Sticking to a weight loss plan can be a challenge, especially when you want to grab a meal out. But it doesn’t have to be impossible! Here are some options to dine out while enjoying a figure-friendly meal!

Awful Arthur’s
Fear not, at Awful Arthur’s you can go out to eat guilt free. As Owner Mel Burns explains, “Seafood is low in calories as long as it is not fried.” At Awful Arthur’s most of the food is grilled, blackened or broiled. “A grilled piece of fish is almost zero calories,” says Mel. You pair that grilled piece of fish with some veggies and you can’t go wrong. The Awful Platter, for instance, comes with two seafood items such as grilled shrimp and scallops, house salad and some veggies. So go ahead and enjoy it, it’s low calorie and guilt free!
6078 Mechanicsville Turnpike • 804-559-4370

BuckHeads
At Buckheads, you can find a meal that taste great and won’t expand your waistline. It is a classic chophouse, which also offers a wide variety of seafood. Grilled Salmon is always on the menu, as well as a fish of the day—everyday! Buckheads has a scallop appetizer that is a great light dish for the summer months. Two other waist-friendly choices are the Steak Salad and the Sesame Crusted Tuna, which you can find on their bar menu. Whether you want steak or seafood, Buckheads has a light choice for you.
8510 Patterson Avenue • (804) 750-2000 • www.buckheads.com

DD 33
Dd 33 features a huge variety of healthy items. The food is a fusion of French and Asian cuisines, which are traditionally healthy, but very rich. Dd 33’s entrées are unique, because they are lighter and less rich, making them less caloric and even healthier. Dd 33 is geared towards healthy eating. One entrée that is guaranteed to taste delicious, as well as be good for you, is the Flank Steak Salad. It is made with very little oil and because flank steak is a lean cut of meat, this meal is naturally low in fat. Enjoy it without feeling guilty.
3601A Cox Road • (804) 747-8333 • www.dd33va.com

Hondos
Your dinner partner wants a steak, but you want something a little on the lighter side. Hondo’s can accommodate you both. While, Hondo’s is known for their juicy prime steaks, their Ahi Tuna will satisfy your taste buds without hurting your waistline. Sushi grade tuna is served medium rare with a Ponzu dipping sauce, fresh ginger and topped off with Wasabi Sirrachi. Flavorful, delicious and not to heavy. Of course, if you want to be a little bad, go ahead and take a bite of that steak when no one is looking!
4024- Cox Road • (804) 968-4323 • www.hondosprime.com

Howlett's
Although Howlett's is best known for their hearty meals and generous portions, they have recently expanded their menu with new seafood salad combinations. Choose from such healthy choices as Grilled Salmon Salad or Greek Salad with Grilled Shrimp. Also on the menu are several seafood entries that are grilled or sauteed for a lower calorie option. For lunch, choose from a number of salads, paninis, sandwiches and wraps. Another healthy option is the homemade soup which can be ordered alone or with your choice of salad or half sandwich.
3530 Festival Park Plaza • Chester • 804-930-1034 • www.howlettstavernchester.com

Joe's Inn
For years, Joe's Inn has been famous for their large variety of scrumptious fare, and in light of today's more health conscience public, they have come up with one new creation to fit the bill. The Immunity Bowl has proven to be a favorite among customers. Ann Wright, manager at Joe's Inn, explains "it is the unique paring of flavors, texture, and seasoning that makes this a healthy delight." Other healthy options on the menu include vegetarian lasagna and subs. For lite fare, Joe's Inn offers homemade soups and a number of salads to choose from.
2616 Buford Road • Bon Air • 804-320-9700 • www.joesinn.com

Nacho Mama’s
At Nacho Mamas, you can be sure that everything you eat is fresh and has no trans-fat oils or preservatives. The restaurant is locally owned, which allows them to pick their own produce and fresh ingredients. Because everything is made to order, Nacho Mama’s can accommodate any and every dietary need as they have full control over how everything is cooked. One entrée not to miss is the Caribbean Jerk Chicken Dinner. It is packed full of flavor and offers the diner grilled white meat chicken breast, seasoned with their own Caribbean jerk spices, served over a bed of flavorful and tender white rice and black beans. Accompanied by a romaine salad with mixed veggies and finished with fresh pineapple and homemade Mango Salsa, this is a low calorie meal that offers exciting flavors for your mouth and will satisfy your hunger.
7610 Left Flank Road, Mechanicsville, 804-730-7311 • 3449 W. Cary Street, 804-358-6262 www.nachomamasva.com

Ocean Breeze
At Ocean Breeze you are sure to find a healthy variety of seafood for every taste. On the menu you will find Tilapia, Salmon, Mahi Mahi, Blackened Tuna, Blackened Shrimp, Steamed Crab legs, and Steamed or Grilled Lobster. There are also a wide variety of salads, including the Tuscan salad; field greens topped with toasted walnuts, sliced pears, goat cheese and finished with polenta croutons and sweet balsamic vinaigrette dressing. The Maui Chicken Salad is a great choice for those that prefer chicken to seafood. One dish you have to try if you want great taste and little fat is the Grilled Tuna Ratatouille, which is fresh tuna, perfectly grilled medium-rare, and served with ratatouille vegetables, with spinach and tomato vinaigrette. Everything at Ocean Breeze is worth trying; just don’t try it all at once!
13923 Hull Street Road • Near Rt. 288 • 804-639-9550 • www.oceanbreezebarandgrill.com

Pescados
At Pescados, almost every entree is low in calories and healthy. Todd Manley, owner, says he only serves food that he himself would eat. Pescados is different than most places because the food is never frozen. Most likely, the fish you are eating was in the water the day before. Also, they do not fry their food because “you can’t tell if the food is fresh if it’s covered in breading,” explains Todd. Pescados has meals that are vegan friendly and gluten free, so there is a choice for everyone. Though their menu changes often depending on the season, one thing you can check out now is the Hawaiian Pumpkin Swordfish over a lemon-scented quinoa. Pescados is one place you can feel great about when you dine out.
13126 Midlothian Turnpike • Midlothian • 804-379-7121 • www.pescadosseafood.com

Tropical Smoothie Café
Tropical Smoothie features so many healthy choices, that there can be no excuse for not eating healthy. They offer 8 fantastic smoothies, that when made with Splenda, have less than 250 calories. All of these smoothies are listed on the menu and display their calorie count next to them—the Blimey Limey, Hawaiian Breeze, Kiwi Quencher, Pineapple Delight, Sunrise Sunset, Very Berry Green Tea, Acai Berry Boost, and Get-Up-and-Goji. All of their smoothies are made with real fruit. They also carry great wraps, sandwiches and salads that are full of protein and within the 400-calorie range. The Honey Ham & Swiss Flatbread has only 411 calories, or if you are in the mood for a wrap, try the Junior Western Wrap weighing in at only 344 calories. You can’t beat Tropical
Smoothie when it comes to great nutrition and taste.
14 Area Locations • www.tropicalsmoothiecafe.com