Healthy Take Out Food choices don’t have to be a mystery; with the right strategies, you can enjoy delicious meals while staying on track with your health goals. Larosafoods.com is here to guide you through making smarter decisions when ordering take out, from selecting dishes packed with nutrients to modifying your order for optimal health. Explore options such as vibrant salads, lean proteins, and whole grains, transforming your take out experience into a nutritious and satisfying adventure.
1. How Can I Order Healthy Takeout from Any Restaurant?
To order healthy takeout from any restaurant, prioritize choosing one starch (or none), replacing red meat with leaner options, increasing vegetable intake, monitoring sodium levels, and saving half for later. Being mindful of extra fees from apps and opting for direct ordering can also improve your overall experience.
- Choose one starch (or none): Many restaurants default to serving double refined carbs. Examples include burger buns and fries, chips and tortillas, pasta and bread, or pita and rice. Solution: Choose your favorite or opt out entirely. You get bonus points if it’s a whole grain.
- Replace red meat: Instead of beef, lamb, or pork, opt for beans, tofu, poultry, or seafood. These options are generally lower in saturated fat and higher in protein.
- Pump up the veggies: Add a salad or some veggies from the menu’s sides. You can also save money and use up veggies that are about to wilt in your fridge. Sauté or steam some broccoli, spinach, etc., while you wait for the delivery person. If your order is a stir-fry or curry, you might wind up with enough sauce to toss everything together.
- Mind the sodium: Nearly all restaurant food is too salty. Adding more vegetables bumps up the potassium, and eating a potassium-rich diet can help counter sodium’s blood pressure damage. It also stretches your meal into more (lower-sodium) portions.
- Save half for later: Research indicates that the average takeout entrée with sides can be high in calories. Portion control is key to maintaining a balanced diet.
alt: Nutritious tofu bowl with diverse veggies and grains, a healthy takeout choice.
- Watch out for app fees: Delivery apps may add delivery and service fees without including the driver’s tip. Ordering directly from the restaurant’s website or by phone could offer better deals.
2. What Are Some Healthy Options for Thai Takeout?
Healthy Thai takeout options include unfried garden rolls, vegetable stir-fries, and being mindful of creamy curries. Choosing these alternatives can significantly reduce calorie and fat intake.
- Unfried “garden rolls” or “summer rolls” beat spring rolls: Most entrées have enough food, so you can skip the appetizer, but if you get one, go unfried with garden rolls, papaya or green salad, chicken satay, or larb gai.
- Vegetable stir-fries are winners: Try pad pak (mixed veg), pad king (ginger, mushrooms, onions), or pad prik king (green beans) with chicken, seafood, or tofu. They can shave hundreds of calories off the oily rice noodles in pad see ew, pad Thai, or pad kee mao (drunken noodles).
- Creamy curries are swimming in saturated fat: Blame their coconut milk. Just ½ cup of the stuff has 15 to 20 grams of sat fat. So that red, green, yellow, panang, or massaman curry could rack up more than a day’s supply (20 grams). What’s a coconut curry fan to do? Spoon the vegetables and meat over your rice and leave most of the sauce in the dish.
alt: Vibrant Thai dish with chicken and green beans, a flavorful and healthy takeout option.
3. How Can I Make Healthier Choices When Ordering Indian Takeout?
To make healthier choices when ordering Indian takeout, choose either bread or rice, opt for whole wheat bread, select plant-based dishes, inquire about the cooking fat, and go for grilled options. These simple adjustments can lead to a more nutritious meal.
- Pick bread or rice: Before ordering a side of naan, consider whether your dish is made with rice (like biryani) or comes with it.
- Bread basics: Naan is usually white flour. Roti or chapati is typically whole wheat.
- Pick plants: Try dal (lentils) or chana masala (chickpeas). Mmm.
- Ghee or oil?: Does the restaurant cook with ghee (clarified butter) or oil (typically unsaturated)? You can’t tell unless you ask.
- Go grilled: Chicken tikka is grilled boneless chicken chunks that have been marinated in yogurt and spices. (Tandoori chicken is similar.) Both are a healthier bet than chicken tikka masala, which sauces its chicken chunks in a tomato curry made with cream.
alt: Aromatic Indian curry dish, a rich and flavorful option for healthy takeout.
4. What Are Healthier Options for Chinese Takeout?
Healthier options for Chinese takeout involve choosing vegetable-heavy stir-fries, controlling rice portions, reducing sauce intake, and selecting stir-fried proteins over breaded or fried ones. These strategies can significantly lower the calorie and sodium content of your meal.
- Veg out: Chinese restaurant menus feature an impressive number of stir-fries that are made with more vegetables than meat (or noodles). We’re talking Buddha’s delight, moo goo gai pan, home style tofu, chicken with broccoli or snow peas. Without rice, expect 500 to 900 calories per order, rather than the 1,000 to 1,500 in many other dishes on the menu.
- Leave some rice behind or save it for later: Every cup of rice adds 200 calories. A typical takeout carton holds two cups.
- Play sodium defense: Use a fork or chopsticks to transfer your takeout to a plate so you leave some sauce (and its sodium) behind. Or mix in a side of steamed vegetables to stretch the sauce into more servings.
- Don’t coat your protein: Order chicken, tofu, or seafood stir-fried rather than breaded, battered, or deep-fried.
alt: Chicken and broccoli stir-fry with vibrant peppers, a healthy Chinese takeout choice.
5. How Can I Order a Healthier Pizza for Takeout?
To order a healthier pizza for takeout, opt for a thin crust, avoid processed meats, load up on vegetables, and consider splitting a personal pie. These choices can reduce the calorie and fat content, making your pizza night more nutritious.
- Flatten out: Order a thin or flatbread crust instead of deep-dish, pan, or hand-tossed to save on refined carbs (and calories) per slice. Whole-grain crust available? Try it.
- Bypass pepperoni, sausage, bacon, ham, etc.: Skipping the processed red meats is a no-brainer. Chicken is better, but it adds sodium to already-salty pizza. Load up on peppers, mushrooms, onions, etc., and ask for less cheese.
- Split a personal pie: At customizable pizza-for-one spots like Pieology, MOD, and Blaze Pizza, a typical 11-inch pizza has 700 to 1,100 calories (the crust alone has 400 to 600). “Cauliflower” crusts may be no lower, thanks to their rice flour and gluten-free starches…plus cheese inside the crust. So split a pie and get a cheeseless side salad to add a decent dose of vegetables that helps fill you up.
alt: Vegetable-topped pizza on a wooden slate, a vibrant and healthy takeout option.
6. What Should I Look for When Ordering a Salad for Takeout?
When ordering a salad for takeout, start with darker greens, load up on vegetables, skip refined flour, get the dressing on the side, hold back on salty toppings, and customize your order. These steps will ensure you’re getting a nutrient-packed and lower-calorie meal.
- Start with darker greens: Spinach and kale pack more nutrients per serving than romaine or iceberg.
- Get mostly veggies (or fruit): They lower the calories per bite. What bumps up the calories: grains, cheese, dressing, avocado.
- Lose the refined flour: Get some crunch from nuts or seeds rather than fried wontons, pita crisps, or croutons.
- Get the dressing on the side: It’s good fat but probably more tablespoons than you need. Try half to start.
- Hold back on salty toppings like olives, cheese, and pickled veggies: Pick just one. Instead of cheese, try avocado. It’s sodium-free and rich in healthy fat (but not protein).
- Make it your own: Salad chains like Sweetgreen make it easy to modify—put dressing on the side, nix the cheese, swap a topping, etc. Its website or app even counts the calories in your customized dish.
alt: A vibrant salad bar featuring fresh vegetables and leafy greens, ideal for creating a healthy takeout meal.
7. How Can I Make Healthier Choices with Fast-Casual Bowls?
To make healthier choices with fast-casual bowls, opt for half grains and half greens, swap out starchy components, and reduce or skip high-calorie toppings. These adjustments can help you create a balanced and nutritious meal.
- Bowl pros & cons: Bowls can pack whole grains, vegetables, lean proteins, and plenty of toppings to keep things interesting. On the flip side, that can sometimes add up to more food than you may need in one meal.
- Go half & half: If you want a smaller grain portion, ask for half grains, half greens as your bowl’s base.
- Swap a starch: At Dig (a fast-casual chain in the Northeast), for example, the “Vegan Dig Classic” (crispy tofu, sweet potatoes, broccoli, brown rice, garlic aioli) delivers a surprising 1,000 calories. Subbing salad greens for either the rice or potatoes saves 200 to 250 of them. You can also skip the aioli’s 80 calories or use less.
8. What Are Healthier Options for Middle Eastern or Greek Takeout?
Healthier options for Middle Eastern or Greek takeout include dipping wisely with vegetables, choosing grilled proteins, being selective with salads, and looking for whole grains. These choices can help you enjoy the cuisine while maintaining a healthy diet.
- Dip wisely: Getting a starter or side of hummus, baba ganoush, or tzatziki? Scoop it up with veggies, not pita, to save hundreds of calories. Goodbye, white flour.
- Go grilled: Best bets: chicken, salmon, or shrimp kebabs, or chicken souvlaki. Second best: falafel (more calories, less protein). All beat fatty lamb or beef gyros.
- Be choosy with salads: Cucumber-tomato salads don’t have the salty feta, olives, or pepperoncini of Greek salads.
- Look for whole grains: Whole wheat pitas can be hard to come by. On the upside, tabbouleh (bulgur, tomatoes, herbs) offers whole grains that a side of rice (typically white) doesn’t.
alt: Grilled chicken kebabs, a delicious and healthy option for Middle Eastern takeout.
9. How Can I Order Healthier Mexican Food for Takeout?
To order healthier Mexican food for takeout, opt for a la carte items, choose cheese or sour cream sparingly, and skip the burrito tortilla. These adjustments can help you reduce calories, saturated fat, and refined carbs.
- Opt for a la carte: Instead of a starch-heavy combo meal or fajita platter, order a few chicken, bean, or fish tacos plus a side fish salad. Like crispy (fried) taco shells? Good news: they have slightly fewer calories than flour tortillas.
- Choose cheese or sour cream (or neither): Every quarter cup of cheese or sour cream adds about 100 calories and at least a quarter of a day’s saturated fat. Guac beats sour cream because it slashes the sat fat. Salsa or pico de gallo cuts calories and can double as salad dressing.
- Skip the burrito tortilla at fast-casual spots like Chipotle: It’s roughly 300 calories, largely from refined flour. A bowl has 200 calories of rice. A salad has 5 calories of lettuce.
alt: Fresh fish tacos, a lighter and healthier choice for Mexican takeout.
10. What Are Some General Tips for Healthier Takeout Ordering?
Some general tips for healthier takeout ordering include:
- Planning Ahead: Before ordering, check the menu online and decide on healthier options. Many restaurants now provide nutritional information, making it easier to make informed choices.
- Customizing Your Order: Don’t hesitate to ask for modifications. Requesting less sauce, dressing on the side, or extra vegetables can significantly improve the nutritional value of your meal.
- Being Mindful of Portions: Restaurant portions are often larger than necessary. Consider ordering an appetizer as your main course or splitting an entrée with someone.
- Reading Reviews: Check online reviews for recommendations on healthier dishes or restaurants known for their nutritious options.
- Hydration: Drink plenty of water with your meal to help you feel full and avoid overeating.
- Balancing Your Meal: If your takeout choice is less than ideal, balance it out with a healthy side dish or snack at home. For example, pair a slice of pizza with a side salad.
- Staying Informed: Keep up-to-date with the latest nutrition guidelines and research to make the best choices for your health.
By following these tips, you can enjoy takeout meals without compromising your health goals. Remember, small changes can make a big difference over time.
11. What is the Role of Potassium in Counteracting Sodium in Takeout Meals?
Potassium plays a crucial role in counteracting sodium in takeout meals by helping to regulate blood pressure. According to research from the University of California, Berkeley, in July 2025, increasing potassium intake can mitigate the negative effects of high sodium consumption, which is common in restaurant food.
Here’s a simple table to illustrate the benefits of potassium:
Benefit | Description |
---|---|
Balances Sodium Levels | Helps maintain the balance of electrolytes in the body, reducing the impact of high sodium. |
Lowers Blood Pressure | Potassium helps relax blood vessel walls, lowering blood pressure and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. |
Supports Heart Health | Adequate potassium intake supports overall heart function and reduces the risk of heart-related complications. |
Enhances Muscle Function | Potassium is essential for proper muscle contraction and function, preventing cramps and weakness. |
Adding vegetables to your takeout order not only increases your potassium intake but also stretches your meal into more portions, further reducing sodium concentration per serving.
12. What is the Impact of Saturated Fat from Coconut Milk in Thai Curries?
The saturated fat from coconut milk in Thai curries can significantly impact your daily fat intake. Just ½ cup of coconut milk has 15 to 20 grams of saturated fat. According to the American Heart Association, adults should limit their saturated fat intake to less than 6% of their total daily calories.
Fat Type | Impact |
---|---|
Saturated Fat | Can raise LDL cholesterol levels, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. |
Unsaturated Fat | Helps lower LDL cholesterol levels and provides essential fatty acids for overall health. |
Trans Fat | Should be avoided as it raises LDL cholesterol and lowers HDL cholesterol, significantly increasing the risk of heart disease. |
Medium-Chain Triglycerides (MCTs) | MCTs found in coconut milk are metabolized differently and may not have the same negative impact as long-chain saturated fats. |
Therefore, consuming a full serving of a creamy Thai curry could easily exceed the recommended daily saturated fat limit. To enjoy these dishes without compromising your health, spoon the vegetables and meat over your rice and leave most of the sauce in the dish.
13. What Are the Caloric Differences Between Different Pizza Crusts?
The caloric differences between different pizza crusts can be substantial. A thin or flatbread crust generally has fewer calories and refined carbs compared to deep-dish, pan, or hand-tossed crusts.
Crust Type | Approximate Calories (per slice) | Key Characteristics |
---|---|---|
Thin Crust | 150-200 | Lower in calories and carbs, crisper texture. |
Flatbread Crust | 180-230 | Similar to thin crust, often made with whole grains. |
Deep-Dish Crust | 300-400 | Higher in calories and fat, thicker and doughier. |
Pan Crust | 250-350 | Similar to deep-dish, but cooked in a pan with oil. |
Hand-Tossed Crust | 220-300 | Moderate in calories, a balance between thin and deep-dish. |
Cauliflower Crust | 180-250 | Marketed as healthier, but often contains rice flour and gluten-free starches, plus cheese inside the crust. |
According to nutrition experts at larosafoods.com, opting for a thin crust can save you hundreds of calories per pizza, making it a healthier choice.
14. How Can I Optimize My Salad Order for Maximum Nutritional Benefits?
To optimize your salad order for maximum nutritional benefits, focus on starting with darker greens, loading up on a variety of vegetables, and being mindful of high-calorie toppings.
Salad Component | Recommendation |
---|---|
Greens | Choose spinach and kale for higher nutrient content compared to romaine or iceberg lettuce. |
Vegetables | Add a variety of colorful vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, cucumbers, and tomatoes to increase vitamin and mineral intake. |
Protein | Include lean protein sources like grilled chicken, tofu, or chickpeas to keep you full and satisfied. |
Healthy Fats | Add avocado or a sprinkle of nuts and seeds for healthy fats, but be mindful of portion sizes. |
Dressing | Opt for a light vinaigrette or lemon juice and ask for it on the side to control the amount you use. |
A well-composed salad can be a powerhouse of nutrients, providing essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
15. What Are the Pros and Cons of Ordering Fast-Casual Bowls?
Ordering fast-casual bowls has both pros and cons. While they can be packed with whole grains, vegetables, and lean proteins, they can also be high in calories and lead to overeating if not carefully selected.
Aspect | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|
Ingredients | Customizable with a variety of healthy options like whole grains, vegetables, and lean proteins. | Can easily become high in calories and fat due to large portions and high-calorie toppings. |
Convenience | Quick and easy takeout option, widely available. | Nutritional information may not always be readily available, making it difficult to make informed choices. |
Versatility | Suitable for various dietary preferences and restrictions (vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free). | Pre-made bowls may contain hidden sources of sodium and unhealthy fats. |
Portion Size | Can be a complete and satisfying meal if portioned correctly. | Portion sizes are often larger than necessary, leading to overconsumption. |
Customization | Ability to customize ingredients to meet individual nutritional needs and preferences. | Customization can sometimes lead to less healthy choices if high-calorie options are selected. |
To maximize the benefits of fast-casual bowls, opt for half grains and half greens, choose lean proteins, load up on vegetables, and be mindful of high-calorie sauces and toppings.
16. How Can I Effectively Communicate My Dietary Needs When Ordering Takeout?
Effectively communicating your dietary needs when ordering takeout involves being clear, specific, and proactive.
Step | Action |
---|---|
Planning Ahead | Check the menu online for allergen information and healthier options. |
Clear Communication | Clearly state your dietary restrictions or allergies when placing your order. |
Specific Requests | Be specific about the ingredients you need to avoid or prefer. For example, “no dairy,” “gluten-free,” or “extra vegetables.” |
Question Ingredients | Ask about how the food is prepared and what ingredients are used. For example, “Is this dish cooked with butter or oil?” |
Confirm Your Order | Double-check your order to ensure that your requests have been noted and followed. |
Be Polite and Patient | Remember that restaurant staff may not be familiar with all dietary needs, so be polite and patient when explaining your requirements. |
Consider Ordering Direct | Ordering directly from the restaurant allows for better communication and customization compared to using third-party apps. |
Document Everything | Keep a record of your orders and any specific instructions you’ve given. This can help ensure consistency and accuracy in future orders. |
By following these steps, you can effectively communicate your dietary needs and enjoy takeout meals that meet your specific requirements.
17. What Are Some Common Misconceptions About Healthy Takeout Food?
There are several common misconceptions about healthy takeout food that can lead to unhealthy choices.
Misconception | Reality |
---|---|
Salads are always the healthiest option. | Salads can be high in calories and fat due to dressings, cheese, and fried toppings. |
Sushi is a low-calorie choice. | Certain sushi rolls can be high in calories and sodium due to sauces and tempura. |
Vegetarian or vegan options are automatically healthy. | Vegetarian or vegan dishes can still be high in calories, fat, and sodium depending on the ingredients and preparation methods. |
Ordering from a “healthy” restaurant guarantees a healthy meal. | Even restaurants marketed as healthy can have high-calorie and high-fat options. |
All takeout is unhealthy. | With mindful choices and modifications, it’s possible to enjoy healthy takeout meals. |
If it’s labeled “gluten-free,” it’s healthy. | Gluten-free products can still be high in calories, sugar, and unhealthy fats. |
Portion sizes are standardized. | Restaurant portion sizes are often larger than necessary, leading to overconsumption. |
Price equates to health. | A more expensive dish isn’t always healthier; it’s important to check the nutritional content and ingredients. |
Ordering “light” always means healthy. | “Light” or “lite” options may still contain high levels of sugar, sodium, or unhealthy fats. It’s essential to read the nutritional information. |
Being aware of these misconceptions can help you make more informed choices and enjoy takeout meals that align with your health goals.
18. How Does the Order of Food Consumption Affect the Health Impact of a Takeout Meal?
The order of food consumption can affect the health impact of a takeout meal. Eating vegetables and lean proteins before carbohydrates can help regulate blood sugar levels and promote satiety.
Order of Consumption | Impact |
---|---|
Vegetables First | Fiber-rich vegetables slow down the absorption of sugars, preventing blood sugar spikes. |
Protein Second | Protein promotes satiety and helps stabilize blood sugar levels. |
Carbohydrates Last | Consuming carbohydrates after vegetables and protein can minimize their impact on blood sugar levels. |
High-Fat Foods Last | Save high-fat foods for last to reduce their impact on overall calorie intake and digestion. |
Mindful Eating | Paying attention to your body’s hunger cues and eating slowly can help prevent overeating and improve digestion. |
Hydration | Drinking water before and during your meal can help you feel full and prevent overeating. |
For example, starting with a salad or vegetable-based appetizer before consuming the main course can help you feel fuller and less likely to overeat.
19. How Can I Reheat Takeout Food Safely and Healthily?
Reheating takeout food safely and healthily involves following proper storage and reheating guidelines to prevent foodborne illnesses and maintain nutritional value.
Step | Action |
---|---|
Proper Storage | Refrigerate leftovers within two hours of receiving your takeout. |
Use Safe Containers | Store food in airtight containers to prevent bacterial growth and maintain freshness. |
Reheat Thoroughly | Reheat food to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to kill any harmful bacteria. |
Use Appropriate Methods | Use the microwave, oven, or stovetop for reheating. Avoid reheating in slow cookers or chafing dishes. |
Stir Frequently | Stir food occasionally during reheating to ensure even heating. |
Avoid Overheating | Avoid overheating food, as it can destroy nutrients and affect taste and texture. |
Reheat Only Once | Reheat only the portion you plan to eat. Repeated reheating can increase the risk of bacterial contamination. |
Discard Old Leftovers | Discard any leftovers that have been refrigerated for more than four days. |
Be Mindful of Packaging | Remove food from takeout containers before reheating, especially if they are not microwave-safe. |
By following these guidelines, you can safely and healthily enjoy your takeout meals while minimizing the risk of foodborne illnesses.
20. What Are the Best Ways to Incorporate Leftover Takeout Food into New, Healthy Meals?
Incorporating leftover takeout food into new, healthy meals can reduce waste and create nutritious dishes.
Leftover | New Meal Idea |
---|---|
Grilled Chicken or Fish | Add to a salad or wrap for a protein-packed lunch. |
Roasted Vegetables | Use as a pizza topping or mix into a frittata. |
Cooked Rice or Grains | Make a stir-fry with added vegetables and lean protein, or create a grain bowl with beans, avocado, and salsa. |
Leftover Soup | Add extra vegetables or beans to make a heartier, more nutritious meal. |
Stir-Fried Noodles | Toss with fresh vegetables and a light sauce for a quick and easy lunch. |
Taco Meat | Use as a filling for bell peppers or sweet potatoes. |
Quinoa | Add to salads or soups for extra protein and fiber, or use as a base for a breakfast bowl with fruit and nuts. |
Cooked Lentils | Mix with chopped vegetables and herbs for a healthy lentil salad, or add to soups and stews for extra protein and fiber. |
Falafel | Crumble into salads or wraps for a Middle Eastern-inspired meal, or use as a protein source in a vegetarian bowl with hummus and vegetables. |
By getting creative with your leftovers, you can transform takeout food into healthy and delicious meals while minimizing waste and saving money.
FAQ Section
- Q1: Is all fast food unhealthy?
No, not all fast food is unhealthy. By making informed choices like opting for grilled items, salads with light dressing, and smaller portions, you can find healthier options. - Q2: How can I reduce sodium in my takeout order?
Request less sauce, avoid salty toppings like olives and cheese, and add more vegetables to your meal to balance out the sodium. - Q3: What are some good low-calorie takeout options?
Salads with lean protein, vegetable stir-fries, and grilled chicken or fish are all great low-calorie choices. - Q4: Can I eat takeout if I have dietary restrictions?
Yes, but it’s important to communicate your needs clearly when ordering. Many restaurants are willing to accommodate dietary restrictions like gluten-free, vegetarian, or vegan. - Q5: How often can I eat takeout and still be healthy?
Eating takeout occasionally is fine, but it shouldn’t be a regular habit. Aim to cook most of your meals at home to control ingredients and portion sizes. - Q6: What should I do if I accidentally overeat when ordering takeout?
Don’t beat yourself up about it. Just get back on track with your healthy eating habits at your next meal. - Q7: Are online restaurant reviews reliable for finding healthy options?
Online reviews can be helpful, but it’s important to read them critically. Look for reviews that mention specific healthy dishes or restaurants known for nutritious options. - Q8: How can I make my takeout meal more filling?
Add fiber-rich vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains to your meal to increase satiety. - Q9: What are some healthy sauces and dressings to choose when ordering takeout?
Opt for light vinaigrettes, salsa, hummus, or Greek yogurt-based dressings. Avoid creamy sauces and dressings that are high in fat and calories. - Q10: How can I plan for takeout meals in advance?
Check menus online, decide on healthier options, and set a budget before ordering. This will help you make informed choices and avoid impulse buys.
Navigating the world of takeout can be a breeze with these tips. For even more delicious and nutritious recipes, cooking tips, and meal planning ideas, visit larosafoods.com today. Discover how easy and enjoyable healthy eating can be! Located at 1 S Park St, San Francisco, CA 94107, United States, or call us at +1 (415) 987-0123.