Community Corner

Healthy Take-Out Options Convenient to Harrison

Ordering in can actually be healthier than eating at a restaurant. These dishes from local Harrison hot spots are your best bets.

Written by Dana Leigh Smith

According to a recent survey of over 1,000 Americans, more than 40 percent order takeout at least once a week. While many may assume this habit is contributing to our nation’s expanding waistline, the study actually revealed that people tend to consume healthier fare when bringing food in compared to dining out. 

Why? People are more apt to indulge in bread, appetizers, side dishes and dessert when they eat out, but skip the extra sources of calories when then bringing food home. Although ordering-in appears to be the smarter choice, not all foods are fair game if you’re trying to stay trim. Here, Libby Mills, MS, RDN, LDN, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Spokesperson, weighs in on the healthiest takeout dishes from a variety of local hot spots.

Taku Chinese Restaurant
371 Halstead Ave, Harrison NY 10528
(914) 835-2424

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(Chinese)

Vegetarian options like Buddhist Delight or Eggplant in Black Bean sauce are healthy, high fiber picks, which can help lower cholesterol. If you aren’t ready to give up your go-to favorites, order a side of steamed vegetables and stir them into your meal to lower overall calories per serving, and boost fiber and nutrients. To lower calories even more, opt for sauce on the side or have your dish prepared in a broth, suggests Mills. Also, ask that your dish be prepared without monosodium glutamate (MSG), to help control blood pressure.

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Rani Mahal Restaurant 

Tel: 914-835-9066
327 Mamaroneck Ave.
320-322 Phillios Park Rd.
Mamaroneck, NY 10543
Hours:

Lunch
Monday thru Sunday - 11:30am - 2:30pm
Dinner
Monday thru Saturday - 5:00pm - 10:00pm
Sunday dinner - 5:00pm to 9:00pm

(Indian)

Avoid “Padoka” dishes, which are battered and fried and steer clear of Naan which is typically brushed with ghee – a clarified high-fat butter. Instead, opt for low-fat, high fiber and protein dishes like Dal Burkhara—a lentil-based option— or Chole—a chick pea dish. Meat and veggie kabobs and whole wheat tandoori dishes like Aloo Gobi and Sukhi Bhindi are other low-cal picks, full of belly-filling fiber, says Mills.

The Cobblestone
620 Anderson Hill Rd, Purchase, NY 10577
(914) 253-9678

Hours: 
11:30am-12:00am

(American/Pub Fare)

In lieu of a traditional beef patty, opt for a less-artery clogging veggie, turkey, bison or salmon burger, and substitute fries for steamed veggies or a side salad with oil and vinegar, suggests Mills. If you order wings, get them as an appetizer for sharing, and ask for extra celery to keep you full. Avoid ordering foods described as deep or pan-fried, basted, batter-dipped, breaded, crispy, creamy, scalloped, au gratin or Alfredo which are all high in fat and can increase heart disease risk.

Niko's Greek Taverna 
287 Central Avenue
White Plains, NY 10606
(914) 686-6456

Hours:
Sunday - Thursday:
11:00AM - 10:00PM
Friday & Saturday:
11:00AM - 11:00PM

(Greek)

Steer clear of fried calamari, saganaki (fried cheese) and fried zucchini. Beware of moussaka, baklava and other high-cal foods made with phylo dough. Instead, opt for dolmas (steamed grape leaves stuffed with rice and vegetable seasoning) and kabobs of grilled meats and vegetables. Still hungry? Hummus and tzatziki sauce served with whole wheat pita bread and sliced veggies make for a healthy side dish to share, says Mills.

Emilio Ristorante in Harrison
1 Colonial Pl., Harrison, NY 10528
(914) 835-3100

Hours: 
Lunch Menu Served 
Tue-Fri Noon-2:30 PM

Dinner Menu Served
Tue-Thu 5:30-9:30 PM
Fri-Sat 5:30-10:30 PM
Sunday 5:00-9:00 PM

(Italian)

Skip the free bread and olive oil and opt for some healthy appetizers instead. Minestrone soup or a fiber-rich bean variety, like ribollita or pasta fazul are all smart picks. Avoid high fat dishes like fried calamari, and ask for chicken, veal and eggplant Parmesan to be baked not fried, suggests Mills. If your dish comes with pasta substitute it for broccoli rabe, roasted peppers or another cooked vegetable to save calories and add vitamins and belly-filling fiber to your meal.

Coyote Flaco 
115 Midland Ave.,  Port Chester, NY 10573
(914) 937-6969

Hours:
Mondays 4:00pm - 10:00pm
Sunday - Tuesday 11:30am - 10:00pm
Friday - Saturday 11:30am-11:00pm

(Mexican)

When ordering Mexican, shrimp or chicken fajitas are your best bet. Order the sour cream on the side or skip it altogether and ask for extra vegetables for added nutrients and fiber. A taco salad—sans the deep fried shell—is a flavorful, healthy option. Have the chef hold the dressing and order a side of salsa to use as a low-cal dressing. Other healthy picks include a protein and fiber-rich bean burrito and oven-roasted chili relleno, notes Mills.


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