“Skinny” Cocktails Take Over Restaurant Menus

There once was a time when people on diets reduced their calorie intake by eliminating eating out and excluding alcohol.  Nowadays, one can dine out at many fine establishments and not only find low calorie menu options, but even low calorie cocktails, all without breaking the caloric break.

Alcohol is still full of empty calories, that we can’t change, but with modern food science we can do something about the empty calories that super sugary mixers provide.  Just like with diet soda, beverage companies like Finest Call are starting to make artificially flavored mixers for calorie counting diners and the restaurants looking to attract them.   And, summer offers a variety of naturally sweetened and naturally low calorie fruits that are a great substitute for conventional mixers.

Here are some examples of low calorie cocktails available in restaurants now:

Kona Grill provides an entire “Skinny” bar menu complete with appetizers and cocktails all under 200 calories.

Morton’s Steakhouse has introduced their line of Spa-Tinis; five beautifully crafted cocktails served in stemmed glasses, and all under 200 calories.

McCormick & Schmick’s uses fresh lime juice with agave syrup to sweeten their skinny margaritas instead of using the traditional sweet and sour mix.  Agave syrup is sweeter than regular sugars that less can be used and calories can be saved.

Now, who said dieting can’t be fun?  Cheers!

Restaurant Salads: The good, the bad, and the ugly

You might say I’m lucky: I legitimately love eating salads, even when dining out at a restaurant.  Monster salads from Chipotle are definitely a favorite:

We all know, however, that salads can be a bit of a mystery when it comes to calories.  Creamy dressings, toasted nuts, piles of cheese…these can all turn your normal veggie salad into a complete disaster.

That’s why I thought I’d share this little guide I found last week from Cooking Light: The Best (and Worst) Restaurant Salads.  It’s a fantastic slideshow of light (and not so light) salad options at popular chain restaurants that we all know and love.

Question of the Day
What is your favorite restaurant salad?

Addicted to Starbucks Bistro Boxes

Ever since I discovered Starbucks’ new line of bistro boxes last week, I have slowly been making my way to trying all of the different varieties.  Each option is under 500 calories, and conveniently packaged for city-girl eaters like me.

My favorite, so far, is the Sesame Noodle box.

This baby comes with delicious sesame noodles, broccoli, carrots, red pepper, snap peas, with tofu, pickled cucumbers, and sesame peanuts.  It’s even completed with a little square of dark chocolate.  All of this for just 350 calories?!  I’m sold!

According to USA Today, I’m not the only one looking for low-calorie dishes when dining out.  Thank goodness the restaurant industry is starting to respond with lighter, yet still delicious, options likes these.

« Previous Page — Next Page »