It’s Friday night and you have no more food in your fridge. Your friends took a trip to Wegmans when you had a prelim and now only a few bottles of lite salad dressing sit lonely in your fridge. What should you eat?
When it’s too cold to venture outside, you might resort to ordering food online. But be careful what you order, since many foods available for delivery are laden with unhealthy calories. The first step – don’t be afraid to be picky! Use the comment area on the order form to specify less oil, sauce or toppings. Tina ’13 says, “I used to feel embarrassed being so specific. But it’s definitely worth it to get food not drenched in sauce!”
It’s often easier to find light options in a restaurant. Whether you’re looking for a quick take-out bite or you’re out with friends, here are some general guidelines to help you find lighter options in Collegetown:
Aladdin’s: Aladdin’s offers lots of nutritious fare. If you’re not hungry enough for a main dish, hummus is a great filling snack. Try sharing a hummus and pita appetizer with a few friends!
Jack’s Grill: Stay away from the burgers and pancakes–instead, try one of Jack’s many egg dishes, which you can customize to your liking. Filled with your choice of vegetables, an omelet can be a nutritious choice packed with protein. If you’re craving something fried, Jack’s offers fish sandwiches where you can get the dressing on the side ( tartar sauce is a killer!) and avoid the saturated fats in red meat.
Mama Teresa’s: Although known for its pizza, Mama T’s also offers a range of salads and low-fat grilled subs. Their Italian dinners are a great option if served with a side of salad instead of the pasta, but stay away from the cream-based Alfredo sauces.
Miyake/Plum Tree: If you’re looking to avoid carbs, try naruto rolls- the contents of the roll are wrapped in thinly sliced cucumber rather than rice. For those who prefer traditional sushi, Kimberly ‘11 says, “I avoid the so-called designer rolls and stick to the plain ones. That way I know the calories won’t go up from sauces and toppings.” If you’re in the mood to nibble, I recommend getting miso soup, edamame and salad with a few pieces of a-la-carte sushi or splitting a roll with a friend!
Souvlaki House: Souvlaki House provides Greek salad with every meal. The salad is filled with healthy fats like olives and feta cheese, which also contains protein and calcium. If you’re looking for something even lighter, ask for dressing on the side and no cheese. Sprinkle on some parmesan, or if buying take-out, put on your own cheese later.
No matter where you eat, the most foolproof way to ensure you eat well at restaurants is to order a salad with dressing on the side (or a dish of vegetables) and complement it with a dish that has a lot of protein. The protein will keep you full and satisfied, while the vegetables will provide you with vitamins and nutrients.
Sources
Kimberly ’11
Tina ’13