Eat Local Eat Healthy-Part III
It can sometimes be challenging to eat healthy when eating out. It is especially difficult in a small town to find nutritious alternatives on restaurant menus especially when Monticello, until recently, has had only a scarce selection of eateries for its residents.
Lately, however, our quaint small town, seemingly years behind rural communities like Madison, has had a restaurant boom. Because I work out of town I haven’t had the chance to sample all of the local offerings. I have, however, been able to get enough information from residents to provide my readers with ways to eat out, eat healthy and support the community.
Believe it or not there are more than 10 local diners, dives and café’s within about a five mile radius. Of those 10, I decided to highlight a few each week and describe what I believe is the healthiest midday meal or menu item they have to offer.
Each of these items must meet the same criteria: they have to be less than 500 calories, less than 20 grams of fat and be nutritionally balanced: having fresh ingredients, fiber and lean protein.
If you are looking for local charm and originality try Sgt. Jasper’s located in a historic home across from Rose Bowl field on Greene Street. Texan Greg Holder offers gourmet specialty items including a slow cooked brisket sandwich and homemade pralines.
If you are watching your weight try the Tex-Mex grilled tortilla chicken wrap with lettuce, tomato and guacamole. Fresh side items like his pasta salad are also wholesome and perfectly portioned.
The Vanilla Bean has healthy menu selections as well. In addition to a low fat breakfast muffin, they have soup and sandwich pairings that are nutritious and delicious. Ask for low-sodium varieties of deli meat and opt for the half-sandwich and the vegetable soup.
It will be just enough to satisfy your hunger while consuming fewer calories and fat. If you are still hungry after lunch, try a cup of Jittery Joe’s coffee.
The next time you go out to eat, think about ordering something healthier. Support our local businesses so that we can continue to have good quality places to dine. Stay tuned for more reviews of nutritious and delicious meals at local restaurants.
For questions or comments email: suzannemcginnis@me.com