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Zuke salmon roll from sushi san

9 Healthier Menu Alternatives

These healthier menu options will help you keep your New Year's resolution

It’s not our fault that the cold winter months have us craving comfort food (hello, #sweaterweather), but luckily there is a way to stay on track without sacrificing delicious dishes. We’ve rounded up a few healthier alternatives to some of your favorite foods to try in our restaurants so you can indulge guilt-free this year.

Looking for some gluten-free carryout and delivery options near you? Click here for our guide.

These restaurants have great vegetarian and vegan carryout and delivery dishes, click here.

 

1. Instead of hearty meat dish, opt for the Wild Mushroom Teriyaki Bowl at Beatrix

Beatrix Mushroom Teriyaki Bowl in a white plate over a wooden background

The restaurant was built on the notion of “healthy meets delicious” so it’s no surprise that Beatrix has crafted up a comfort food for those looking to skip out on meat, seafood and dairy and offer a vegan dinner option. The Wild Mushroom Teriyaki Bowl at Beatrix is made with green vegetable and bamboo rice stir-fry, yuzu ponzu, cashews and a garden herb salad and is full of flavor sure to help you fuel up. Order carryout or delivery from the Beatrix location nearest you. 

Make a reservation at Beatrix – River North
Make a reservation at Beatrix – Streeterville
Make a reservation at Beatrix – Fulton Market
Make a reservation at Beatrix – Oak Brook
Make a reservation at Beatrix – Loop

For more vegan picks at Lettuce restaurants near you, click here. 

 

2. Instead of pizza, opt for Cauliflower Crust Pizza at Pizzeria Portofino 

Three overlap cauliflower pizzas with carious toppings from Pizzeria Portofino

Did you know that all of  Pizzeria Portofino’s pizzas can be made gluten-free upon request with a cauliflower crust?

Order carryout or delivery from Pizzeria Portofino, or make a reservation on the heated patio.

 

3. Instead of rice-packed maki rolls, opt for the “Hold the Rice” section at Sushi-san

Cucumber-wrapped sushi from sushi-san set on a black sushi tray and resting on a wooden backgroundWhen that sushi craving calls, you’ve got to answer! At Sushi-San, check out the “Hold the Rice” section and enjoy signature maki rolls, sans the rice. The Zuke Salmon and Lobster Goddess rolls come wrapped in fresh cucumber, and if you want to wash it all down with some sake, we won’t tell.

Make a reservation at Sushi-san.  Order carryout or delivery from Sushi-San.

 

4. Instead of an indulgent burger, opt for a “Salad-Style” Impossible Burger at M BurgerClose-up on the Impossible Burger Salad Style from M Burger

The feel and flavor of a burger with NO meat… say WHAT?! M Burger introduced the Impossible Burger to Chicago giving vegetarians and vegans a seat at the burger table. Whether you’re doing Meatless Mondays or just trying to limit your meat intake, the Impossible Burger is a great alternative. Go one step further and make it Salad-Style to get your sandwich wrapped in lettuce for an even lighter option.

Find the M Burger location nearest you.

 

5.  Instead of ice cream, opt for the Frozen Greek Yogurt at Aba

Aba's Frozen Greek YogurtDon’t forget dessert! Sweets can be the hardest temptation to resist when setting dietary resolutions, but Aba’s Frozen Greek Yogurt packs all the flavor with less guilt. This indulgent dessert is drizzled in olive oil and topped with a bit of sea salt for a creamy cap to any meal.

Make a reservation at Aba – Austin. Make a reservation at Aba – Chicago. Make a reservation at Aba Miami – Bal Harbour.

 

6. Instead of rice, opt for a “riced” veggie option like the Teriyaki-Glazed Fresh Atlantic Salmon & Cauliflower “Fried Rice” at Big Bowl

Big Bowl's Salmon with Cauliflower Fried Rice in a white round plate over a wooden background

For the carb-conscious diners, all Big Bowl locations now offer steamed cauliflower rice as a substitute for $1 with any main dish!

Find the Big Bowl nearest you and make a reservation or order carryout or delivery.

 

7.  Instead of fish & chips, try a grilled option like the Grilled Branzino at Ema.

Grilled Branzino with crispy tapenade, brown butter vinaigrette and macadamia nut

The Grilled Branzino is served with crispy tapenade, brown butter vinaigrette and macadamia nut.

Order Ema for carryout and delivery. Make a reservation at Ema.

 

8.  Instead of a boozy cocktail, sip on a delicious zero-proof drink at Summer House

Summer House post watermelone

Summer House – Chicago & North Bethesda offer several drink options sans the booze with all the flavor. Try the Pineapple Kick with pineapple, orange and jalapeño or another favorite is the Post Water-melone with watermelon, lemon and mint. 

Make a reservation at Summer House – Chicago. Make a reseration at Summer House – North Bethesda.

Click here for the recipe for Summer House’s Post Water-Melone.

For more zero-proof drink options at Lettuce restaurants near you, click here. 

 

9. Instead of a Queso Fundido, try El Segundo Sol’s Corn Salad

El Segundo Sol Corn Salad Looking for a lighter app that is packed with flavor? Order up the Corn Salad at El Segundo Sol made with fresh corn, avocado, romaine lettuce, queso fresco and radish in a bright cilantro-agave vinaigrette.

Make a reservation at El Segundo Sol. Order El Segundo Sol for carryout or delivery. 

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