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There's a bevy of "health conscious" restaurants in my area. These restaurants tout how much better (than say other chain restaurants) they are because they serve organic, locally sourced, artistic food that is "healthy". The fare at these restaurants is often more expensive.
Truth is, these restaurants really aren't any more 'healthy' for those trying to maintain their weight. The calories (if they choose to disclose them) are often quite high (750 for a "grassfed burger", with a side of their dressing soaked 220 calorie salad). The sodium levels are as excessively high as Olive Garden's, because somehow, to make things palatable, an entree has to have at least 1400 mgs of sodium. Sugar isn't particularly low either. So yeah, as far as I'm concerned, these healthy restaurants are no different than any other and the 'healthy' is just a gimmick to encourage people to think that restraint shouldn't be used and spend more money.
I think those kinds of locally-sourced, organic restaurants have more to do with the ethics of food (no pesticides, no preservatives, no factory farming, etc.) than with being "healthy" in the sense you're thinking of.
When I go to a "restaurant", it's usually a fast food place because it's actually easier to get low carb items there.
I just order everything without buns.
I think those kinds of locally-sourced, organic restaurants have more to do with the ethics of food (no pesticides, no preservatives, no factory farming, etc.) than with being "healthy" in the sense you're thinking of.
I see both sides of this: yes they are pushing us to eat "healthy" by using their restaurants and yes, part of it is pesticides, etc but part is just bull S. It is like eating healthy at home: organic isn't all it is cracked up to be. And the price is out of the world high. I like the idea of growing my own produce when I can and eating grass fed beef but there comes a time when I say enough is enough. As for dining out, we don't do it often enough for me to worry about what I am eating. I just want to go and enjoy a nice dinner or lunch. To heck with how healthy it is.
There are only a couple of places here that offer vegan dishes, mostly Indian, though you can eat vegan (my definition of healthy) anywhere if you try hard enough. Places like Santa Fe has tons of them. See:
I think for most of us who have successfully resolved their weight issues, the word "healthy" is identifiable as a misleading.
I do enjoy certain restaurants known for their responsible choices (e.g., Seasons 52, Zoe's Kitchen), but only because they have food I really like and which fit into my mindful eating lifestyle. But I'm just as likely to grab a burger from Five Guys or enjoy takeout Chinese food.
One of my rules is to try and avoid food that is packaged, another rule is to dismiss foods that are marketed as healthy; it's usually a trap.
We love to eat out especially at good restaurants, (not chains or so called comfort food type places) we really enjoy good food and wine.
That being the case, there is no such thing as healthy food in restaurants, for the most part. The establishments food is being prepared to taste good, be flavorful and tantalize your palette so even though it might be a healthy entree, it usually prepared with a lot of butter, salt and ingredients to enhance flavors. It’s all about taste.
If you are genuinely concerned with eating healthy you need to cook it yourself❗️
I see both sides of this: yes they are pushing us to eat "healthy" by using their restaurants and yes, part of it is pesticides, etc but part is just bull S. It is like eating healthy at home: organic isn't all it is cracked up to be. And the price is out of the world high. I like the idea of growing my own produce when I can and eating grass fed beef but there comes a time when I say enough is enough. As for dining out, we don't do it often enough for me to worry about what I am eating. I just want to go and enjoy a nice dinner or lunch. To heck with how healthy it is.
I totally agree with you. If I am going out to a restaurant (which is only once or twice a week) I get what I want and enjoy it. I also am not strict about "organic or local" etc. I just try to be moderate in my choices and back off when I overdo, etc. I know some here will think this is a bad thing, but I also have started to eat more prepared frozen meals at home. There are much better choices than there used to be, as far as calories, ingredients and sodium content. Not only does this make life easier when I am tired or busy, but the calories and portions have already been calculated for me. My favorite brand is "Healthy Choice."
I can order a salad anywhere, dressed with a little oil and some lemon juice. YMMV.
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