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Food

The 5 Healthiest Appetizers You Should Start Ordering RIGHT NOW, According To Health Experts

August 2, 2020 by Justine Schwartz
shefinds | Food
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As restaurants continue to stay open amid the novel coronavirus outbreak, many of us are venturing out for our first meals outside the kitchen in months.

Experts warn that restaurant food can be heavy and cause weight gain–so as with everything, proceed with caution and practice moderation. Here are the five delicious apps nutritionists, chefs and MDs agree that you can *always* order at a restaurant:

READ MORE: Here’s The Real Reason You Should Never Order A McDonald’s Breakfast Sandwich

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Women Are Swapping Their Boring Water For This Ice Pop Electrolyte Mix!
Fresh caprese salad with tomatoes and mozzarella cheese

Chef Crystal Reinwald

 

Here is my go-to list:
Caprese salad
Chicken satay
Shishito peppers
Edamame
Shrimp cocktail or ceviche

Minimal ingredients, lower in sugar and carbohydrates, lots of vegetables, protein and healthy fats. Stay away from things with already covered in sauces or that are fried.

Delicious stuffed mushrooms filled with herbs and cheese

Lisa Richards, nutritionist, The Candida Diet

Stuffed Mushrooms
Bang Bang Shrimp
Lobster Dip
Lettuce and Shrimp Wraps
Smoked Wings
Hummus Tray

“When you're stuck trying to decide what appetizer to purchase based on your taste, but also concerned about health and nutrition it is best to start with the animal protein. If your appetizer has an animal protein its best to opt for the leanest meat available, which is typically seafood or chicken. From there consider the method of cooking. Many appetizers are fried, but it is not unheard of to find baked, grilled, and steamed options. Choosing any of these options over fried foods will decrease your saturated fat intake significantly."

Creamy hummus served with fresh vegetables and pita bread

Jessica Randhawa, head chef, recipe creator, photographer of The Forked Spoon

Hummus
Guacamole
Shrimp Cocktail
Spring Rolls
Caprese Salad

Colorful tossed salad with mixed greens and vibrant toppings

Lisa Young, PhD, RDN, nutritionist, author of Finally Full, Finally Slim, and adjunct professor of nutrition at NYU:

Tossed salad with olive oil based dressing Vegetable/minestrone soup Grilled vegetables Tuna tartare Grilled artichoke

Author:

Editorial Director

Justine Schwartz is a veteran women's lifestyle editor; she's written extensively about style & beauty tips, health advice and wedding planning. Her work has appeared in New York Magazine, Huffington Post and New York Weddings. Justine has been with SheFinds since 2010; you can reach her via email at Justine@shefinds.com.

Sipping spearmint tea in a cozy setting.
Variety of bread types showcased on a table.
Freshly baked goods from Costco bakery display.
Woman holding her head, expressing stress.
Woman experiencing joint pain while sitting.
Aromatic coffee with sugar being added.
Variety of fast food from Dunkin', Chick-fil-A, Starbucks.
Woman adding sugar to a steaming cup of coffee.
Tasty bagels with blueberries and butter on a wooden board.
Comparison of cooking spray and olive oil for healthy cooking.
Brazilian dish featuring rice, beans, and chicken from above.
Close-up of watch as someone eats breakfast.
Display of deli meats, sandwiches, hot dogs, and sausages.
Cooked salmon served with rice, avocado, and greens.
Interior view of a Costco store showcasing various products.
Woman taking magnesium supplement for health benefits.
Selection of s'mores brownies and baked ricotta from Aldi.
Grilled chicken breast with fries, salad, and dipping sauces.
Frozen pizza options available in grocery store aisle.
Delicious fried fish and fries on a plate
Sipping spearmint tea in a cozy setting.
Variety of bread types showcased on a table.
Freshly baked goods from Costco bakery display.
Woman holding her head, expressing stress.
Woman experiencing joint pain while sitting.
Aromatic coffee with sugar being added.
Variety of fast food from Dunkin', Chick-fil-A, Starbucks.
Woman adding sugar to a steaming cup of coffee.
Tasty bagels with blueberries and butter on a wooden board.
Comparison of cooking spray and olive oil for healthy cooking.
Brazilian dish featuring rice, beans, and chicken from above.
Close-up of watch as someone eats breakfast.
Display of deli meats, sandwiches, hot dogs, and sausages.
Cooked salmon served with rice, avocado, and greens.
Interior view of a Costco store showcasing various products.
Woman taking magnesium supplement for health benefits.
Selection of s'mores brownies and baked ricotta from Aldi.
Grilled chicken breast with fries, salad, and dipping sauces.
Frozen pizza options available in grocery store aisle.
Delicious fried fish and fries on a plate