• by Erik Sass , March 2, 2012

The Men’s Health “Eat This, Not That!” franchise is coming to menus nationwide, courtesy of a partnership between Rodale and Arby’s, which will begin displaying “Eat This, Not That!”-approved menu items chosen by Rodale’s custom content group.

Arby’s will feature the “Eat This” items -- including sandwiches and salads containing 500 calories or less -- on the Arby’s Web site, as well as on social media and through in-store promotions. The list of “Eat This”-approved items includes things like a “Roast Beef Classic Combo,” “Cravin’ Chicken,” and “Farmhouse Salad.”

The promotional materials include detailed information about the nutritional content of the items, as well as prominent “Eat This, Not That!” branding. 

The Men’s Health “Eat This, Not That!” franchise is based on a series of books written by Editor in Chief Dave Zinczenko and co-author Matt Goulding. They tell readers how to swap calorie-rich food items for healthier alternatives. They have succeeded, in part, by targeting male audiences, which were previously neglected by most (female-targeted) diet books. To date, the books have sold more than 8 million copies.

Arby’s, with 3,500 restaurants nationwide, joins the growing list of fast-food restaurants introducing or highlighting more health-conscious menu choices. Most recently, in August of last year, Burger King began offering more salads, smoothies, and oatmeal as a breakfast option. And in July, McDonald’s announced a campaign of “Commitments to Offer Improved Nutrition Choices.”