PrintWe know you won’t always have time to prepare a proper lunch or cook up a healthy dinner, so we’re going to make eating right anywhere much easier. eDiets has teamed up with Healthy Dining Finder to bring you the best meals at your favorite restaurants each month.
With more than 1,400 locations in 27 countries, Chili’s Grill & Bar is a perfect place to start, offering a fun, upbeat atmosphere and a distinct, fresh mix of grilled American favorites.
In 1993, Chili’s became one of the first casual dining restaurants to launch a menu section devoted specifically to healthier options. Recently, Chili’s added several new items to their “Guiltless Grill,” some of which are discussed below.
eDiets Director of Nutrition Services Pamela Ofstein breaks down her top choices when you sit down at Chili’s:
The Chili’s Guiltless Cedar Plank Tilapia is a great pick! I love the combination of fresh tilapia, seasoned with a touch of Chili’s homemade pico de gallo and steamed veggies — it’s a dietitian’s delight! For only 200 calories, you are enjoying a meal that is higher in protein and lower in carbs and sodium — perfect for those who are watching their calories and carbs but don’t want to give up on a low-fat meal!
Also check out Chili’s Guiltless Honey-Mustard Salmon. Salmon provides our bodies with healthy fats (omega-3 fatty acids) and is a good source of protein. Along with the steamed vegetables (providing antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals), it is a perfect lunch or dinner selection. One of my favorites because the sodium is low (600mg) — good for your heart!
Chili’s is known for their Classic Chicken Fajitas. I can remember eating them in college!
Seriously, you can eat the fajita-marinated chicken with the onions and bell peppers alone; its flavor is that good. Add a tortilla with it and it still falls under 500 calories (actually 490 calories). Skip the sour cream and cheese — add the pico de gallo — and that is all you need. Sure, it’s a little higher in sodium but if you need that fajita fix, it’s a healthier way to go.
Margarita Grilled Chicken is really a meal. What I like about this dish is it has a little of everything in terms of flavors and taste. You enjoy the Margarita marinated chicken along with rice, black beans, tortilla strips and pico de gallo — all of it for 720 calories. Nine times out of 10 you can’t eat the whole dish. It’s a good balance of carbs, protein and fiber, and it is low in fat. Definitely for those of you with hearty appetites or, even better, to split with a friend.
To see the full menu of Chili’s Healthy Dining fare, visit Healthy Dining Finder and pick your own favorite. Enjoy!
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