Not only do 53% of Americans consider themselves to be ‘foodies,’ but 62% of people have admitted to going to events just so that they could enjoy the food provided there. Clearly, it’s important that people enjoy their meals- so important, in fact, that many of them sacrifice healthy choices so that they can enjoy awesome flavor.
Luckily, this is a false dilemma- you can get meals that are both delicious and nutritious! Read on to learn some ways that you can make healthier choices when ordering restaurant takeout.
1. Check the Calorie Count
Before deciding on a meal, checking the calorie count can help you to make healthier choices. Being informed never hurts, and you may find that there are lower-calorie alternatives to meals that you choose to order often. For example, a beef burger may have significantly more calories in fat than an equally delicious turkey burger with all the same toppings.
You may worry about the price of leaner meats, which is valid. Luckily, though, you can get filling low-calorie meals at an affordable price. Take a look at our menu to see the huge variety that we offer. Whether you like salads, Indian food, Korean BBQ, or saucy grilled chicken, we’ve got you covered!
2. Substitute for Whole Grains
If you love Italian food or foods from most Asian cultures, you probably eat a lot of white starches. Pasta and white rice are basically empty calories that convert to sugar- in other words, they’re not good for you. Most of them have equally awesome-tasting whole wheat alternatives that have significantly more health benefits and nutrients.
3. Avoid High-Sodium Foods
Ah, sodium: so delicious, but so bad for you. The more salt you consume, the more your palette will acclimate to it, and the more salt you’ll need to consume later to get the same flavor and effect. That’s why it’s important to nip your sodium addiction in the bud ASAP.
Check out how much sodium your prospective meal contains before buying it. You don’t need to invest only in meals that have 0% sodium, and it’s okay to indulge sometimes. You just shouldn’t be eating more than 2,300 mg a day, but most people eat 3.400 mg.
4. Forego the Fried
Fried foods are high in both sodium and fat, and they have the added disadvantage of including a lot of oil. When possible, get grilled chicken rather than breaded chicken. Substitute french fries for baked potatoes or side salads. This is a really easy way to enjoy your favorite foods while significantly minimizing your health risks.
Order Restaurant Takeout Today
Now that you know how to make healthier choices when ordering restaurant takeout, it’s time to get started.
Place your order from Essential Meal Delivery today and get any of our delicious gourmet meals delivered directly to your doorstep. We make sure that all of our meals are high in nutrients and in flavor, so all you need to do is heat them up and enjoy!