EatInEatOut Spring 2015 | Page 36

by Stephanie Arsenault, West Coast Editor 5 pm hits, you’re on your way home from work, and there it is: the infamous belly grumble. Takeout seems like a pretty obvious choice, doesn’t it? No meal prep, stress-free dinner, full tummies all around. But there’s more: enough takeout for the whole family can be pricey. It also typically packs enough fat, calories, salt and sugar for nearly a whole day. With just a handful of ingredients (many that you already have in your pantry) and some nutrient-dense turkey, you can whip up a delicious takeout-style dinner in no time; without the price tag or hefty toll on your body. We picked three takeout favourites and gave them a good-for-you makeover! Results are yummy! Turkey Burgers and Fries: Skip the drive-thru and make your own burger and fries for dinner tonight! The turkey patties contain kale and flax, upping the nutrient density without messing with the flavour. The fries are nice and crunchy on the outside, and velvety 36 WWW.EATINEATOUT.CA soft on the inside, and make the perfect side to the burger. Serve with a simple green salad for a tasty, deceptively healthy dinner. Turkey Taco Salad: This quick meal is filling, packed with flavour, and easy to adjust to cater to picky palates. It also has all of the merits of your typical taco salad, without the greasy tortilla bowl or heavy dressing. The lean ground turkey adds plenty of lean protein, and all of the toppings blend together to create a delicious medley of Tex-Mex flavour – no Chihuahua spokespup necessary. Quick Soba Noodle Ramen: Flavourful broth? Check. Slurpable noodles? Absolutely. Super-rich calorie-laden meal? Nope, not here. This quick and easy “ramen” is packed with flavour, a little bit of spice, and is perfect for a weeknight meal or hearty lunch. Up the nutrition ante with the addition of more veggies, if you’d like, such as chopped bok choy, green peas; or, even throw a soft-boiled egg over top for some extra protein.