Get a cooking break without throwing good nutrition out the window
When you find yourself without enough time to cook dinner on days that are busy with work, school and extra-curricular activities, you know how a local restaurant can save the day. Many restaurants have made takeout a part of their regular offerings. Ordering from them can make your day a little easier, while also helping you feel good about supporting a small business.
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If this has become a go-to solution for you, learn how you can keep treating yourself to these cooking breaks without sacrificing healthy meals.
Takeout doesn’t have to mean unhealthy, says dietitian Anna Kippen, MS, RDN, LD. Even foods you’d typically consider “off-limits” can be tweaked to up their nutritional value. Consider these ideas when you’re ordering food to go.
For Asian or Mexican cuisine:
If you’re craving Italian:
Regardless of the restaurant, try to lower the calorie intake by choosing:
Takeout doesn’t mean you have to skimp on veggies. Try:
Dairy has nutritional value, but a takeout meal loaded with dairy can do more harm than good. To get the deliciousness with fewer calories, ask the restaurant to prepare the dish:
Baked, steamed, roasted or grilled are healthier ways to prepare foods. Try these:
Many dishes are slathered in sauce, so ask for:
Beans are high in fiber — they help you feel full and even have heart benefits like lowering cholesterol. Some easy ways to get more beans? Try to:
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