While the best way to eat healthy is to make your food yourself, we all do get tired of cooking everyday at home. During quarantine we went through a healthy takeout that covered all different types of healthy foods that you can eat at a restaurant. We are going to revisit this topic to add some important tips and discover new healthy foods.
When ordering takeout follow these steps to keep your meal healthy.
- Choose protein and vegetable dishes
- Limit extra carbs (ex. sauces, fried foods, dressings)
- Choose Water or Low Sugar Drinks
- If you have a sweet tooth go for the kids or junior size.
Mexican
- Choose whole beans instead of refried beans. As a result, they’re lower in unnecessary fat and calories, delivering all the protein power of beans without add-ons.
- Limit cheese and sour cream. These can become calorie and fat bombs for your meal, so if you can’t go without these items ask for them on the side.
- Veggie Burrito Bowl. A veggie burrito bowl with brown rice, sautéed onions and peppers, order of beans, guacamole, lettuce, and salsa.
American
- Broth based soup. Broth based vegetable soups instead of cream based soups are healthier options. Broth cuts out added fat and calories.
- Veggie Burger. A regular burger can be loaded with saturated fat, so try a veggie burger with lettuce and tomato. Try to avoid a lot of sauce. A side salad or fresh fruit is a good option to have with the burger.
Indian
- Dal. Dal is a lentil-heavy dish that’s loaded with delicious spices, like cinnamon and cumin. Try to stick with the tomato based to add less calories.
- Chana Masala. The main ingredient in chana masala is chick peas, which offer up plenty of protein. You can enjoy with as-is or with brown rice.
- Tandoori Chicken. Tandoori chicken is packed with flavor, and it’s a good way to get some protein into your meal.
Greek
- Hummus. In this dish of ground-up chick peas mixed with tahini. Hummus provides a dose of plant-based protein, fiber, and healthy fat. Add vegetables to complete this meal.
- Fattoush Salad. This salad features bread pieces and tons of greens, which is better then a Greek Salad. Add some vinegar dressing to save calories.
It is not bad to eat out during the week or on the weekends. You can still eat healthy while ordering from your favorite Mexican spot or American spot, just make sure you follow the steps above to keep your meal healthy and not high in calories.
-Olivia Callan
Health Fitness Specialist
