If you’re on a diet, you need to choose your food carefully. The good news is that you can eat at a restaurant and still stick to your plan. Sandwiches, soups, and salads are many diners’ go-to orders when they want to cut back on calories. Learn more about how to make healthy choices in the guide below.

Are Soups, Sandwiches, or Salads Better for Losing Weight?

As a general rule, soups are the most effective at helping you feel full on fewer calories. In fact, some studies show that frequent soup consumption is linked to lower waist circumference. This is because healthy soup options have a lot of water, which fills up your stomach without extra calories. 

However, not all soups are created equal. This also doesn’t mean you should avoid all sandwiches and salads at restaurants. Fortunately, there are healthy options in those categories, too.

How to Pick the Right Dishes

Soups 

Opt for soups with broth bases instead of cream ones.

Creamy soups, like clam chowder or cream of mushroom, are high in fat and calories. Broth, on the other hand, only contains about 12 to 40 calories per cup and is packed with protein and nutrients, such as calcium and potassium. Some healthy choices include chicken noodle soup and minestrone soup. 

Sandwiches

If you want a sandwich, choose one that features lean protein, such as chicken or roast beef. It should also have plenty of vegetables to help fill you up, including lettuce, tomatoes, or bell peppers.

Use only low-fat, low-calorie dressings, such as mustard, or avoid them altogether. 

Salads

Choose dishes that feature healthy greens, like arugula, romaine, or leaf lettuce. Make sure they’re packed with fiber-rich vegetables, such as tomatoes, radishes, or eggplants. You can also include a lean protein into the mix, like grilled chicken, to help keep you satisfied.

If you’re looking for a restaurant that offers healthy meal options that taste good, visit The Pizza Haven in Rhinelander, WI. They have a wide selection of soups, sandwiches, and salads to choose from. They also specialize in hearty Italian dishes you can sample on your cheat days. Explore their menu on their website or call (715) 362-5942 to make a reservation.