The Ultimate Guide to Healthy Restaurant Choices

May 20
13:01

2024

Jenny Evax

Jenny Evax

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Navigating restaurant menus while maintaining a healthy diet can be challenging. This comprehensive guide provides specific recommendations for healthier options across various types of cuisine, ensuring you stay on track with your dietary goals.

Mexican Cuisine

Healthiest Choices

  • Fajitas: Opt for chicken,The Ultimate Guide to Healthy Restaurant Choices Articles beef, or shrimp fajitas with black beans or a side salad instead of rice.
  • Carne Asada: Grilled steak with onions and peppers.
  • Shrimp Diablo: Grilled shrimp with garlic butter (request less butter).
  • Grilled Fish Tacos: Use one corn tortilla instead of two.
  • Taco and Tostada Salads: Choose chicken, beef, or shrimp for protein and avoid eating the taco bowl.

What to Avoid

  • Refried beans
  • Rice

Chinese Cuisine

Healthiest Choices

  • Kung Pao Chicken: Request light peanuts.
  • Beef and Broccoli: A classic, healthier option.
  • Shrimp and Snow Peas: Light and nutritious.
  • Garlic Chicken: Flavorful without being heavy.
  • Mongolian Beef: Opt for less oil.

What to Avoid

  • Breaded and deep-fried dishes
  • Rice and noodles
  • Sweet and sour sauces

Thai Cuisine

Healthiest Choices

  • Satay Dishes: Chicken, shrimp, beef, or tofu.
  • Protein or Vegetable Stir-Fry: A versatile and healthy choice.
  • Steamed Fish: Light and nutritious.
  • Lettuce Rolls: Chicken or beef wrapped in lettuce.

What to Avoid

  • Coconut milk curries
  • Noodles and rice

American Cuisine

Healthiest Choices

  • Hamburgers: Without bread or on a whole-grain bun.
  • Turkey Dogs: A leaner option.
  • Meat Chili: Protein-packed and hearty.
  • Veggie Soups: Nutritious and filling.
  • Kosher Turkey Bacon: A healthier bacon alternative.
  • White Meat Turkey Burgers: Lean and tasty.
  • Egg Whites: A low-calorie protein source.

What to Avoid

  • Pizza dough (eat the toppings only)

Indian Cuisine

Healthiest Choices

  • Tikka Dishes: Chicken, lamb, beef, or shrimp skewers.
  • Vegetable Dishes: Bhagan bharta (whipped eggplant), saag paneer (spinach with cheese), aloo gobi (marinated steamed cauliflower), vegetable jalfrezi (mixed vegetables).

What to Avoid

  • Curries
  • Rice
  • Naan bread

Sushi

Healthiest Choices

  • Sashimi: Fresh and raw fish.
  • Hand Rolls: Order your favorite rolls as hand rolls without rice.

Italian Cuisine

Healthiest Choices

  • Chicken or Fish Dishes: Lean protein options.
  • Beef Carpaccio: Thinly sliced raw beef.
  • Salads: Always request dressing on the side.

What to Avoid

  • Heavy, creamy, and sugary sauces
  • Pasta

French Cuisine

Healthiest Choices

  • Steak, Chicken, or Fish Dishes: Lean protein options.
  • Salads: Always request dressing on the side.

What to Avoid

  • Rich, creamy, and sugary sauces
  • Potatoes

Breakfast

Healthiest Choices

  • Egg Dishes: Preferably with egg whites.
  • Low-Fat Cottage Cheese: A protein-rich option.
  • Sugar-Free Yogurt with Berries: Nutritious and delicious.
  • Turkey Bacon: A leaner alternative to regular bacon.
  • Smoked Salmon: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

What to Avoid

  • Waffles, pancakes, bagels, muffins, doughnuts, and other pastries

Dessert

Healthiest Choices

  • Fruit Plate: A naturally sweet option.
  • Herbal Tea: Peppermint tea aids in digestion.

Interesting Stats

  • According to the National Restaurant Association, 70% of adults say they are more likely to choose a restaurant that offers healthy options (Source: National Restaurant Association).
  • A study by the CDC found that 36.6% of adults consume fast food on a given day, highlighting the importance of making healthier choices when dining out (Source: CDC).

By following these guidelines, you can enjoy dining out while still adhering to your health and nutrition goals.

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