Navigating the LongHorn Menu for Healthy Choices
Eating healthy at a steakhouse might seem like a contradiction, but with a few strategic choices, it's entirely possible to enjoy a satisfying and nutritious meal at LongHorn Steakhouse. The key is focusing on grilled, lean proteins and pairing them with high-fiber, low-calorie vegetables while being mindful of hidden fats and excessive portions. By customizing your order and staying informed, you can control your intake and still have a delicious dining experience.
The Healthiest Entrée Options
For most people aiming for a healthier meal, lean protein is the foundation. At LongHorn, several entrées stand out for their nutritional profile, especially when ordered with modifications.
- LongHorn Salmon: The hand-cut, fresh Atlantic salmon is a powerhouse of lean protein and heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. A standard 7oz portion contains a moderate number of calories and fat, making it an excellent choice. It's typically served over rice, but swapping this for extra vegetables can further reduce calories and carbohydrates.
- Flo's Filet®: This center-cut filet is one of the leanest steak options on the menu. A smaller 6oz cut offers high-quality protein without the excessive fat of larger or more marbled steaks like the Ribeye. Ensure it's prepared simply, without added sauces or butter.
- Renegade Sirloin®: A solid choice for those craving steak, the Renegade Sirloin is lean and hearty. Order the smaller 6oz portion to keep calorie and saturated fat counts in check. As with the filet, request no extra butter or oil.
- Lemon Garlic Chicken: This grilled chicken breast is light but full of flavor, featuring a simple lemon garlic butter sauce. It provides a clean protein option that's a welcome alternative to red meat.
Healthier Side Dish Swaps
Often, the side dishes are where hidden calories and fat accumulate. Making smart swaps is crucial for creating a truly healthy meal. Here's how to build a better plate:
- Fresh Steamed Broccoli: This is one of the best side dishes available, providing fiber and essential nutrients with very few calories. Ask for it plain or with a squeeze of lemon to avoid added butter.
- Fresh Steamed Asparagus: Similar to broccoli, asparagus is a low-calorie, nutrient-dense choice. It comes with a lemon sauce, which adds a light flavor without the heaviness of other side dish toppings.
- Sweet Potato: A great source of fiber and vitamins, a plain sweet potato is a far better choice than a loaded baked potato. Just be sure to ask for it with butter and cinnamon sugar on the side, or omit them entirely.
- Mixed Greens Salad: Starting your meal with a side salad can help you feel full and increase your vegetable intake. Order it with a light, fat-free dressing on the side and skip the croutons and cheese.
How to Order for Optimal Health
- Start with Soup or Salad: Beginning your meal with a cup of Shrimp & Lobster Chowder or a Mixed Greens Side Salad can help reduce overall calorie intake by promoting fullness. Choose a light dressing on the side for your salad.
- Stick to Lean Protein: Select the 7oz LongHorn Salmon, 6oz Flo's Filet, or 6oz Renegade Sirloin. Avoid larger, heavily marbled cuts and items like ribs or fried chicken.
- Prioritize Vegetables: Order two servings of Fresh Steamed Broccoli or Fresh Steamed Asparagus instead of a single side.
- Drink Smart: Choose water, unsweetened iced tea, or black coffee over sugary sodas or alcoholic beverages, which can contain a significant number of empty calories.
- Control Portion Size: Consider ordering from the lunch menu, where portions are often smaller. Another strategy is to ask for a to-go box at the beginning of the meal and immediately put half of your main course away for later.
Comparison of Healthier LongHorn Entrées
| Feature | 7oz LongHorn Salmon | 6oz Flo's Filet | 6oz Renegade Sirloin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protein Type | Fish (Atlantic Salmon) | Beef (Center-Cut Filet) | Beef (Top Sirloin) |
| Calories | ~290 (before sides) | ~330 (before sides) | ~320 (before sides) |
| Fat Content | Moderate (Omega-3 rich) | Low | Low |
| Omega-3s | High | Low | Low |
| Fiber | Low | Low | Low |
| Potential Customization | Easily swap rice for veggies | Request no added butter | Request no added butter |
| Best For | Heart health, balanced fats | Leanest beef option | Lean and flavorful beef |
Conclusion: Your Healthiest LongHorn Meal
While LongHorn Steakhouse is known for its indulgent dishes, creating a healthy and satisfying meal is straightforward with a bit of planning. The single healthiest choice is the 7oz LongHorn Salmon served with two sides of Fresh Steamed Broccoli and an unsweetened beverage. This combination delivers a potent dose of lean protein and heart-healthy fats, balanced with the vitamins and fiber from the broccoli, all while keeping overall calories and sodium in check. For those who prefer beef, the 6oz Flo's Filet or Renegade Sirloin with steamed vegetables is an excellent alternative. Always remember to request minimal added butter or sauces to maximize the nutritional benefits of your meal.
LongHorn Steakhouse Nutrition & Allergen Guide
Key Considerations for a Healthy LongHorn Meal
- Salmon over Steak: The 7oz LongHorn Salmon provides heart-healthy omega-3s, which are essential for cardiovascular wellness and harder to find in most red meat dishes.
- Double Down on Veggies: Swapping out carb-heavy sides like rice or fries for double servings of steamed broccoli or asparagus dramatically reduces calories and boosts fiber intake.
- Hold the Butter: Request that your steak or vegetables be cooked without the added butter typically used to enhance flavor, saving significant calories and saturated fat.
- Choose Small Portions: Opt for the smallest size of steak, like the 6oz Flo's Filet or Renegade Sirloin, to maintain portion control.
- Mind Your Dressing: For salads, ask for dressing on the side and choose a light vinaigrette or fat-free option, using it sparingly.
- Bypass the Bread: The complimentary bread can quickly add unnecessary calories. Enjoying a small piece is fine, but avoid overindulging.
FAQs
Q: What is the lowest-calorie entree at LongHorn Steakhouse? A: The 7oz LongHorn Salmon is one of the lowest-calorie entrees, especially when ordered with steamed vegetables instead of rice.
Q: How can I order a salad that is low in calories at LongHorn? A: For a low-calorie salad, order the Mixed Greens Side Salad without cheese or croutons and ask for a light vinaigrette or fat-free dressing on the side.
Q: Can I eat a keto-friendly meal at LongHorn Steakhouse? A: Yes, a keto-friendly meal is possible. Choose a lean cut of steak like the Flo's Filet or Renegade Sirloin and pair it with steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus, holding the bread and any sugary sauces.
Q: Are the baked potatoes healthy at LongHorn? A: A plain baked potato is a healthier option than fried or creamy sides, but the traditional loaded baked potato with bacon, cheese, and sour cream is high in calories and fat. Order it plain and use toppings sparingly or skip them entirely.
Q: Should I avoid the steak entirely to eat healthy at LongHorn? A: You do not need to avoid steak entirely. Opt for a smaller, leaner cut like the 6oz Flo's Filet or Renegade Sirloin and ensure it's cooked simply, without added butter or heavy sauces.
Q: How can I reduce the sodium in my LongHorn meal? A: You can reduce sodium by asking for less salt and seasoning on your grilled items. Also, opt for steamed vegetables and avoid rich, creamy soups and sauces.
Q: What is the healthiest dessert option at LongHorn? A: While most desserts are very high in calories, the healthiest option would be to skip dessert entirely. If you must have something sweet, consider sharing a dessert with your table to reduce your portion size.
