5 Best Options for Healthy Takeout Food

If you want to eat healthy but don’t always have time to cook your own meals, you can find plenty of nutritious takeout options. Eating healthy doesn’t mean that you have to avoid the usual fast food restaurants; several of these places offer food choices that are good for you.

 

 

 

1. Mexican Food

If you have a craving for Mexican food, avoid the refried beans and fried tortillas. Healthier choices include burritos and tacos with soft shells. Instead of sour cream, ask for guacamole, which contains healthy monounsaturated fat. You should also ask for extra vegetables and a light layer of cheese. If you really want the beans, order vegetarian refried beans since they aren’t fried in unhealthy fatty substances like lard.

2. Pizza

Pizza doesn’t have to be greasy and loaded with fatty toppings like pepperoni and layers of cheese. For a healthier alternative, order pizza that has a thin crust and a thin layer of cheese with grilled chicken and vegetables as toppings. This reduces the amount of carbs and fat that you’re consuming. It also serves as a healthy source of fiber and vitamins.

3. Burgers and Fries

Fast food chains that typically sell burgers and fries offer a few surprisingly healthy options. These include grilled chicken salads, sandwiches, and wraps. You can also get fruit instead of fries at some of these places. Keep in mind that a few fast food restaurants do offer fries that are made with a healthier type of oil which cuts down on the amount of fat they contain. If you’re picking up breakfast, look for nutritious choices such as yogurt or oatmeal. Avoid the breakfast sandwiches, since most have a significant amount of fat and cholesterol.

4. Chinese Food

Skip the fried choices when you’re in the mood for Chinese takeout. Order steamed or grilled dishes that come with brown rice instead of noodles. Broccoli and bok choy are good choices if you want the healthiest vegetables. Other vegetables that often come with Chinese food, such as baby corn, are starchier and don’t provide as many nutrients. Plan on only eating about half of the food on your plate, since Chinese food servings are generally much larger than a typical meal.

5. Deli Sandwiches and Subs

Delis and sub shops have a wide selection of nutritious choices. You can order your sandwich on whole wheat instead of white, which provides you with fiber and complex carbs. Choosing mustard instead of mayo also reduces the amount of fat in your sandwich. Ask for extra lettuce and tomatoes, and choose lean cold cuts or grilled chicken for your meat option. Order a side salad with your sandwich to get an extra helping of vegetables, but watch how much dressing you put on it.
Whether you’re looking for lunch to bring back to the office or a quick dinner to pick up on your way home, keep these healthy choices in mind. This will save you even more time and trouble, since you won’t have to look over the entire menu or think too long about what your best options are.

Blogger Renee Varney contributes at Delivery.com, a site she loves using to find local Order Delivery Pizza.