The source text best fits the Healthy Eating format.
It provides science-informed nutrition tips, discusses lower-calorie meal options available at various chain restaurants, and emphasizes practical advice for making healthy dining choices. The content aligns with guidance on nutrition and wellness trends, which is characteristic of articles focused on healthy eating.
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By Ali Musa
Axadle Wellness Desk – Health & Nutrition Monitoring.
Getting a good light meal for under 500 calories isn’t as tricky as you might think. Many great restaurants recognize the need customers have for lower-calorie options, with clean ingredients that still emphasize great taste. These dishes don’t have to be boring—in fact, they’re surprisingly tasty considering the number of calories. Just be aware that sauces or condiments can be shockingly high in calories, so choose your sides wisely. Here are five of the best chain restaurant meals under 500 calories.
Olive Garden Lasagna Classico
Olive Garden has a delicious Lasagne Classico on its lighter menu, which only contains 500 calories. This dish features layers of pasta, Italian cheeses, and homemade meat sauce made from pan-fried beef and Italian sausage. Lots of flavor for a reasonable amount of calories, this meal is a great option for anyone looking for a smaller option.
Cracker Barrel Homestyle Grilled Chicken Salad
The Homestyle Grilled Chicken Salad at Cracker Barrel is just 440 calories, a perfect protein-packed light lunch that won’t leave you feeling uncomfortably full. This salad features smoke-roasted chicken over fresh vegetables garnished with hard-boiled eggs, tomatoes, cucumbers, croutons and Colby cheese and served with crackers. Consider all dressings, even something as innocent-sounding as Balsamic Herb Vinaigrette (260 calories!) will make a significant difference to the total calorie count.
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Noodles & Company Basil Pesto Cavatappi
The small basil Pesto Cavatappi at Noodles & Company is 420 calories and an excellent choice for those who want to treat themselves to some delicious pasta without overdoing it. This dish features cavatappi noodles in a creamy basil pesto sauce, grape tomatoes, and mushrooms, topped with parmesan and fresh herbs. The small Japanese pan noodles are also a great choice at just 320 calories: caramelized udon noodles in a sweet soy sauce, broccoli, mushrooms, carrots, black sesame seeds, and cilantro.
LongHorn Steakhouse Flo’s Filet
Flo’s file at LongHorn Steakhouse is 330 calories for a 6 oz steak, coated with a signature barbecue seasoning and seared to lock in that classic buttery flavor. The calorie count can easily stay low if you choose sides such as broccoli and a green salad without dressing. The dressing is always how they get you!
Bonefish Grilled Salmon
The salmon plate at Bonefish Grill starting at 460 calories. This fish is lightly seasoned, wood-grilled, and served with a choice of two signature sides. The Chilean sea bass is another good option that starts at 220 calories, as is the 8 oz chicken breast that starts at 390 calories. All of these menu items are wood-grilled, and keep in mind that your choice of side can add to the calorie count.
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