As a recent empty nester, I am on a self-declared cooking hiatus and generally prefer to eat out. I tell my husband we have a duty to support the local restaurant economy, but really, I am just tired of the labor-intensive process of menu planning, prepping, cooking and then cleaning up… After 18 years of cooking 3 healthy meals a day, I need a break. In keeping with the traditional “New Year, New You” motto I make each year I started to consider how I could tweak how I was ordering to cut carbs/calories and still dine at my favorite restaurants.

One of my favorites foods is BBQ, but when you think of eating BBQ, you think of smoked meats slathered in sauces and heavy sides like mac ‘n cheese. Chef Michael Lane at OAK’D BBQ suggests that a cleaner way to eat and still enjoy those flavors would be to order smoked turkey or chicken and eat lighter side offerings such as coleslaw, a cucumber and tomato salad, braised greens, or roasted cauliflower.

OAK’D BBQ Salads topped with Smoked Meats

“When patrons come in, they should ask for lean cuts of meat. The meat carver should ask if they want ‘lean or moist’ cuts, to which they should reply ‘lean!’ Smoked chicken and smoked turkey are the leanest and healthiest meats, and a turkey burger is the healthier burger option on any menu. Another way to shave some calories is to lose the bun on your burger or BBQ sandwich and just eat the good stuff, ” says Lane.

Bread Winners Bakery & Café is another favorite destination of mine for their delicious Fried Chicken and Waffles or French Ham Benedict washed down with one of their many “Hangover Elixirs”. They too provide options that are less calorie intensive but equally delicious, such as the rotisserie chicken and grilled avocado salad, honey-glazed salmon salad, California rollup with chicken and avocado, chicken mojo & hummus bowl (my personal favorite) or a roasted veggie and quinoa bowl.

Stone Crab Claws from Truluck’s

My go-to concept for a business lunch or dressy date night is usually Truluck’s. Seafood, in general, is pretty low-calorie. The Stone Crab Claws that Truluck’s is famous for are only around 71 calories apiece, and a King Crab Leg is only 130 calories. It’s the sauces one usually dunks these items in that layer on calories, so instead just give them a squeeze of fresh lemon! You don’t need to disguise their delicious taste anyways. Skip the fatty sides such as mashed potatoes or truffle fries and substitute for steamed spinach or pan-seared broccoli. Truluck’s also offers a roasted cauliflower steak entrée that is fantastic!

With minor tweaks to the way you order you can still visit your favorite restaurant concepts and not blow your dietary goals for the New Year. Intention and resolution go hand-in-hand. You got this!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Publicist, Freelance Lifestyle and Travel Writer, Dallas Influencer and Southern Belle. Cynthia Smoot passion is being a connector and whether it’s through her role as a Publicist for Gangway Advertising or through her personal blog, Oh So Cynthia. she loves to shine a spotlight on the people, places, events and services that give Dallas its flavor. One of Dallas’ OG influencers, she has been featured on Bravo TV, New York Times, Dallas Morning News, and pretty much every local media outlet in town. In addition to her personal musings, she is the Society Editor for the Katy Trail Weekly newspaper and Park Cities Lifestyle magazine, Dallas Editor for Society Texas magazine, and a Contributor for Dallas Hotel Magazine.  She has worked with many of Dallas’ top brands including Truluck’s, Fletcher’s Corny Dogs, the Dallas Zoo, Broadway Dallas, Bread Winners Cafe & Bakery, and many more. She spends her days at Gangway Advertising creating marketing strategies and handling media relations to keep her clients in the news and top of mind.