I’ve been really luck with my kids because they aren’t overly picky eaters. Sure they have their moments and like any kids they’ve had weeks where all they would eat was mac and cheese, but for the most part they’re willing to try new things and they enjoy eating fresh foods. We really struggle when it comes to eating out though because most fast food places and restaurants have the same menu. I think they must have all gotten together and decided that all they have to serve kids is pizza, Kraft mac and cheese, and chicken nuggets. The problem with this, is while my kids will eat healthy foods at home, they expect pizza, mac and cheese, and chicken nuggets when we go out to eat. It’s frustrating as parent because I know that if given the chance, they would take advantage of the times they eat out and use it as a way to try new foods rather than stick with the same unhealthy choices.

Healthy Dining at Noodles & Company

I’ve been happy to see that a few restaurants are branching out and offering healthier choices to kids (although, lets face it, if given the choice between the same container of mandarin oranges that kids have at home and french fries they are going to go for the fries). Noodles & Company has been one of our family favorites for years because although they do offer the standard choice of mac and cheese, their mac and cheese is in no way standard. While mac and cheese is a higher fat option, it is the ultimate comfort food and I have a hard time turning it down most of the time.

Noodles & Company has a great new dish that includes plenty of veggies and is a healthy option when eating out. Their new Asparagus and Lemon Linguine has a wonderful fresh taste that is perfect for spring. The noodles are made from hard amber durum wheat so you can indulge relatively guilt free and the inclusion of snap peas, red onions, and mushrooms, topped with a generous helping of feta cheese makes this dish absolutely delicious.

I’m a hard core fan of the Pad Thai at Noodles & Company but the Asparagus and Lemon Linguine may win out on a few visits.

My 4 year old happens to love asparagus so even though he wasn’t a fan of the mushrooms in the dish, he happily picked out over half of my asparagus. Noodles does allow you to add asparagus to any dish for only $1.25. I wonder if my 4 year old would go for asparagus mac and cheese since that combines his two absolute favorite foods in the world. I’ve honestly never thought of putting them together before but I put fresh peas in my mac and cheese all the time so I suppose it wouldn’t be much different.

Make Healthy Substitutions

Eating out is generally includes fairly high fat food options and large portion sizes. I try and make at least one healthy substitution every time I eat out. Most restaurants will allow you to substitute veggies for french fries or grilled chicken for fried. Look over the menu for healthy substitutions and if you don’t see any, ask your waiter or cashier. It does take some will power to avoid the higher fat alternative but it can make a huge difference in the overall fat content of your meal.

Eat Smaller Portion Sizes when Eating Out

Restaurant and fast food portions are enormous. I find when I eat out frequently that I can actually train myself to eat more food, which is really extra calories that I do not need. Try splitting a menu item with a friend or taking half of it home for another meal or as a snack if you have a smaller serving left. Some restaurants will allow you to order a lunch portion any time of the day, which is not only a healthier portion size but it can save you money too.

“I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Noodles & Company and received five Noodles & Company bowl cards to facilitate my review. Mom Central also sent me a thank-you gift certificate.”