Eating Out – Healthy Eating in Houston

Matt and Carol’s restaurant choices that won’t blow the meal plan

1. Do you like Tex-Mex?  Check out Molina’s on the corner of Shepherd and Washington.  They have a fabulous grilled redfish served with veggies and mango salsa.  Yum!  There’s also a great grilled chicken plate with pico de gallo, veggies, and sliced tomato.  It’s one of our favorites.  Just skip the chips and salsa – stick with grilled items and you’ll be fine.
2. What about breakfast?  Le Peep is our choice.  There are many locations in Houston.  Check out the big red oval on the menu that says “Health Club”.  Anything in that section is great.  Matt usually gets the “Spa Lumber” sans pancakes.  Carol prefers “Taco Blancos” with extra salsa.  Just make sure to skip the biscuits and gravy.
3. Have a finicky group?  Try Ziggy’s Healthy Grill.  They serve organic products and have an extensive vegetarian menu.  You can get everything from a burger (several kinds, including buffalo and veggie) to meatloaf.  Carol loves the soup of the day, ranging from buffalo chili to butternut squash.  Matt is crazy about the lemon-ginger salad dressing.  You can’t go wrong at Ziggy’s.
4. Need something a little classier?  Try the Raven Grill on Bissonet.  You can get a beautiful grilled salmon salad and yummy poblano lime grilled chicken with herbed rice and grilled veggies.  It’s a little more mature crowd, and the parking can be a bit dicey during peak hours, but it’s a lovely atmosphere and the staff is outstanding.
5. Looking for a great patio?  We love to eat and linger on a patio when the weather is right.  It’s probably Carol’s favorite thing in the world.  It makes it a bit difficult to pick the best one.  Try these ideas: ceviche at El Poblito (complete with Christmas lights and live music); the black pepper tuna salad at Cedar Creek – it’s almost like being in Austin; or the Irish oatmeal and a great cup of coffee at the Empire Cafe.

Know that you can almost always eat out and stay on track.  Ask for sauce and dressing on the side; order grilled, not fried; leave the calorie-laden appetizers for lighter options.  You know what to do.  Take your time, enjoy the company of friends, and feel good about it tomorrow.  Bon appétit!

Tags: Food, Healthy Food, Macronutrients, Meal Plan, Nutrition

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