich, turkey, buffalo and salmon. Also, Fuddruckers' Lighter Options Menu adds a line of exotic salads, seasonal fruit salad, low-fat ranch and Italian dressing and Alpine Lace low-sodium, low-fat American cheese.

"Burger places have come a long way from simply adding a grilled chicken sandwich to the menu," she says.

• Papa John's offers whole-wheat pizza crust. One slice delivers nine grams of fiber. "I found the flavor a bit overwhelming," Lichten said. "My fear is that people won't like this super-high-fiber crust and then we'll see another healthy-menu item disappear and restaurant executives will conclude 'See, nobody likes it.' I think a mix of whole-wheat and white flour would have been more appropriate." But, try it ... and see what you think.

• Marble Slab is introducing a sweet and svelte alternative. Its nonfat frozen yogurt has 100 calories per half-cup serving while the no-sugar-added version is 90 calories (same as its sorbet). Both have less than 0.5 gram fat. By comparison, Marble Slab's super premium ice cream has 450 calories and 28 grams of fat per 6.75-ounce serving (about twice as large of a serving).