How to Eat Out & Be Healthy In Scarborough, Ontario
As a CrossFit gym in Scarborough, we’re often asked by our members where they can find healthy restaurants in Scarborough that align with their fitness goals. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or looking for a healthy dinner out with family, here are some local spots that offer nutritious and delicious options. Note: These are not in order of nutritional value. But are compiled more so as a reference list.
1. Ital Vital Rastaurant
- Ital Vital Restaurant is Known for This down-to-earth take-out spot with island flair offers Caribbean vegan entrees & pressed juices. (Vegan and “home cooked meals”).
- Healthy Options:
- switch out the rice for extra vegetables
- Keep portions in mind. This restaurant provides healthy options, but due to it being vegan, the carbohydrate portions are much higher. A smaller portion will provide lots of fibre so will fill you up quickly.
- What makes it great: Great portions, lots of flavor and health.
- Address: 741 Pharmacy Ave, Scarborough, ON M1L 3J4
- Price Range: $10-$20
2. Barans Turkish Cuisine & BBQ
Baran’s Turkish Cuisine and BBQ is know for it’s fresh ingredients and unlimited meat testing options.
Healthy Options: We suggest choosing leaner meats such as chicken, keeping portions in control and if you choose a fattier meat, pair it with a salad/veggie like their grilled tomato and peppers instead of rice or breads and leave out the desserts/drinks.
What makes it great: Lots of variety.
Address: 2043 Eglinton Ave E, Scarborough, ON M1L 2M9
Price Range: $10-$50+ (take out options and also all you can eat available)
3. Eggsmart
Eggsmart is traditionally for breakfast, but who doesn’t like breakfast at all times of the day, right>
Healthy Options: We suggest choosing sticking to eggs, you can ask for poached or egg whites, limiting the bread, or switching out for fresh fruit and veggies. If you want bacon, keep portion in control or they even have turkey bacon as a less fattier cut.
What makes it great: Simple and satisfying.
Address: 1923 Eglinton Ave E, Toronto, ON M1L 2M3
Price Range: $10-$20
4. Califresh
Califresh is Inspired by the sunny colors and flavours of California, and believe that maintaining a healthy diet shouldn’t be a chore.
Healthy Options: This restuaurant is filled with healthy choices. Which are balanced in nutrients, proteins, carbs and healthy fats.
The only thing to be aware of is some of the chicken in the sandwhiches and wraps are breaded. If deep fried, this will increase the overall calories and is not as great of a choice.
What makes it great: Balanced food options, healthy ingredients.
Address: 102 Crockford Blvd #4C, Scarborough, ON M1R 3C3
Price Range: $10-$20
5. Freshii
Freshii is a great grab and go option. This health-minded restaurant chain offering tossed-to-order salads plus soups, burritos & more.
Healthy Options: This restuaurant is filled with healthy choices. Which are balanced in nutrients, proteins, carbs and healthy fats.
The only thing to be aware of is some of the chicken in the sandwhiches and wraps are breaded. If deep fried, this will increase the overall calories and is not as great of a choice. Also beware of overloading nuts and seeds, or adding in a ton of energy balls, or thick smoothies. Although all have good nutrients for energy. They aren’t always “diet-friendly”.
What makes it great: Balanced food options, healthy ingredients.
Address: 85 Ellesmere Rd, Scarborough, ON M1R 4B9
Price Range: $10-$20
6. Teriyaki Experience
Teriyaki Experience is a made-to-order Japanese rice & noodle dishes, plus grilled veggies & meats restaurant.
Healthy Options: This restuaurant can be tailored to fir your health needs. If you order from this chain, (and can afford it), ask the food server to double your protein serving. Chicken and shrimp would be the two best choices.
Most of the standard dishes come with rice/noodles. Ask them to cut the portion in half, or leave it out completely and get double the serving of veggies.
As for the sauces, they will usually add in a lot of terriyaki sauce. Our suggestion would be to skip this and add hot sauce instead, or ask them to put a smaller amount.
What makes it great: Balanced food options, healthy ingredients (if you make special requests).
Address: 1900 Eglinton Ave E, Scarborough, ON M1L 2L9
Price Range: $10-$25
7. Tim Hortons
Tim Hortons may be a suprise when you see it on this list; however there are a few things that can work if you are really in a rush, or the people you are with insist on stopping here.
Healthy Options: The main things that will get you some nutrition or balance would be the chili, egg bites, and chicken wraps that aren’t deep fried.
What makes it great: The above items are cheap, and can provide some protein and fibre.
Address: 3488 Lawrence Ave E, Scarborough, ON M1H 1A9
Price Range: $10-$20
Pro Tips for Eating Healthy When Dining Out in Scarborough
- Ask About Preparation Methods
- Don’t be afraid to ask how dishes are cooked
- Request modifications when possible
- Portion Control
- Many restaurants offer generous portions
- Consider packing half for later
- Hidden Calories
- Watch out for cooking oils and sauces
- Ask for dressings on the side
- Protein Options
- Look for lean protein sources
- Many places offer grilled options instead of fried
Why These Restaurants Made Our List
Our criteria for selecting these restaurants included:
- Quality of ingredients
- Variety of healthy options
- Portion control
- Protein availability
- Vegetable options
- Value for money
Scarborough Has lots of healthy restaurants to choose from
Remember, eating healthy doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy dining out. In fact, healthy eating is only one of the components of an active lifestyle. You want to make sure you are eating well and moving your body. These restaurants prove that Scarborough has plenty of options for those looking to maintain their nutrition goals while enjoying a great meal.
Have a favorite healthy restaurant in Scarborough that we missed? Let us know in the comments below!
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