Healthy Dining Out in Chicago
March 27, 2014Healthy Eats around the City
I don’t go out to eat often. I personally enjoy cooking and creating meals filled with real ingredients and not tons of salt and fillers. I like to make meals that will help with my fitness performance and fuel my body for the day. However, I am human and I get lazy sometimes (there, I said it). Sometimes the thought of cooking after a long day is the last thing I want to do…especially if it requires a grocery store trip at rush hour. Ugh! Here is a list of restaurant items that I like to indulge in every now and then. They that not only taste great, but incorporate those power house ingredients that will help me stay on track!
The buffalo style veggie quinoa with chicken at Lady Gregory’s in Andersonville is delicious. It is light yet hearty and keeps me satisfied. Fresh veggies are mixed together with the power grain quinoa (which is loaded with protein!) and chicken. The hot sauce adds that perfect punch.
The sweet potato soup at Macku in Lincoln Park is the best soup I have ever had. I mean it. The flavor is spot on and the texture thick and velvety. It even comes in a very pretty bowl! Vegetarians/vegans: do not be fooled. This soup is made with a lobster broth.
The roasted veggie sandwich at A Taste of Heaven is another winner in Andersonville. This was the meal I craved most when I was pregnant and I even thought I would be able to create something similar at home. WRONG. I don’t know how they do it but this simple sandwich has the best flavor and they do not skimp on the vegetables. They load fresh warm veggies in between amazing bread and add a bit of goat cheese. Heaven, I tell you.
Lacking in the veggie department? The juice at Earth’s Healing Café is very refreshing. All of their fresh and made-to-order juices and smoothies are made with fresh and organic fruits and vegetables. I feel healthier just walking into their shop in Ravenswood.
There you have it, my fit friends. Give these items a try sometime. They will not disappoint! They sure are a treat…without the guilt.