So I am going to be traveling for 10 days in July and will be eating out for most meals. I am making a list of acceptable places to eat. Any suggestions of places with diet menus? I know you still have to be careful but the list I have so far is:
Kalii I agree, in fact if I ever have to have a fast food give in to cravings meal I get the happy meal. I didn't know other restaurants would allow it though? But just to be accountable I really like menus that have the nutrition info on it, just so I know what I am really getting.
The Cheesecake Factory has a "Skinnylicious" menu. I think the entrees are under 599 Calories (a bit high) but the "small plates and snacks" have less than 499 Calories. You can usually find something to eat, although dessert is obviously tricky.
I work at a Chili's and I (try) to order off of our Lighter Choice menu when I can, although it's so hard to be serve nachos, ribs, fajitas, quesadillas and burgers all day I usually end up giving in But all the choices on the lighter choice menu are truly delicious. My favorite is probably the margarita grilled chicken. Kind of a citrus-y chicken breast over rice and black beans and tortilla strips. I think it falls right at 670 calories. If that's too high for you there are other choices that are just as yummy.
I don't know where in the country you're going, but if there's one around you The Pub 99 has a handful of items that are marked as lighter options. The one I really like from there is the balsamic glazed chicken breast with a wedge salad and broccoli. I also like the petite sirloin with broccoli and mashed potatoes at Ruby Tuesday. I believe they also have a bunch of options under their 'Fit and Trim' designation. If you can find a Boston Market, my usual pick there is a quarter white (no skin), and they have a range of sides. With macaroni and cheese and mixed veggies, it comes out to a whole 570 calories. You could do without their mac and cheese, of course, but I think it's worth it
If you can find a greek/Mediterranean place, I find they make the BEST salads ever. The ones I normally get from those establishments have grilled chicken and falafel and clocks in around 600 calories, but I can either get two meals out of it or I end up eating a very small dinner that night because I'm still so full. Typically it consists of a large plastic takeout container of greens, with about 1.5 - 2 oz chicken, 2 or 3 falafel balls, and a variety of veggies (onions, cukes, banana peppers, etc). I also ask for a small sprinkling of feta and I opt for balsamic or something similar for dressing. Most places will also include half a pita and some hummus too, which I use to make mini bite sized lettuce wraps. I use my fork to get just a tiny bit of hummus and dressing on my little pita/lettuce wrap and it's perfect. Darn, wish I had that for dinner now!
The places on your list have very low quality, processed food, none of them focus on health exactly, they may have low calorie options, but low calorie alone does not imply healthy, good quality, fresh, natural foods. But I know it can be difficult when you're on the go....I mean if you ordered carefully you would be alright. Stay away from the bread and rice and stick to steamed veggies and grilled or baked meat, poultry and fish. If you go with a salad pass on the dressing and ask for lemon and olive oil instead to dress it with. Also skip the desserts and appetizers because those are sure to ruin any diet.
The places on your list have very low quality, processed food, none of them focus on health exactly, they may have low calorie options, but low calorie alone does not imply healthy, good quality, fresh, natural foods. But I know it can be difficult when you're on the go....I mean if you ordered carefully you would be alright. Stay away from the bread and rice and stick to steamed veggies and grilled or baked meat, poultry and fish. If you go with a salad pass on the dressing and ask for lemon and olive oil instead to dress it with. Also skip the desserts and appetizers because those are sure to ruin any diet.
Hope this helps....best luck to you,
Lulu
Not everything at those restaurants is "low quality" and "processed."
Eating something processed once in a while won't cause someone to keel over. Making sure one watches their portions is probably much more beneficial when they can't control the content of their food.
When I need to grab something quick I usually opt for the Fresco menu at Taco Bell. A soft taco or chicken soft taco is only 110 calories. Another good resource is Eat This, Not That!, a book dedicated to finding the "healthier" option at popular restaurants (Drink This, Not That! is also good).
When eating out, however, I find that a bigger issue isn't the calories, but the amount of sugar and salt. Try to find some almonds or other healthy snacks at a grocery or convenience store (Larabars are excellent), and carry them along. That way, you can eat less of the restaurant food and still get enough calories for the day.
Restaurants with "diet" menus
But all the choices on the lighter choice menu are truly delicious. My favorite is probably the margarita grilled chicken. Kind of a citrus-y chicken breast over rice and black beans and tortilla strips. I think it falls right at 670 calories. If that's too high for you there are other choices that are just as yummy.
