This is a part of the Weight Loss Tips Series
Seasons 52 – The Healthy Restaurant
My favorite healthy restaurant is Seasons 52. If you have not eaten there, then you are truly missing out.
Seasons 52 is a chain of restaurants owned by Darden Restaurants, which also owns Bahama Breeze, Olive Garden, and Red Lobster. Seasons 52 is different from Darden’s other restaurants because all of Seasons 52’s healthy menu items are calorie-controlled and nutritionally-dense. They don’t use butter and they don’t fry any of their foods.
Seasons 52’s name is very descriptive. “Seasons” because most of the menu items are seasonally-inspired and change as the seasons change. “52″ because their are 52 weeks in a year and many of the menu items change weekly to take advantage of locally grown fresh produce.
Seasons 52’s menu items include dishes made with lean proteins, healthy fats, and healthy carbohydrates such as whole grains. Their regularly changing menu allows them to take advantage of fresh fruits and vegetables grown at local farms.
The Meal
For appetizers, the custom flatbreads are “to die for.” However, they are also high in carbs and calories, so don’t indulge in them unless you are sharing it with a group of four or more. Instead, get one of their soups. They are low in calories, filling, and time-consuming.
While filling, the soup will leave room for their entrees, which are delectable. Each entree is visually appealing. More importantly, each entree is under 475 calories. If you are going for low-carbs it, this healthy restaurant has options for you. If you are strength training and looking for high protein selections, they have options for you too.
Mini Indulgences
My absolute favorite thing about Seasons 52 are their desserts. They call them Mini Indulgences and they are just that. The mini indulgences are small portion sizes served in a shot-size glass. I am not sure how many indulgences are on their menu, but I have tried and enjoyed at least 8 different varieties. My favorites are the Red Velvet Cake, the Key Lime Pie, and the Carrot Cake.
The Mini Indulgences are so delicious that you will feel like you are cheating, but they are small enough that you will not feel guilty. I have gone to Seasons 52 just to sit at the bar and enjoy a dessert with a Diet Coke. The key to enjoying the mini indulgences is to enjoy just ONE.
Beyond The Food
If you aren’t hungry, you can go to Seasons 52 just to enjoy a nice glass of wine from their long and diverse list of wines. Or, just go for the ambiance. The candlelit tables are romantic and this healthy restaurant is intimate.
When I lived in Atlanta, I frequented Seasons 52 often. Now that I live in Manhattan, where they don’t have a restaurant YET, I am missing it. If there is one near you, I suggest you go to my favorite healthy restaurant.
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Photo by The Gifted Photographer
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{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
You’re doing great work I live here in Atlanta and I’ve heard of Seasons but havent gone…This might be my next destination. Im also back in school for business. good work overall. I’d love to get with you sometime if you plan on moving your blog or/and fitness ideas to the next level.
@Mike – Definitely check out Seasons 52. There is one at Perimeter Mall and one in Buckhead. Great healthy food and great service.
I like your blog. Would love to talk shop one day.
Too bad that restaurant doesn’t exist here, although if it did I I reckon it would do really well, especially if the food is as nice as you describe. I believe a lot of people who go out to eat don’t mind being ‘decadent’ as it’s only done on special outings. If they could do that and be healthy at the same time, well that’s a double bonus.
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@Sire – Maybe there will be one headed towards you soon, or atleast something similar. I agree with you. It’s definitely a novel idea to have the a special outing combined with healthy foods. It’s the best of both world.
Wow, I never thought that eating mini indulgences are okay when dieting. I always thought that when I diet, I should never eat any cakes, desserts, chocolates or any other sugary sweets. Even if there is no Seasons 52 restaurant here, I’m glad I can enjoy eating my favorite carrot cake (1 slice only, I promise) without calling it cheating on my diet. Thanks for this post, liked it very much.
Wow, I never thought that eating mini indulgences are okay when dieting. I always thought that when I diet, I should never eat any cakes, desserts, chocolates or any other sugary sweets. Even if there is no Seasons 52 restaurant here, I’m glad I can enjoy eating my favorite carrot cake (1 slice only, I promise) without calling it cheating on my diet. Thanks for this post, liked it very much.
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