Whether my husband likes it or not, Friday night is synonymous with date night in my household. Most of the time, we both try to eat healthily, and seldom do we break that trend when going out for special occasions… But we also like to feel like we are indulging a bit, as well.
At the end of a long work week, we usually aren’t in the mood to get dressed up and do anything extravagant, so the classic dinner and a movie is the perfect date for us. This way, we can put on a pair of jeans and enjoy each other’s company over dinner and share a flick afterward. Going to dinner beforehand also helps us to avoid mindless munching on popcorn and candy while in the privacy of a dark theatre. One of our favorite places to enjoy a pre-movie bite is Burger Lounge. At Burger Lounge, the modern décor and Healthy Dining choices are right up our alley. My husband often gets the Salmon Burger, while I have my old standby, the Vegetable Salad with Grilled Chicken (460 calories, 16g fat). The full-size salad is even large enough to share!
We have also been known to enjoy our pre-movie dinner at The Olive Garden. I often get cravings for the never-ending soup, salad and breadsticks, and my husband loves Italian food, so this is a perfect option for us. For my dinner, I usually choose the Pasta e Fagioli (130 calories, 2.5g fat) for my soup and the low-fat Italian dressing (35 calories, 2g fat) with my salad (70 calories, 2g fat). My husband always says he needs more substance than just soup and salad, so he goes with the Steak Toscano (590 calories, 20g fat).
Whenever we are in the mood to get dressed to the nines, we usually go to a steak house or seafood restaurant. Dononvan’s is a good healthy dining choice for prime filet steaks (600 calories and 21g fat) and Alaskan Red King Crab Legs (240 calories, 1g fat). After leaving there, we really feel that we have been spoiled (without spoiling our diets!)
Going out to sushi really might be my favorite dates, and here is why: I can pick food off of my husband’s plate and not feel guilty about doing it in public. I have the habit of always wanting to try everyone else’s food, and sushi restaurants provide the perfect environment for sharing. Roy’s is a great upscale Hawaiian fusion restaurant where we can get our seafood fix. We love the Blackened Island Ahi appetizer (80 calories, 1.5g fat) and usually get many different sushi plates to share, such as the Hamachi Sashimi (240 calories, 3g fat) and Snow Crab California Roll (360 calories, 14g fat).
So go ahead and indulge in some Healthy Dining choices on your next date night.
About the Author:
Amanda Hibshman, RD
Web Manager
Being the web manager for Healthy Dining is a great way to blend Amanda’s technical skills with her passion for eating healthy and knowledge of dietetics. From formatting pictures and publishing restaurant data to writing blogs and managing newsletters, Amanda is an integral part of the web/marketing team and is responsible for overseeing the Healthy Dining Finder website.
Amanda received her bachelor’s degree in nutrition and food science from San Diego State University and went on to complete her dietetic internship at the prestigious Veteran’s Health Administration San Diego. She is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the Dietitians in Integrative and Functional Medicine Dietetic Practice Group. Amanda also serves on the executive board of the San Diego Dietetic Association as the Communications Chair. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, running, singing, practicing yoga, and spending time with her family.