Chef Michael Lane shares how to eat BBQ and still maintain your January health goals
We are one week into the New Year and every journalist’s in-box has been inundated with "New Year, New You" story ideas. Never one to miss a trend, I thought I'd throw out another angle to this popular topic. As a recent empty nester, I am personally on a cooking hiatus and prefer to eat out. I tell my husband we have a duty to support the local restaurant economy, but really I am just tired of the labor-intensive process of menu planning, prepping, cooking and then cleaning up... I do find it difficult however, to eat cleaner and leaner when dining out, so over the holidays I personally started to wonder how I could tweak how I was ordering to cut carbs/calories and still dine at my favorite restaurants.
Chef Michael Lane offers lean and healthy menu options to help you achieve your New Year’s goals
One of my favorites foods is BBQ, but when you think of eating BBQ, you think of smoked meats slathered in sauces and heavy sides like mac 'n cheese. Chef Michael Lane at OAK'D BBQ suggests that a cleaner way to eat and still enjoy those flavors would be to order smoked turkey or chicken and eat lighter side offerings such as coleslaw or a cucumber and tomato salad.
"When patrons come in, they should ask for lean cuts of meat. The meat carver should ask if they want 'lean or moist' cuts, to which they should reply 'lean!' Smoked chicken and smoked turkey are the leanest and healthiest meats, and a turkey burger is the healthier burger option on any menu. Another way to shave some calories is to lose the bun on your burger or BBQ sandwich and just eat the good stuff, " says Lane. OAK’D BBQ has numerous healthy options/substitutes. There’s no need to worry about ruining your New Year’s resolution by eating at OAK’D.
SMOKED MEATS AND PROTEINS
1/4 LB. Ground Turkey Burger ($8.99)
Smoked Turkey Breast ($12.99 for 1/2 lb, $25.98 for 1 lb)
Smoked Half Chicken ($9.99)
Rosewood Wagyu Brisket ($16.99 for 1/2 lb, $33.98 for 1 lb)
SALADS
Chopped Romaine ($8.99)
OAK'D bacon, roasted corn, pepitas, avocado, radish, cucumbers, heirloom tomatoes, tortilla strips, black beans, and pickled red onions
Organic Kale ($8.99)
kale, grapefruit, organic apple, red & Napa cabbage, smoked almonds, dried cherries, and quinoa
Mixed Greens ($8.99)
artisan mixed greens, cherry tomato, jicama, carrots, red bell peppers, candied pecans, and parmesan cheese
Side Salad ($3.99)
COLD SIDES
($4 Regular, $7 Large, $12 Quart)
Apple Cider Coleslaw
Cucumber Tomato salad
HOT SIDES
($4 Regular, $7 Large, $12 Quart)
Braised Greens
Roasted Cauliflower
Seasonal Mixed Veggies
LOCATIONS:
Dallas: 5500 Greenville Avenue (Old Town Shopping Center), Suite 1300, Dallas, TX 75206, 214-242-8671
COMING IN FEBRUARY: Addison: 4525 Beltline Road, Addison, TX 75001