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With many of us returning to the office post-Covid, the concept of the “work lunch” has returned as well. If you are going in full or part-time again you’re probably start eating out more, too. While it’s exciting to dine out again after being cooped up eating canned tuna at home for a year, buying lunch every day *can* have its effects on both the waistline and the wallet. Here’s the healthiest thing you can order, according to a leading registered dietitian.
Bowls
“I love going to restaurants where you can build your own bowl. There are endless healthy menu options and you have more control over what goes in your meal,” Ashley Larsen, RDN a California based registered dietitian tells us.
READ MORE: 4 Grain Bowls You Should Make This Week To Lose 5 Pounds Fast
So, what’s the best preparation? It’s a simple combination, Ashley explains. “I like to start with vegetables as the base of the bowl such as salad greens or grilled veggies. Then I choose a lean protein such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or ahi tuna. Next, I’ll add a whole grain such as brown rice or quinoa and top it off with a delicious sauce or scoop of avocado for some heart healthy fats.” Yum!
“I love recommending a ‘bowl’ instead of a salad as a healthy option for lunch!” nutritionist Amy Shapiro, MS, RD, CDN of Daily Harvest and founder of Real Nutrition NYC agrees.
“Bowls often satisfy hunger much more efficiently than salads as they contain both cooked and raw veggies for fiber, a lean protein option, and healthy fats from a sauce, dressing or avocado,” she explains.
READ MORE: 8 High Protein Bowls You Should Make This Week For Weight Loss
We love the idea that they are a salad on steroids: take the health and add even more nutrients.
“Grains or clean starches like sweet potatoes are also often tossed in along with flavorful toppings like pickled onions, salsa or guacamole,” Shapiro says, explaining that Daily Harvest’s Harvest Bowls like the Artichoke + Lemon one are filled with fiber and heart-healthy fats that will keep you full all afternoon. Plus, you’ll save money on eating out!
