Trust me, I know that quarantine has been hard on all of us, and those quarantine snacks that once lined our pantry are disappearing quicker than we imagined. Now, we’re starting to realize eating all of our quarantine snacks isn’t doing us any good and swimsuit season is right around the corner! So, it’s time to rethink our takeout order and seek healthier options. As you can imagine, and as many of you may already know, most of our favorite restaurants have healthier menus with low calorie, vegetarian, or gluten free options. These can be great tools, but what if you’re just craving a slice of pizza? I’m going to share some menu options that can save you a few calories without depriving you of your favorite restaurant’s foods.
So, if you’re in the mood for comfort foods, I have some advice. By opting for the thin crust or half-cheese pizza, you can still treat yourself to some pizza, while also being conscious of your intake. Stuffed crusts and extra cheese add unnecessary calories to pizzas, and who knows, you might not even notice a large difference! How about if you’re craving foods from specific restaurants? If you’re dying for some Burger King or McDonald’s, you’ll be pleased to hear that these places actually have a growing menu of healthier options for anything from breakfasts and snacks to dinner meals. For example, Burger King serves oatmeal for breakfast, snacks like applesauce, vanilla soft serve, and onion rings all under 150 calories, and lunch or dinner options like a cheeseburger, a 6-piece nuggets, mozzarella sticks, chicken fries, and crispy tacos, each under 300 calories. With a slightly wider variety, McDonald’s offers similar menu items including oatmeals under 300 calories, fruit and yogurt for 160, and a fruit and walnut salad at just 210 calories. Snack wraps are also on the healthier side, especially when ordered with grilled chicken as opposed to fried chicken.
If Chinese is what you’re feeling tonight, the first healthy decision you can make is swapping white rice for brown rice. This small swap allows for more fiber and nutrients in your diet. Then, try to refrain from ordering Lo Mein or General Tso’s… I know, it’s hard to resist. However, they’re both fried and are very unhealthy Chinese options. Instead, go for chicken and broccoli in black bean sauce to fulfill your protein and veggie cravings without the thick sauce and heavy frying. In addition, a steamed dumpling, like shrimp or vegetable, can be a healthy option for a Chinese food dinner, and, as always, steamed veggies make a great side choice for any meal you may order.
As for Mexican options, you can still order from your local Mexican restaurant, or Chipotle and Taco Bell, without feeling too guilty if you consider ordering lighter options. Restaurants typically offer fajitas, which come with roasted veggies and are a great option, especially if paired with chicken as your choice of protein. If you prefer burritos, try a bean burrito rather than one with fatty, seasoned beef. Since I’m sure most of us like tacos, fish tacos are one of the healthiest taco options, but if you’re not a fan of seafood, there are other options. At Chipotle, you can order chicken tacos, or if you prefer bowls, try a vegetarian burrito bowl with vegetables and tofu. If you’re leaning towards Taco Bell, the same suggestions apply; chicken is a much healthier source of protein than their beef, try the bean burritos, and explore their vegetarian options. Who knows, you might find a new favorite!
