The mall is almost unavoidable during the holidays, and something about all that running around and waiting in lines makes me hungry. What's worse: Not only am I hungry, but I also know there is a place where food is easily accessible. That place, like the fast food holy land, is the Food Court.
Don't worry, we can get through this.
My first idea is to stick to places where you can actually eat healthy. Deli-type places (Au Bon Pain, Subway, etc.) that don't even have a deep fryer are good options — in other words, places where you can't get french fries and onion rings. Places such as Cinnabon, where it's gooey cinnamon roles or nothing, are out.
Au Bon Pain is a favorite of mine but watch out for cheeses, mayonnaise, and any other special sauces they throw on a sandwich and opt for mustard instead. A great option is the Tuna Nicoise Salad, with 270 calories and 12 grams of fat; get the dressing on the side to lower those numbers even more. People tend to think Chinese food is healthy, but that is not always the case — go steamed or not at all. A good option at Panda Express is the Mushroom Chicken with a side of mixed veggies, all for about 220 calories and 15 grams of fat.
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I usually do Subway when I have to eat fast food. You can get any 6" sub made into a salad for an extra 50 cents, so that's usually what I do. I like the oven roasted chicken on a bed of lettuce and spinach and topped with lots of veggies, no cheese. Then I get a side of cut up apples and either a water or a diet soda. It's pretty lowcal and it's filling.
1I'm looking at Au Bon Pain's menu and I can't get over how much fat is in the most innocent-sounding of sandwiches! Oh well, I still like it there, so I'll be careful next time I go there.
2great post! Im going to the mall tomorrow and I usually go to the Japanese food. Thanks!
3it's so hard to eat healthy at the mall! thanks for the tips
4Chinese... Healthy...? Only if you don't count all the msg they put into their food! Unfortunately same goes for most Vietnamese places.
5Of course you can always plan ahead and bring a snack with you. When I am on the ball and thinking ahead I will pack a container of veggies, or a sandwich, some granola,or something easy and portable to tide me over. Thats if I remember though.
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