Smart Dining: Health-Conscious Choices at 25 Popular Restaurants

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Eating out doesn’t have to derail your health-conscious goals! Many casual dining restaurants now offer healthier options, whether it’s a dedicated menu section or a few standout dishes. We’ve rounded up healthy choices from 25 popular casual dining restaurants so you can enjoy eating out while sticking to your wellness plan.

Applebee's Grilled Chicken

Applebee’s

Some of the best options at Applebee’s include:

Bonus: Click here for a chance to claim an Applebee’s gift card.

Beef O Brady's Fresh Fish

Beef O Brady’s

While Beef O Brady’s is known for its pub favorites, there are lighter choices on the menu too:

  • Grilled Chicken Salad: Order this with light dressing on the side to keep calories in check.
  • Big Catch (grilled): Paired with seasoned rice and steamed broccoli for a satisfying yet healthy meal.
    Pro Tip: Ask for your protein to be grilled instead of fried for a leaner meal.
Mediterranean Chicken Pita Tacos at BJ's

BJ’s Brewhouse

BJ’s offers a special Enlightened Entrees menu, which includes dishes under 795 calories. Standouts include:

  • Mediterranean Chicken Pita Tacos: Pair with seasonal bistro grains for an extra bit of tasty nutrition.
  • Seared Ahi Salad: A light yet filling choice with lean protein and crisp greens.
    Pro Tip: Pair any entrée with their steamed broccoli for a lower-calorie side.
Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad at Bob Evans

Bob Evans

Bob Evans specializes in comfort food, but there are lighter options too:

  • Lemon Garlic Chicken: Comes with home fries and broccoli for a wholesome, satisfying meal.
  • Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad: Request the dressing on the side and go easy on the pecans for fewer calories.
    Pro Tip: Choose whole-grain bread options for any sandwich or breakfast dish.
Naked Tenders at Buffalo Wild Wings

Buffalo Wild Wings

Known for its wings, Buffalo Wild Wings has some lighter options for diners:

Bonus: Click here for a chance to claim a Buffalo Wild Wings gift card.

Shrimp Scampi Zucchini Pasta at CPK

California Pizza Kitchen

CPK’s menu includes lighter choices throughout including:

Bonus: Click here for a chance to claim a CPK gift card.

Carrabba’s

Carrabba’s offers several options for those looking for balanced dishes:

Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen

Known for its hearty portions, Cheddar’s also has some healthy picks:

  • Grilled Salmon: Skip the bourbon-glaze and go with broccoli and a house salad for a satisfying meal.
  • Lemon Pepper Chicken: Served with rice and steamed vegetables.
    Pro Tip: Stick with steamed sides instead of fried options.

Bonus: Click here for a chance to claim a Cheddar’s gift card.

SkinnyLicious Chicken Soft Tacos at Cheesecake Factory

The Cheesecake Factory

Despite its indulgent name, The Cheesecake Factory offers a SkinnyLicious menu featuring healthier choices:

  • SkinnyLicious Grilled Salmon: A perfectly grilled salmon fillet served with assorted fresh vegetables.
  • SkinnyLicious Chicken Soft Tacos: Soft corn tortillas filled with spicy chicken, avocado, tomato, onions, cilantro, and crema, accompanied by a side of escabeche vegetables.
    Pro Tip: The portions are generous; consider sharing a dish or taking half home for later.

Bonus: Click here for a chance to claim a Cheesecake Factory gift card.

Chili’s

Chili’s “Guiltless Grill” menu is perfect for health-conscious diners:

Bonus: Click here for a chance to claim a Chili’s gift card.

Denny's Fit Slam

Denny’s

Denny’s has several “fit” options to choose from:

  • Fit Slam: Egg whites scrambled with spinach and grape tomatoes, turkey bacon, English muffin, and fresh fruit.
  • Wild Alaska Salmon with Sides: Choose broccoli and rice.
    Pro Tip: Opt for water or unsweetened iced tea to avoid sugary drinks.

Bonus: Click here for a chance to claim a Denny’s gift card.

Logan’s Roadhouse

Logan’s has healthier options like:

Berry Spinach and Shrimp Quinoa Salad at Mimi's Cafe

Mimi’s Cafe

Mimi’s offers a few wholesome dishes to try:

Zucchini Pesto Bowl with Grilled Chicken at Noodles & Company

Noodles and Company

Noodles & Company is known as a pasta-centric spot but has lighter options too:

O Charley's California Chicken Salad

O’Charley’s

O’Charley’s healthier offerings include:

  • Grilled Atlantic Salmon: Served with rice and broccoli.
  • California Chicken Salad: This salad is packed with strawberries, mandarin oranges, and dried cranberries for fruity flavors and nutrition.
    Pro Tip: Choose sweet potato fries over regular for extra nutrients.
Border Queso Beef Enchiladas at On the Border

On the Border

Known for Tex-Mex, On the Border offers several healthy options:

Salmon at Outback

Outback Steakhouse

Outback has lighter picks like:

Bonus: Click here for a chance to claim an Outback gift card.

Steamed Buddha’s Feast at PF Chang's

P.F. Chang’s

This Asian-inspired chain P.F. Chang’s has some lighter options:

  • Steamed Buddha’s Feast: A vegan-friendly and nutrient-packed choice.
  • Miso-Glazed Salmon: A simple yet satisfying dish served with mushrooms and broccoli.
    Pro Tip: Choose brown rice instead of white for added fiber.
Garlic Grilled shrimp at Red Lobster

Red Lobster

Seafood lovers have healthy options at Red Lobster like:

Bonus: Click here for a chance to claim a Red Lobster gift card.

Turkey Burger at Red Robin

Red Robin

Red Robin offers lighter choices too:

Bonus: Click here for a chance to claim a Red Robin gift card.

Salmon at Ruby Tuesday

Ruby Tuesday

Healthy options at Ruby Tuesday include:

  • Hickory Bourbon Chicken: Make sure to order the single order unless you want a second chicken breast to take home.
  • Grilled Salmon: A lightly seasoned option served with rice and zucchini.
    Pro Tip:
    Take advantage of the salad bar for a fresh and customizable meal.

Bonus: Click here for a chance to claim a Ruby Tuesday gift card.

Teriyaki glazed salmon at Shoney's

Shoney’s

Shoney’s has lighter fare like:

Sirloin steak at Texas Roadhouse

Texas Roadhouse

Healthier options at this Texas Roadhouse include:

Bonus: Click here for a chance to claim a Texas Roadhouse gift card.

Grilled chicken breasts at TGI Friday's

TGI Friday’s

TGI Friday’s offers options like:

  • Grilled Chicken Breasts: Opt for garlic butter over the whiskey glaze and get broccoli and a side salad for your sides.
  • Grilled Salmon: Served with seasonal veggies.
    Pro Tip: Request sauces on the side to control portions.

Bonus: Click here for a chance to claim a TGI Friday’s gift card.

Celebrity Chef Salad at Village Inn

Village Inn

Lighter options at Village Inn include:

  • Garden Veggie Omelette with Fresh Fruit: Opt for wheat toast over pancakes for a health-conscious but satisfying breakfast.
  • Celebrity Chef Salad: Turkey breast, ham, cheddar cheese, and more make this a protein-packed salad. Go easy or skip the croutons to save some calories and carbs.
    Pro Tip: Stick to water or coffee to avoid sugary beverages.

By knowing the healthiest dishes at your favorite spots, you can enjoy dining out without compromising your goals!

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