With all the delectable cuisine offered at St. Louis restaurants these days (see "The Greatest Thing I Ever Ate"), temptations are everywhere threatening to throw you off the track of healthy eating. Thankfully, there are ways to enjoy the food at your favorite restaurants and still stay on the path toward a healthy lifestyle.
1. Try small plates. Instead of gorging on a large entrée, try sharing several small plates with your friends at eateries such as BARcelona Tapas Restaurant (34 N. Central, 314-863-9909) and Mosaic Modern Fusion (Multiple locations). The portions are smaller so you'll be less tempted to overeat, and you'll get to try a wide variety of dishes.
2. Go green. Salads at many St. Louis restaurants are way more than rabbit food. Try one with a vinaigrette instead of a cream-based dressing to cut down on the calories. One of our favorites is The Greek Goddess salad at Companion (8143 Maryland, 314-721-5454).
3. Look for alternate menus. Some local restaurants, such as Harvest (1059 S. Big Bend, 314-645-3522), are going above and beyond to cater to healthy eating with separate menus. Harvest's Wellness Spa Menu contains several dishes and sides using seasonal ingredients without butter or cream that are low in fat and cholesterol. Menu items include House Cured Bresaoloa Carpaccio, Grilled Sustainable Swordfish, Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes, and more.
4. Go gluten-free. Whether your body demands it or not, the nutritional benefits of going gluten-free are numerous. However, it can be difficult to find menu options to suit your dietary needs and your palate. Enter Edgewild Restaurant & Winery (550 Chesterfield Center, 636-532-0550), which offers an award-winning gluten-free menu with almost 30 delicious menu items, from appetizers to burgers and more.
5. Save some for later. Love ordering a heaping plate of Fettuccine Carbonara at Cunetto's (5453 Magnolia, 314-781-1135)? Instead of scarfing it down in one sitting, ask for a to-go box after you order and box up half of it when it arrives for a healthier portion. Eat the rest for lunch or dinner the next day.
