Top Healthy Dining Options at Chain Restaurants
25, Jul 2024
Top Healthy Dining Options at Chain Restaurants

Dining out at chain restaurants can be a challenge when you’re trying to stick to a healthy diet. However, many popular chains now offer nutritious and satisfying options that fit well with a health-conscious lifestyle. Here’s a guide to the top healthy dining options at some of the most popular chain restaurants.

Subway

Subway offers a variety of healthy options with a focus on fresh ingredients and customizable sandwiches and salads.

  • Healthy Picks:
    • Veggie Delight Sub: Loaded with fresh vegetables and served on whole-grain bread.
    • Turkey Breast Sub: Lean turkey with plenty of veggies on whole-grain bread.
  • Benefits: Offers a low-calorie, high-fiber meal with the option to add extra veggies for added nutrients.

Chipotle

Chipotle provides customizable burritos, bowls, and tacos that can be made to fit a healthy eating plan.

  • Healthy Picks:
    • Bowl with Brown Rice: Choose black beans, grilled chicken, salsa, and guacamole.
    • Lifestyle Bowl: Includes nutrient-dense ingredients like cauliflower rice, protein, and veggies.
  • Benefits: Provides a good balance of protein, fiber, and healthy fats, with options to customize for lower calories.

Panera Bread

Panera Bread offers a variety of healthy soups, salads, and grain bowls that emphasize fresh ingredients.

  • Healthy Picks:
    • Mediterranean Grain Bowl: Features quinoa, fresh veggies, hummus, and a light vinaigrette.
    • Ten Vegetable Soup: A low-calorie, high-fiber option with a mix of vegetables.
  • Benefits: Focuses on fresh, whole ingredients and offers transparency in nutritional information.

Starbucks

Starbucks has expanded its menu to include several healthy options that are perfect for a quick meal or snack.

  • Healthy Picks:
    • Protein Boxes: Includes options like the “Egg White & Cheese Protein Box” and “Mediterranean Protein Box.”
    • Spinach, Feta & Egg White Wrap: A low-calorie, high-protein breakfast option.
  • Benefits: Provides convenient, balanced meals with a focus on protein and fiber.

Sweetgreen

Sweetgreen specializes in customizable salads and grain bowls with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients.

  • Healthy Picks:
    • Harvest Bowl: Includes roasted sweet potatoes, apples, and a mix of greens with a light dressing.
    • Shroomami Bowl: Features mushrooms, farro, and greens with a miso dressing.
  • Benefits: Emphasizes whole, nutrient-dense ingredients and allows for customization based on dietary preferences.

Olive Garden

Olive Garden offers several healthy options that fit well within a balanced diet.

  • Healthy Picks:
    • Zoodles Primavera: A low-calorie dish featuring zucchini noodles with a variety of fresh vegetables.
    • Garden Veggie Soup: A light soup loaded with vegetables, served with a side salad.
  • Benefits: Provides a range of lower-calorie options while still delivering satisfying Italian flavors.

Applebee’s

Applebee’s has made efforts to include healthier options on its menu.

  • Healthy Picks:
    • Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad: A lighter version of the classic Caesar salad with grilled chicken and a lighter dressing.
    • Blackened Cajun Chicken Salad: Features grilled chicken with blackened seasoning and a variety of fresh vegetables.
  • Benefits: Offers balanced meals with lean proteins and vegetables, allowing for customization.

Noodles & Company

Noodles & Company offers a variety of pasta and noodle dishes that can be made healthier with some adjustments.

  • Healthy Picks:
    • Zucchini & Meatballs: A low-carb option featuring zucchini noodles and turkey meatballs.
    • Pesto Cavatappi: Made with a lighter pesto sauce and whole-grain pasta.
  • Benefits: Provides options to substitute noodles for vegetables and choose lean protein options.

Taco Bell

Taco Bell offers several healthier options, especially with its focus on customizable menu items.

  • Healthy Picks:
    • Power Bowl: Includes options like the “Chicken Power Bowl” with brown rice, beans, and veggies.
    • Fresco Style Tacos: Tacos made with fresh ingredients and reduced calories by removing cheese and sour cream.
  • Benefits: Offers lower-calorie alternatives with a focus on fresh ingredients and customizable options.

The Cheesecake Factory

The Cheesecake Factory offers a wide variety of dishes, including several healthier choices.

  • Healthy Picks:
    • SkinnyLicious Menu: Features lower-calorie options such as the “SkinnyLicious Chicken Salad” and “Grilled Salmon.”
    • Farm Fresh Veggie Burger: A plant-based option with a variety of fresh veggies.
  • Benefits: Provides a range of lower-calorie and nutritious options without compromising on flavor.

Conclusion

Dining out at chain restaurants doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your healthy eating goals. Many popular chains now offer a range of nutritious and flavorful options that fit well with a balanced diet. From customizable bowls and fresh salads to lower-calorie menu items, these restaurants provide plenty of choices to help you stay on track while enjoying your meal. Use this guide to make smart dining decisions and savor delicious, health-conscious meals wherever you go.