“Do you want to get Greek tonight?”
my fiance asked me as he opened the refrigerator.
“There’s nothing in here.”
Shutterstock
“Sure,” I replied.
“Get me my usual, c’mon!”
It was more of a formality that he asked me if I wanted to get Greek than anything else.
Shutterstock
To meand many other health-centric takeout devoteesGreek cuisine is the obvious preferred choice.
But follow my lead and tread carefully in Takeout Land, friends.
To help you stick to your diet, we’ve put together this trusty Greekrestaurant guide.
Shutterstock
Not That!
Some restaurants pan-fry them in heart-healthy olive oil, which will make the dish a touch lighter.
“Although hummus is served at some American-Greek restaurants, it’s not actually a Greek dish.
It’s Middle Eastern,” clarifies Elena Paravantes, RD, Mediterranean diet consultant and founder ofOliveTomato.com.
“But hummus is a healthy pick.
It’s plant-based, and a great source of fiber and protein,” she continues.
Eat This!
Tip
Ask for a side of veggie sticks along with your hummus to keep calories to a minimum.
A single pita is 165 calories and full of empty carbs.
Shutterstock
Not That!
: Tirokafteri
Tirokafteri doesn’t literally translate to “homemade Velveeta,” but it should.
Filled withhealthy fatsand loads of fiber, we’re giving this dish the green light.
Not That!
: Avgolemono
This lemon-infused chicken soup brings little to the table when it comes to nutrition.
You’re better off ordering something else that will at least provide some worthy vitamins or nutrients.
Eat This: Fakes
Paravantes is a big fan of this traditional lentilsoup.
you could’t go wrong kicking your meal off with this warming dish.
Not That!
Kolokithokeftedes
We know what you’re thinking, “Kolo-what now?!”
Kolokithokeftedes is essentially grated zucchini that’s breaded, fried, and served with herbs and feta cheese.
So basically, it’s empty carbs, with lots and lots of fat.
There are better ways to hit your daily veggie quota.
We suggest pairing it with red wine or balsamic vinegar.
Ask for the dressing on the side so your salad doesn’t get soggy during delivery.
Not That!
The scary part is that this number shoots up even higher once you factor in the dressing.
This is a definite Not That!
The trick here is to get the dressing on the side.
SANDWICHES & PLATTERS
Not That!
“When making the delicious filo dough, you brush olive oil mixed with melted butter between each layer.
In addition, more olive oil goes into the preparation of the filling.
That said, the calories quickly add up.
Eat This: Veggie Combo Platter
Falafel, grape leaves, and grilled veggies, oh my!
Shutterstock
And the fat sources are very heart-healthy.”
Not That!
The more veggies, the better!
Not That!
“Almost all restaurants offer this choice.
It’s a great source of protein, calcium, antioxidants, and good fats from the walnuts.
Shutterstock
You also get a bit of sweetness with the honey.”
However, when split among friends, it’s not the worst thing in the world.
(The walnuts add a bit of nutrition to offset the sugar.)
Along, with baklava, Paravantes gives these nut-filled desserts her stamp of approvalbut only if you’re sharing.
Sounds like a good reason to indulge in a small glass if you ask us!
Not That!
Consider it a dessert and don’t make it your go-to caffeine choice.
150+ recipe ideasthat get you lean for life.
Shutterstock
Shutterstock
