Olive Garden may not come to mind when considering weight loss-friendly restaurants. However, you might be surprised to learn that you can still enjoy this popular restaurant while staying on track to achieve your weight loss goals. But what exactly is the best Olive Garden order for weight loss? To find out, we consulted Destini Moody, RDN, CSSD, LDregistered dietitian and sports dietitian at Garage Gym Reviews, who weighs in (pun intended) with her #1 favorite Olive Garden order for weight loss.
“Olive Garden’s menu can be difficult to navigate when trying to follow a healthy diet,” says Moody. “Avoid any appetizer or side dish that contains high-calorie cream-based sauces. Alfredo sauce, in particular, is made with heavy cream and butter, which means it’s high in calories and fat. saturated fats, the latter of which are not great for your heart health or your waistline.
Fortunately, Olive Garden offers several options that can fit into a balanced, calorie-conscious eating plan. By focusing on dishes that emphasize lean proteins, vegetables, and whole grains, you can enjoy a meal that’s both delicious and tailored to your weight loss efforts. The trick is to pay attention to portion sizes and know what ingredients are included in your meals.
Herb-Grilled Salmon is the best Olive Garden order for weight loss, here’s why.
Per serving: 610 calories, 45 g fat (11 g saturated fat, 0 g trans fat), 1,360 mg sodium, 9 g carbohydrates (4 g fiber, 3 g sugar), 45 g protein
Curious about the best dish for weight loss at Olive Garden? According to Moody, it is the Grilled Salmon with Herbs.
“At just 610 calories total and served with a side of steamed broccoli, it’s one of the few items on the menu that’s light and not swimming in a cream-based sauce,” says Moody. “As an accompaniment, accompany salad and a vinaigrette or minestrone soup. The other soups are either sausage-based or heavy cream-based.”
The benefits of eating grilled salmon with herbs for weight loss:
1. It is a well-balanced meal.
Olive Garden’s Herb Grilled Salmon offers a balanced meal, offering a blend of lean proteins, healthy carbohydrates and vegetables packed with essential vitamins and minerals for good health.
“Unlike heavier dishes like lasagna, herb-grilled salmon is a balanced meal. Since it’s automatically served with breadsticks, it contains carbohydrates, protein from the salmon and vegetables in the form of garlic broccoli and with parmesan,” says Moody.
This combination of nutrients allows you to consume a range of nutrients in one dish, helping you maintain a balanced diet while managing your weight.
2. It is an excellent source of lean protein.
Salmon is an excellent source of lean protein, essential for muscle maintenance And satiety. Unlike high-fat meats like sausage or beef, salmon contains heart- and brain-healthy omega-3 fatty acids and very little saturated fat. This makes it a healthier protein choice that supports your weight loss efforts while providing the necessary nutrients your body needs.
“Although salmon is relatively low in saturated fat, it still has that fatty mouthfeel that red meats crave,” says Moody. “That’s because salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, an essential nutrient that the body cannot make itself but is essential for optimal heart and brain health. U.S. adults are recommended to consume two servings of fatty fish per week to get enough of these anti-inflammatory and healthy fats.
3. It is low in calories.
“Herb-grilled salmon has half the calories of most other dishes, making it a suitable option for those who want to enjoy an evening with friends but don’t want to exceed their calorie goals in a single meal” , explains Moody. . “This dish also lacks large amounts of pasta like other dishes on Olive Garden’s menu, but still fills the plate with lean protein from the fish and fiber from broccoli. This can be more filling because the carbs tend to break down quickly in the stomach, but it won’t make you feel as heavy. This means you can hang out with your group of friends for the rest of the evening rather than rushing home. to take a nap.
The next time you visit the Olive Garden, choosing a low-calorie option like herb-grilled salmon can help you meet your daily calorie goals, making weight loss easier without sacrificing an enjoyable dining experience.
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