Devilishly Good Dishes That Won't Blow Your Diet

Even as a health nut, I still have a great appreciation for the greasiest, heaviest, most calorie and fat laden dishes around. I originally planned on writing down a list of the best splurge-worthy dishes. I couldn't make myself do it. I remembered how easy it is to eat not-half-bad and still feel like you're spoiling yourself, even when eating out. With a lot of restaurants, especially big chains, putting their nutritional info online and highlighting lighter items on their menuts, it's getting easier to pick out the least unhealthy item available.

 

Taste-Tested, Delicious, & Not-Half-Bad-For-You

1. The Brownie Bowl from Uno Chicago Grill and Pizzeria

Healthy tip: share with a friend and skip the whipped cream. This'll keep the calories down to 400 per person. Don't ask about the fat.

2. T.G.I.Friday's Dragonfire Chicken

It's new, it's hot, and it's actually good for you. T.G.I.Friday's Right Portion meals are a great choice because they are, well, the right portion. Remember, a normal restaurant meal is usually at least 2 or 3 servings.

3. Au Bon Pain's Vegetarian Chili (Medium)

Au Bon Pain, available in big cities, offers a great selection of sandwiches, soups, salads, and baked goods. The soups are good because they're almost all low in fat and calories and fill you up. Add a small roll and you've got a complete meal. Bonus: Many stores have nutritional information kiosks.

4. A Burrito Bol from Chipotle

Getting a Burrito Bol instead of a burrito saves you a crazy 330 calories. If you share it or save half for later, then you make it half as bad for you. (I was always good at algebra...)

5. Lettuce Wraps from Chili's

Chili's is one of my all-time favorite places to eat, because its not hard to eat great and healthy. Just stay away from the drinks, they can be wicked.

6. Blackbean Burger also from Chili's

The Guiltless Grill at Chili's is just as good at the rest of it's menu- this burger is especially good. Try it with or without the bun, without is healthier, but it's more burgerish with.

 

Just because you're eating out doesn't mean you have to eat badly. Check out the lighter fare on menus, and make simple changes like a baked potato rather than fries, hold the mayo, and dressing on the side. Salads and sandwiches are usually cheaper than the rest of the menu, which is just another reason to pick them over high-calorie pastas and steaks.

 

Bottom line: enjoy yourself.