This week’s favorites focus on eating healthy. With pizza, hot dogs and fried everything on every corner, it’s good to know that there are at least a few places in town to go when you’re craving something tasty on the lighter side.

Chad
I realize Press 101 has been named over and over on this site, but when I first thought of where I go for healthy eats, it was once again my favorite. With their Fruit and Chicken salad, it just doesn’t get any healthier (or more filling). In thinking of other places where I often take the healthy route, Yellow Dog Eats in Gotha came to mind. While the meal is nearly identical, Yellow Dog’s “Are You Chicken Salad” will fulfill even the biggest hunger. Served with either a raspberry or balsamic vinaigrette, the mixed greens, nuts and raisins provide a good dose of daily vitamins and great flavor. Add in a small order of their quasi-Caprese salad and you’ve got the perfect meal.

Jennifer (via Chad)
I know it sounds crazy, but when Jenn is looking for something healthy, she often points us in the direction of the crimson crustacean. That’s right, Red Lobster. While it’s a difficult place to eat healthy - with their cheesy buns and fried everything on the menu - Jenn will order a half portion of grilled fish (usually tilapia or mahi-mahi) along with some steamed vegetables. It’s a perfectly healthy meal, as long as you can avoid all of the temptations they put in front of you.

Amanda
The most obvious choice for delicious, healthy food in Central Florida is Seasons 52 (1 location in Orlando and 1 in Altamonte Springs). This upscale grill and wine bar offers up an ever-changing, seasonally-inspired menu of freshly-harvested food. Every item on their menu contains less than 475 calories, and each meal is “nutritionally balanced to include the highest quality lean meats and seafood, good carbs and beneficial oils such as extra virgin olive oil.” Oh yeah, and it’s all delicious too. I especially enjoy the mini desserts served in shot glasses (thus allowing them to remain under the calorie limit… assuming you only eat one).

However, I’d be remiss if I didn’t also point out a few healthy dining options for those strolling the theme parks with their children. SeaWorld offers up more than just chicken fingers and pizza, they have a whole restaurant, Mama’s Kitchen, devoted to “healthy alternatives.” This quick-service restaurant offers an assortment of foods prepared with fresh ingredients and substitutes such as non-fat mayonnaise and dressing, whole wheat bread and pasta, zero trans fat frying oil and no preservatives. The home-made healthy menu features sandwiches, salads and pastas, including a fresh wheat baguette with low-fat seafood salad, and meat lover’s chili prepared with lean turkey. The little ones can enjoy a turkey hot dog served with a side of fresh baked potato chips and raisins. For those with a lighter appetite, there are also healthy snack options available such as fat-free chips, cookies, or popcorn.

At Epcot you can find similarly healthy dining at Sunshine Season Food Fair in “The Land” pavilion. For counter service food, the menu here is surprisingly complex and healthy. In addition to entrees that include rotisserie beef and grilled salmon, hearty soups, salads, and sandwiches are available. My favorite is the stir fry, but since this is a food court of sorts you can opt for a little of everything.

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