When it comes to maintaining a healthy eating routine, dining out can often be a challenge. Restaurant meals tend to be higher in calories compared to home-cooked meals, making it easy to derail your progress in a single sitting. However, with a little planning and awareness, you can enjoy a delicious meal at a restaurant without compromising your healthy habits.
Here are some low-calorie options from popular chain restaurants that are around 500 calories:
Panera – Mediterranean Veggie & Creamy Tomato Soup
- Calories: 500
- Fat: 23g (Saturated Fat: 11g)
- Sodium: 1410mg
- Carbs: 63g (Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 16g)
- Protein: 12g
A half portion of the Mediterranean Veggie sandwich paired with a cup of Creamy Tomato Soup at Panera is a satisfying and nutritious choice. The sandwich is packed with zesty sweet peppers, feta, cucumbers, mixed greens, tomatoes, onions, and hummus on Tomato Basil Miche bread.
McDonald’s – Cheeseburger and Small Fries
- Cheeseburger:
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 13g (Saturated Fat: 6g)
- Sodium: 720mg
- Carbs: 31g (Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 16g)
- Protein: 15g
- Small Fries:
- Calories: 230
- Fat: 11g (Saturated Fat: 1.5g)
- Sodium: 190mg
- Carbs: 31g (Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 0g)
- Protein: 3g
While McDonald’s may not be synonymous with healthy eating, a Cheeseburger and Small Fries combo can fit into a balanced meal plan. The cheeseburger is topped with pickles, onions, ketchup, mustard, and American cheese. The small fries add a satisfying crunch without exceeding 500 calories.
Red Robin – Ensenada Chicken Platter
- Calories: 510
- Fat: 25g (Saturated Fat: 5g)
- Sodium: 1920mg
- Carbs: 17g (Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 8g)
- Protein: 57g
The Ensenada Chicken Platter at Red Robin features ancho-grilled chicken breasts with salsa, salsa-ranch dressing, mixed greens, cheddar, tomatoes, and tortilla strips. This high-protein dish is flavorful and filling, making it a satisfying option at just 510 calories.
Chili’s – Santa Fe Chicken Salad with Grilled Chicken
- Calories: 540
- Fat: 35g (Saturated Fat: 6g)
- Sodium: 1510mg
- Carbs: 24g (Fiber: 6g, Sugar: 7g)
- Protein: 35g
Chili’s Santa Fe Chicken Salad with Grilled Chicken is a healthier choice on the menu, featuring grilled chicken, pico de gallo, guacamole, cilantro, tortilla strips, ranch dressing, and Santa Fe sauce. This flavorful salad provides the nutrients you need without compromising on taste.
Texas Roadhouse – Dallas Filet
- Calories: 270
- Fat: 10g (Saturated Fat: 4g)
- Sodium: 720mg
- Carbs: 6g (Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 2g)
- Protein: 45g
For a steak dinner under 500 calories, Texas Roadhouse’s Dallas Filet is a great choice. The tender steak is served with two sides, such as green beans and sauteed mushrooms, for a complete and satisfying meal that is high in protein and flavor.
By choosing these low-calorie options at popular chain restaurants, you can enjoy dining out while staying on track with your healthy eating goals. With a little mindfulness and smart choices, you can savor delicious meals without guilt or derailing your progress. Remember that balance and moderation are key, even when dining out.