What are the latest and greatest health-related products? How can I spice up my ho-hum workout? Are the new nutritious food products and health-focused restaurants worth my money? If you're asking any of these questions you've found the right spot!Note: While I'm a journalist with a Bachelor's degree in kinesiology and am a Certified Health Education Specialist, I don't replace the guidance/counseling that comes from a good chat with your doctor or dietitian. For more information, feel free to contact me at karlaswalsh@gmail.com!
Healthful Bites
Digging into a restaurant meal can easily trigger a calorie explosion (basically the main premise behind the “Eat This, Not That” empire). In recent years, however, some dining establishments have added more nutritious, less fat-laden options to their menus. I’ll be highlighting more of these in the future, but this week, let’s take a look at my choice at the Mexican chain Carlos O’ Kelly’s!
Behold the Charbroiled Chicken Salad: lettuce, carrots, red cabbage, sweet corn, green and red peppers, black beans, chives, pico de gallo and baked fat-free flour tortilla pieces (I omitted the lite cheddar and fat-free raspberry vinaigrette, opting for salsa as my dressing instead—have you ever tried salsa as salad dressing? Good stuff!)
Nutrition information for salad with cheese, dressing and all menu listed ingredients: 310 calories, 35 calories from fat, 4 grams of fat, 7 grams of fiber.
Who would have thought that you could find such a fresh, healthy looking meal at a Mexican restaurant?!? I don’t know about you, but when I think about south of the border specialties, these come to mind:
(Photo from OK Cleek)
(Photo from Nachos NY)
But, as C.O’K shows, even restaurants selling the most normally greasy cuisine can offer fresh, well-balanced options too. They even have a whole menu section with “Lightened Up” dishes and gluten free options for those with intolerances.
If you are a restaurant common patron, this site, while a bit cluttered, is a nice resource to check out your restaurant choices before a meal out!
At which type of cuisine/restaurant do you find it most difficult to find healthy options? What’s your go-to choice at restaurants when you’re looking to make a nutritious choice?
