The Healthiest Takeout Options Based On Cuisine?
We all love eating out or ordering GrubHub, Uber Eats and Door Dash for food delivery! With dine-in still closed in and around Aliso Viejo, Laguna Niguel, and across Orange County, we’ve upped our intake of to-go cuisine.
Although takeout is convenient, it isn’t necessarily the healthiest option. However, how you order could save your health and your waistline.
Italian
1. Tomato-based sauces
2. Thin crust pizzas
3. Side salads
4. Non-fried seafood
Tomatoes are in many Italian dishes, and they are an excellent source of the antioxidant lycopene. The health benefits include a reduced risk of heart disease and cancer. They are also a great source of vitamin C, potassium, folate, and vitamin K.
Thai
1. Summer rolls
2. Chicken satay
3. Vegetable dishes
4. Clear broth soup
Thai dishes are typically packed with a healthy punch of vegetables. Thai food also contains chili pepper, which helps as an anti-inflammatory. Another inflammation-reducer is Ginger. Garlic is rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin B6 and Manganese. You may have to brush your teeth after eating garlic, but that powerful bulb contains active compounds that can reduce high blood pressure (hypertension). It is also considered a Cholesterol fighter, which helps in the battle against heart disease.
Chinese
1. Brown rice
2. Steamed dumplings
3. Steamed chicken and broccoli
4. Vegetable dishes
Just a simple swap from white rice to brown rice and from fried dumplings to steamed dumplings can provide health benefits without sacrificing that delicious flavor! Brown rice may have a few more calories, but it also offers additional protein, fiber and nutrients that white rice doesn’t offer. When you choose steamed dumplings, you eliminate the fatty oils from the frying process.
Japanese
1. Miso soup
2. Chicken teriyaki
3. Tuna or California rolls, sashimi
4. Steamed dishes
If you love Japanese food, chances are, you love sushi. The good news is that fish contains Omega-3 Fatty Acids, which boost body and brainpower. Fish is also rich in Vitamin D. If you add more sushi to your diet, make sure you aren’t adding a lot more sake with it!
American
1. Broth-based soups
2. Veggie burgers w/o or reduced sauces and condiments
3. Vegetarian chili
4. Grilled chicken sandwich with fruit/veggies as a side
We know to incorporate more veggies in our lives because of the many benefits. Think about skipping the fries with your burger or sandwich and going with fruit or vegetables instead. Also, fried chicken is amazing, but it’s heavy on the heart. Grilled chicken is always a healthier option, and meatless products are all the rage. Try a plant-based burger. You’d be surprised at how Beyond Meat and Impossible Burger taste like the real thing.
Mexican
1. Veggie burrito bowl
2. Veggie Fajitas
3. Chicken, Beef, or Shrimp Enchiladas
4. Chicken, Fish, Lean Beef Soft Tacos
Mexican food tastes great, but making poor choices can be a shock to the system! Opting for whole beans instead of refried beans can save you calories, and when you order, keep an eye for the mounds of cheese and sour cream that’s put on or into everything.
Greek
1. Hummus
2. Fattoush, Mediterranean, Greek salad
3. Veggie platter
4. Chicken platter
By now, you’ve likely heard of the benefits of eating a Mediterranean diet. The healthy oils and vegetables used in these dishes are great for the heart. Mediterranean dishes usually use leaner meats. Also, yogurt is another health additive to Greek dishes.
Indian
1. Dal
2. Chana Masala
3. Tandoori chicken
4. Tikka Dishes
If you like Indian, you typically can handle the heat! Spicy dishes are thought to be excellent for the digestive systems. Indian food supports immunity, inflammation, brain function and several other functions in the human body.
The last reminder from the team here at South Coast Medical is regardless of the type of food you eat, make sure you commit to portion control. Overeating is one of the major factors in weight gain, regardless of the type of food you’re eating.
Contact South Coast Medical Group OC if You’re Feeling Sick
We want you to have a safe and healthy New Year!
We want to make sure your health is optimized at all times. We also want to be mindful that COVID-19 still has a presence here in Southern California.
If you are not feeling well and would like to get the Sofia 2 Rapid COVID-19 test, please call us at (949) 360-1069 to schedule an appointment.
If you would like to set up an in-person or telemedicine visit, our hours of operation are:
Monday-Friday: 8:00 a.m.- 7:00 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m.
Sunday: 10:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m.
The safety of our patients and staff is our top priority. We are located in Aliso Viejo, California, and we offer a wide range of services such as urgent and primary care, sports medicine, and x-rays. If you need help with any of these services, please contact us at (949) 389- 8968. We appreciate the trust our patients have in us and look forward to being of service to you.
