Remember Alan Martin, the North Carolina minister who was truly determined to take advantage of his never-ending pasta pass at The Olive Garden? At the end of 7 weeks, he ate $1,840 worth of pasta over 115 meals…and lost four pounds. (Results not typical, we’re imagining.)
Anyway, while Martin’s diet was pretty much the exact opposite of RD-sanctioned, you can still enjoy Olive Garden without burying your healthy diet in a pile of endless breadsticks—just ask any of these 5 dietitians, who gave us their picks for eating well, even at the temple of carbs.
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If you’d like a dish that feels luxurious
“I like the Herb-Grilled Salmon with Broccoli. This rich and tasty fish is rich in protein and heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.”
—Patricia Bannan, RDN, author of Eat Right When Time is Tight
If only pasta will do
“The Lasagna Primavera with Grilled Chicken is a nice treat, and the sodium isn’t off the charts.”
—Bonnie Taub-Dix, RDN, author of Read it Before You Eat It
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If you’re stopping in for lunch
“The Chicken Meatballs from the Taste of Italy small plates menu are great because they’re made with lean protein, and are filling but still flavorful. Also, the portion size is perfect.”
—Brittany Kohn, RD
If you’d like to cozy up to a bowl of soup
“If you are watching your waistline, the first step is to avoid the never-ending pasta bowl. It’s designed to encourage overeating. Instead, opt for a minestrone soup with the house salad combo—it’s satisfying and filling.”
—Marisa Moore, RD
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If you like options
“The Baked Tilapia with Shrimp, Garlic-Rosemary Chicken and Center Cut Filet Mignon are all under 500 calories.”
—Dawn Jackson Blatner, RDN and author of The Flexitarian Diet
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