Just because we want to eat healthy doesn't mean we don't like to go out and have fun. This is why it's so important to take note of healthy options among the bar food variety. You don't have to blow your diet, and you certainly don't get to use being out with your buds as an excuse (unless you really want to). Here is a list of the 10 healthiest food bar foods—so you know what to order when you're out enjoying a drink or two!
1. Grilled Chicken Salad: Many bars these days offer many different salads, and this is a great place to start for healthy bar foods. Of course, a spinach salad will be healthier than iceberg lettuce. Fattier dressings, too, will be less healthy. If you have the option, go for a salad that includes grilled chicken—chicken tenders will pack quite a bit more fat, but regardless you will get a healthy amount of protein. Also opt for a vinaigrette dressing rather than ranch or blue cheese. Approx. nutrition facts: 229 calories, 7.1g fat, 24.6 g protein, 2.6g fiber. http://bit.ly/d35UU8
2. Burger: I know what you're thinking: "How is a burger a healthy bar food?" The fact of the matter is, however, burgers can be incredibly healthy depending on how they are done. Ask the bar what grade ground beef they use—if you order a burger made from ground steak or leaner ground beef, it won't be as bad, particularly if the burger is grilled (rather than fried in a pan). Leave off the bacon, however, and opt for mustard rather than mayo. Approx. nutrition facts: 178 calories, 10g fat, 21g protein, 0g fiber. http://bit.ly/d35UU8
3. Hummus: Because of the rising popularity of hummus, many bars and restaurants are offering it on their menu. I've been to a variety of Bar and Grilles that offer it. Chocked full of healthy chickpeas (or garbanzo beans, if you will), hummus is not only a source of healthy protein and fiber, but also a great option for vegetarians. You just have to watch the sides. Opt for grilled or baked pita rather than chips, if you have the choice. Approx. nutrition facts: Per cup, 435 calories, 21.1g fat, 12g protein, 9.8g fiber. http://bit.ly/bk3AO5
4. Garden Burger: If a bar or restaurant can make a great garden burger, it's an incredibly healthy choice. Not only does it give you healthy protein, but an extra helping of veggies! They tend to be much less fatty than their meaty counterparts, and are obviously more heart-healthy than beef. I've been to a few bars and restaurants that even made their own garden burgers (rather than using a commercially produced variety), and have been excellent. This is especially true for black bean burgers—which I would certainly suggest you give a try! Approx. nutrition facts: 110 calories, 4g fat, 10g protein, 3g fiber. http://bit.ly/9r6VFo
5. Turkey Ruben: Though a Ruben may not necessarily be the healthiest thing in the world, they still rank high on the bar foods list. Opting for turkey over corned beef is a healthier option, and leaner as well. Sauerkraut thankfully has no negative health benefits, so really if you go light on the thousand island (or ask for fat free), it isn't so bad at all! Best part? It's absolutely delicious! Approx. nutrition facts: 610 calories, 33g fat, 34g protein, 3g fiber. http://bit.ly/diwstF
6. Sliders: What's a slider, you ask? Well, it's kind of like a mini hamburger. I've seen them in different varieties offered in different bars and restaurants. Small hamburgers, meatball sliders, and even chicken sliders are all included. In this case, I say use your best judgment. Like hamburgers, they involve no deep-frying, but no slider is made equal. Choose the healthier condiments and leaner meat choices. Approx. nutrition facts: Per serving, 300 calories, 20g fat, 15g protein, 0.5g fiber. http://bit.ly/cZou71
7. Quesadilla: Like many of the other bar foods listed, quesadillas come with a variety of options. If you enjoy meat in them, opt for chicken over beef. A healthy quesadilla could include veggies as well, and leave out the sour cream to trim some fat. Salsa is a very healthy condiment for this option, and will only add a bit of sugar to the mix. Approx. nutrition facts: 580 calories, 31g fat, 33g protein, 2g fiber. http://bit.ly/bbZiPt
8. Grilled Chicken Wraps: Many bars and restaurants have started adding wraps to their menu alongside burgers and other sandwiches. This is a great chance for us to find healthy options in bars and restaurants. Grilled chicken (rather than fried, buffalo, or chicken tenders) is lean and packs a great amount of protein. Wraps usually pack quite a few vegetables, and you generally have an option for dressing. Ask for it on the side, or opt for the healthier dressing. Approx. nutrition facts: 210 calories, 13g fat, 12g protein, 1g fiber. http://bit.ly/a2fSZL
9. Fajitas: Fajitas are better than tacos in that they generally include leaner and healthier choices in meat (such as chicken breast). They also include many vegetables, which you generally add in quantities of your choice. Again, leaving out the sour cream may make this choice a bit healthier, but fajitas regardless rank high on the healthy bar foods list. Approx. nutrition facts: 191 calories, 6.2g fat, 30.4g protein, 0g fiber. http://bit.ly/c3TOH0
10. Veggie Panini: I wanted to add at least a few vegetarian options (they too enjoy going out). The veggie Panini obviously is healthy because it packs a variety of vegetables—often with the choice of adding pesto (a basil/olive oil mix that stands in as a healthy fat) or the previously mentioned star, hummus. It is also a delicious option for even carnivorous folk. Approx. nutrition facts: (with pesto) 610 calories, 24g fat, 22g protein, 6g fiber. http://bit.ly/dw5Nuz
As you can see, there is no excuse. If you are trying to eat healthier, if you're a veggie or carnivore, or if you're trying to shed a few pounds there are definitely healthy bar food options out there for you. Just make sure to go easy on the drinks—be conscious of the calorie levels in beer, wine, or mixed drinks. Most importantly, be safe and have fun!
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