It’s a new year, so obviously everyone’s New Year’s resolution is to drop a few pounds. Just because you’re trying to eat healthy doesn’t mean that you have to stop dining at Chili’s. You should always give yourself at least one day to splurge a little bit, while still being mindful of what you’re eating. While the majority of Chili’s menu is unhealthy, there are a few options for the health-conscious “new you.”
Keep in mind, when I say “healthy” I mean dishes with high protein and a moderate amount of calories, carbs, and fat. I am not taking into account sodium levels. Here are the healthy foods at Chili’s.
Best Appetizer: Smoked Bone-In Chicken Wings
These smoked wings are a way better option to share with the table compared to the majority of fried appetizers on the Chili’s menu. They have 560 calories and a whopping 55 grams of protein. Talk about #gains.
Best Soup: Southwest Chicken
The Southwest chicken soup is your best bet when it comes to choosing a hearty, flavorful, and healthy option. It has only 230 calories with 9 grams of protein.
Best Salad: Carribean Salad with Seared Shrimp
Not all salads are created equal; just because it’s a salad doesn’t mean it’s healthy. Fortunately for you, this salad is a touch healthier than their other options. It has 620 calories and 27 grams of fat. Alternatively, you can get the chicken option, which still only has 720 calories and packs on the protein with 36 grams.
Best Sandwich: Grilled Chicken Sandwich
Everything is better grilled and that’s a #fact. This sandwich choice has considerably less fat and calories than all of the other sandwich options. It has 710 calories, 36 grams of fat, and 48 grams of protein.
Best Burger: Old Timer
Burgers are usually high in calories because of the buns and the cheese. If you’re just craving a burger, but still want to be semi-healthy, The Old Timer is your best option. This items clocks in at 770 calories, 45 grams of fat, and 44 grams of protein.
Best Fresh-Mex Bowl: Margarita Chicken Bowl with Quinoa Blend
These Fresh-Mex Bowls are packed with protein. This option has 860 calories and 58 grams of protein. All of the different varieties have 880 calories or less and have at least 41 grams of protein. If you’re looking for a hearty lunch, this is it.
Best Tacos: Ranchero Chicken
This menu item has three delicious tacos, totaling 820 calories with 57 grams of protein. This doesn’t include the side of black beans it comes with, which only have 120 calories and 1 gram of fat.
Best Ribs: Dr. Pepper BBQ Half Rack
Ribs aren’t healthy, they just aren’t. If you insist on having them, these are your best option. A half portion of anything will always be better than a full portion. For the newbies: portion control is everything. These contain 460 calories and 38 grams of protein.
Best Steak: 6 oz Classic Sirloin Steak with Grilled Avocado
Skip the 10 oz Sirloin Steak and opt for a smaller portion of the same great dish. The 6 oz only has 420 calories. It also has 39 grams of protein with only 20 grams of fat. The nutritional information also includes the sides it’s served with. This menu item is part of the “lighter choices” portion of the menu. Yes, a “light choice” can be delicious.
Best Chicken: Mango-Chile Chicken
If you haven’t noticed, chicken is your best bet when you’re trying to eat healthier. The zesty mango glaze and all of the additional toppings is what makes this dish sooooo good. It’s also a part of the “lighter choices” menu, so you know it’s a good choice. It only has 510 calories and 38 grams of protein.
Best Fish: Ancho Salmon
Another option on the “lighter choices” menu, this salmon is flavorful with spicy citrus chile sauce and packs on the protein. It has 590 calories and 48 grams of protein.
Being mindful about what you put into your body isn’t that hard if you do your research. New year, new you is in full effect.