The Healthy Girl's Guide to Going Out to Eat
- Aug 3, 2016
- 3 min read
No one wants to be "that guy" and turn down going out to dinner with friends because you won't find a healthy option on the menu... Now you won't have to turn down dinner plans again! I have gone through the work to find the best healthy meal options (that aren't all salad..... boring!) at a variety of common restaurants so you don't have to!!
1. Applebee's
Luckily, Applebee's has a pretty easy-to-navigate menu when it comes to healthier choices. Here are a couple of my favorites:
Cedar Grilled Lemon Chicken
Calories: 570
Sodium: 2350
*No trans fat*
TIP: Unfortunately, other than plain veggies, nothing on this restaurant's menu has a sodium content lower than 1,000mg of sodium. If you are going out to eat for dinner, keep this in mind and keep your sodium intake lower for the first portion of your day. Also, make sure to drink plenty of water!!
I can personally say that this dish is delicious! This plate definitely has enough food to serve for two meals, so box up the rest and eat it for leftovers!
Thai Shrimp Salad
Calories: 380
Sodium: 1620
*No trans fat*!!
I LOVE seafood and anything savory. This dish is amazing!
2. Olive Garden
I know how tempting the soup, salad, and breadsticks are..... With soups containing an average of 1,000 mg of sodium per bowl, (your daily intake should be about 2,300mg) and one breadstick containing 140 calories and 460mg of sodium, (and we all know that no one eats just one..) it's good to consider other options.
Herb-Grilled Salmon
A really yummy choice that will get you healthy fats, omegas, and a nice serving of veggies.
Calories: 460
Served with a side of broccoli
TIP: To cut down on "bad" fat content, ask for less garlic-herb butter!
Spaghetti and Meat Sauce
This one seems really basic, but it's a classic, how can you not love spaghetti?!
TIP: Order this without meatballs to keep calorie count and fat down.
Calories: 280
Sodium: 390mg
3. Red Robin
Red Robin- home of the burgers- home of the calories... Do not fear, there ARE healthy options to be had at Red Robin!
Keep It Simple (The Boca Burger)
Yes, something vegan!!
Calories: 580
Sodium: 1700mg
Fat: 17g
I've had this before and it's really good!
TIP: Swap the fries out for veggies or fruit salad!
Wedgie Burger
Calories: 470
Sodium: 710mg
Fat: 28g
I haven't tried this one yet but come one... it has guacamole!! Who doesn't love guacamole?!?!
TIP: Ask for this without bacon to cut down on fat.
TIP: You can ask for any burger without a bun, or replace the bun with lettuce! This will cut down on calorie intake!
4. Red Lobster
I'm sure Beyonce has made you have a random craving to take your man and bring him to Red Lobster.... It's super tempting to dip your lobster into pounds of butter, but you'll be able to resist with these yummy alternatives.
Lighthouse Rock Lobster Tail
Calories: 400
Sodium: 1060 mg
Saturated Fat: 2g
Just enough lobster meat to meet your cravings! Served with wild rice and broccoli for a well-rounded meal.
TIP: Limit your use of butter with the lobster (or don't use any if you can resist!)
Snow Crab Legs
Calories: 430
Sodium: 1110mg
Saturated Fat: 21g
This dish comes with a side of broccoli!
TIP: Use less butter with this dish. Most of the fat in the nutritional information comes from the included butter. Less butter=less total fat!
5. Chili's
Last but not least, Chili's is another very common chain restaurant. I wasn't able to find as in depth nutrition information as I was for the other 4 restaurants, but from the calorie count and descriptions that I read, these two menu options seems to be the most nutritious.
Mango-Chile Tilapia
Calories: 520
Served with: avocado, rice, and pieces of mango.
A nice blend of sweet and savory! Mangos are filled with nutrients and you'll get healthy fats from both the fish and the avocado!
Margarita Grilled Chicken
Calories: 580
Served with: rice, tortilla chips, and black beans.
TIP: Since this meal is so protein packed, eat half and save the rest for leftovers!
***DISCLAIMER*** Although I find healthy eating to be extremely important, this post is not meant to make you feel guilty about your food choices! This is just a means for you to find healthier food options when you go out and aren't ready for a "cheat meal". If you want to eat a yummy meal from one of these restaurants that has 2,000 calories, then live life girl and enjoy that meal!! Just remember the rule of moderation and to listen to your body!
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