food court survival

If you're braving the mall this Black Friday, chances are you're going to need to refuel at the food court as well. Although there are choices galore on the food front, many of them are high in calories and fat, so here are some healthier options to munch on. They may not be the healthiest choices on the planet, but they're better than succumbing to a Big Mac attack.

From Subway:
6" Veggie Delite: 230 calories, 1 g saturated fat
6" Turkey Breast: 280 calories, 1.5 g saturated fat
6" Oven Roasted Chicken Breast: 310 calories, 1.5 g saturated fat

Not into those choices? Then read more

The mall is almost unavoidable during the holidays and something about all that running around and waiting in lines that makes me hungry. What's worse? Not only am I hungry but I also know there is a place where food is so easily accessible. A place that reminds me of the fast-food holy land: The Food Court. Don't worry, we can get through this.

One idea is to skip dessert shops, like Mrs. Fields, Cinnabon, and Nestles, altogether. They are just too tempting, especially when you are craving something sweet. If you absolutely need something sweet then head to a candy store and get some dark chocolate with a high cocoa content. Even better? Bring some from home in your purse. If I still can't convince you to stay away from Dairy Queen, then go with the vanilla soft serve (small). It has about 140 calories and 4.5 grams of fat — not too bad.

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.

I already shared a few survival strategies, and another idea is to bring your own snacks. Healthy snacking options are limited at the food court: Think french fries, bagels, candy, and cookies. Last year user redsugar suggested carrying a zip top bag full of nuts so you can satisfy your hunger without heading to Cinnabon.

If you forget your baggie of healthy munchies, then pretzel shops are not always a bad option. The Jalapeño Pretzel without butter from Auntie Anne's has 270 calories and no trans fat (this was the best I could find at Auntie Anne's in terms of nutrition) — not horrible. If you're cutting out white flour, then try the Whole Wheat Pretzel (no butter) with 350 calories and 1.5 grams of fat.

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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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