People are becoming more health-conscious, which contributes to the rise in popularity of healthy dining options. Many restaurants provide lighter menu choices and calorie information to meet the demand.
Foodies can take advantage of these options while managing their wellness.
The Best Low-Calorie Options for Dining Out
You can prioritize flavorful and satisfying meals without sacrificing health. Check out these restaurants that offer low-calorie dining options.
1. Salata
Salata evolved from a small salad kitchen in downtown Houston to multiple branches across five states. Since 2005, it has been serving healthy salads with a selection of signature dressings and your toppings of choice. You’ll get a filling salad or wrap that meets your flavor and health preferences. Explore additional healthy menu items for your meal as well.
| Key features | Salads and wrapsCustomizable toppings and salad dressingsOffers a nutrition calculator to understand calorie count |
| Recommendation | Chicken Tortilla Soup100 CaloriesA hearty and gluten-free soup combining fresh vegetables with cilantro, jalapeno and marinated chicken, topped with crunchy tortillas |
2. Olive Garden
Known best for its freshly baked breadsticks, Olive Garden is a family-friendly restaurant that sells a variety of pastas, salads and soups. The menu is geared toward offering healthy yet filling options. With over 900 locations nationwide, Olive Garden aims to donate surplus food to help fight hunger within local communities.
| Key features | Italian American cuisineA “Create Your Own Pasta” optionA “Lighter Italian Fare” menu section for healthier meals |
| Recommendation | Shrimp Scampi490 caloriesAngel hair pasta with sautéed shrimp in a garlic sauce, asparagus and tomatoes, accompanied by breadsticks |
3. Chili’s
Chili’s is a pioneer in the food industry with its Tex-Mex-influenced menu. Since 1975, it’s been passionate about providing a wonderful dining experience to every customer, and it backs up its values with excellent service and quality food and beverages. Its grilled section offers some of the most delicious low-calorie options for dining out.
| Key features | Southwestern cuisineOffers free chips and salsas through rewardsWide selection of different proteins |
| Recommendation | Guiltless Sirloin300 caloriesA delectable sirloin steak topped with a cilantro-pesto drizzle and pico de gallo, accompanied by roasted asparagus |
4. Texas Roadhouse
Texas Roadhouse is a well-known steakhouse with a fun interior that really brings out the Texan spirit. It has been offering some of the most tender hand-cut steaks and ribs since 1993. While some may associate the restaurant with high-calorie meals, it offers a diverse selection of lean proteins and salads that you can enjoy on any given day.
| Key features | Texan cuisineLarge family-style portionsOffers meals with side salads |
| Recommendation | Herb-Crusted Chicken260 caloriesA skillet-cooked boneless chicken that’s been seasoned with a variety of herbs |
5. TGI Fridays
TGI Fridays is a casual dining restaurant chain that offers a variety of delicious American-style meals. The menu and interior design revolve around having fun and bonding with friends. The restaurant has expanded internationally to over 58 countries and offers delicious meals to suit health-conscious eaters.
| Key features | Burgers, ribs and other American cuisineOffers a variety of grilled proteinsProvides plant-based options |
| Recommendation | Simply Grilled Salmon with Double Lemon-Buttered Broccoli560 caloriesGrilled salmon fillets with citrusy and buttered broccoli, served with mashed potatoes or jasmine rice |
6. Chipotle
Chipotle aims to create fresh, healthy meals that are still flavorful and filling, skipping artificial ingredients, colorants and preservatives. Its menu has about 53 ingredients that you can mix and match to concoct whatever bowl you want. You can also explore its delicious limited-time offerings, like the Adobo Ranch dip, to find new flavors in familiar dishes.
| Key features | Mexican American cuisineOffers a nutrition calculator to check calorie countCustomizable orders |
| Recommendation | Chipotle Barbacoa Bowl420 caloriesBarbacoa beef with beans, fajita vegetables, and your choice of rice and salsa |
7. Taco Bell
Taco Bell started with the dream of creating a unique crunchy taco. Today, it offers a variety of tacos, burritos and quesadillas. While there are some heavy hitters on the menu, it has an inclusive menu for people of all diets. It also offers Fresco-style food, which removes the cheese and sour cream to lessen your meal’s overall calorie count.
| Key features | Americanized Mexican fast foodCustomizable ordersOffers vegetarian, vegan and gluten-friendly meal options |
| Recommendation | Fresco Bean Burrito350 caloriesA flour tortilla burrito with freshly diced tomatoes and refried beans |
8. Cracker Barrel
Cracker Barrel is a cornerstone of Southern dining. Since 1969, it has popularized homestyle cooking for travelers and local communities worldwide. What started as a place on the interstate transformed into a successful chain restaurant where you can get a warm welcome and quality food.
| Key features | Southern foodServes breakfast items all dayOffers a variety of different proteins |
| Recommendation | Grilled Chicken Tenders320 caloriesSix chicken tenders with your choice of vegetables and rice or mac and cheese, served with hand-rolled biscuits |
9. Applebee’s
Applebee’s is a go-to casual dining restaurant for many neighborhoods. Since 1980, it has provided hearty meals to help you feel good and eat well. Its head team of experienced chefs innovates the menu options, creating new depths of flavor. Applebee’s also has an exclusive club where you can get free birthday treats, appetizers and other offers.
| Key features | Classic American cuisineOffers a variety of different proteinsPrimarily provides grilled menu items |
| Recommendation | Blackened Cajun Salmon660 caloriesGrilled salmon filet with garlic mashed potatoes and broccoli |
10. Shake Shack
Shake Shack started as a hot dog cart before it became the burger business everyone knows and loves. It displays the calorie count of all its menu items on its website’s homepage. Plus, all beef-based burgers utilize 100% Angus beef raised without hormones or antibiotics.
| Key features | Burgers and drinksCan swap out buns for lettuce wrapsSources quality ingredients to maintain nutrition |
| Recommendation | Shake Shack BLT380 caloriesApplewood smoked bacon with lettuce, tomato and ShackSauce all wrapped in a bun |
11. Subway
Subway is one of the world’s largest restaurant brands, known best for its sub sandwiches. It focuses on creating freshly made and affordable food. You can swap out the bread, sauces and toppings for each sandwich to get a delicious new taste every time you order.
| Key features | A variety of sandwichesCustomizable sandwiches Offers an online ingredient guide |
| Recommendation | Six-inch Turkey Breast Sub350 caloriesYour choice of bread with sliced turkey breast and customizable toppings |
12. Arby’s
Known best for their roast beef sandwiches, Arby’s creates innovative and delicious menu options. It combines its dishes with quick service to fully enhance the dining experience. You truly get your money’s worth, and there are plenty of deals you can take advantage of. For example, you get 20% off when you upgrade your dish to steak.
| Key features | Sandwiches, wraps and gyrosPacks each menu option with proteinOffers an online ingredient guide |
| Recommendation | Jalapeño Roast Beef Slider180 caloriesSoft buns with roast beef, diced jalapenos and Swiss cheese |
13. Panda Express
Panda Express melds Chinese flavors with an American taste to create widely beloved dishes. The orange chicken is an iconic part of the menu, but the restaurant also offers other low-calorie options for dining out. For instance, the Wok Smart dishes have at least eight grams of protein and are 300 calories or less.
| Key features | Chinese American cuisineProvides a Wok Smart section for healthy eatingOffers Balanced and Double Protein Plates |
| Recommendation | Mixed Veggies and Mushroom Chicken Bowl250 caloriesStir-fried chicken, mushrooms, zucchini and ginger in a soy sauce-based glaze |
14. Jamba Juice
When you’re craving something cool, Jamba Juice has great options to help you feel refreshed and full. The friendly staff can explain what’s on the menu and provide suggestions based on your preferences. Plus, you can order online so that your chosen drinks or food are ready upon arrival.
| Key features | Shakes and smoothie bowlsOffers plant-based smoothiesProvides protein-packed food |
| Recommendation | Acai Primo500 caloriesAcai-grape juice with bananas, strawberries, blueberries, honey and granola |
15. California Pizza Kitchen
California Pizza Kitchen has a reputation for being one of the healthier pizza places where you can dine. The chain started in 1985 with the desire to create innovative California-style pizza. While it began with the original BBQ chicken pizza, the restaurant eventually expanded to other flavors and integrated healthier options.
| Key features | Pizza, pasta, saladOffers gluten-free and cauliflower crustsProvides healthy Power Bowls |
| Recommendation | Wild Mushroom Pizza170 calories per slicePizza with a white sauce base, topped with scallions and an assortment of mushrooms and cheeses |
What Classifies as Low-Calorie Food?
Low-calorie food mainly refers to dishes offering fewer calories than their regular counterparts. Fast food is notorious for having high calorie counts, so many restaurants are adding less sauce, using fewer preservatives, swapping out heavy proteins for lighter options and making other adjustments to balance out customers’ calorie intake.
Some establishments have a much lower calorie range than others, but it’s crucial to prioritize feeling full and energized first. Aim for meals that are about 300 to 500 calories before considering anything lower.
The Benefits of Low-Calorie Dishes
There are several advantages to consuming low-calorie dishes, especially when dining out.
| Experiencing health benefits | A low-calorie diet can be beneficial for one’s health. Adopting it can lower blood pressure and help with weight management. These meals can also minimize bloating after eating. |
| Controlling calorie intake | Low-calorie food can be a great way to reduce your intake while still getting the fuel you need to get through the day. This information can be helpful for foodies tracking their overall fitness progress. |
| Enjoying taste and nutrition | Eating fewer calories doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor. Many restaurants provide great-tasting food that keeps your intake low, so you can ensure that you’re eating well while feeling fulfilled. |
How to Spot the Healthiest Options for Dining Out
To narrow down healthy restaurants, evaluate each establishment’s cooking methods, low-calorie ingredients and food combinations.
Fried foods can increase calorie content as they absorb fats from the oil. When you’re dining out, look for words like “grilled” and “steamed” in your dishes. This form of preparation can be much better for your health.
It is also important to identify the main ingredients of your food and determine whether they have a naturally low calorie count. Fruits and vegetables are often low-calorie. You can also choose leaner proteins.
Finally, consider whether all of the components in the main dish are necessary and healthy. Can you pair a low-calorie side dish with the main course? Can you swap out heavier ingredients for healthier substitutes? Seek restaurants that prioritize balancing out their dishes or let you customize your meal.
Making Good Decisions When Dining Out
It’s important to stay extra prepared when lowering your calorie intake. Follow these additional tips to have a healthier dining experience:
- Check menus online: Open up the online menu of the place you’re dining at and start looking for healthy options. Some people pick higher-calorie options when choosing on a whim, so it can help to be more intentional by checking the menu ahead of time.
- Compare options: Remember to compare different dishes rather than settling on the first thing you spot. Exploring your options can help you order a low-calorie dish that you’ll actually enjoy.
- Explore healthy alternatives: Check for alternatives when you’re ordering. Restaurant foods are typically high in sodium, so look for items with less salt whenever possible. If you’re looking for grains, consider something like corn over rice.
- Customize your order: Take advantage of healthy restaurants that allow order customization. You can leave out more calorie-dense ingredients like cream-based sauces to make a healthier version of your meal.
- Practice portion control: Order what you can finish for one meal to avoid overconsuming calories. If your restaurant happens to give large portions, don’t feel pressured to eat everything at once. You can always take it home for future meals.
- Don’t be too hard on yourself: Constantly looking for low-calorie options and beating yourself up for eating more high-calorie dishes can affect your relationship with food. Go easy on yourself and your diet.
Try Out These Low-Calorie Options
Being more intentional about the meals you choose can make a big difference in the long run. When dining out, choose places with low-calorie options and have a deliciously healthy meal. You may just find your next favorite go-to.
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