Healthy Food at the Mall

Mall dining does not have to mean a trip to the food court with restaurants like Casa de Pico right there in the middle of it all.  Located in Grossmont Center in La Mesa, CA, this Mexican restaurant boasts a Healthy Dining menu and extensive indoor and outdoor seating.  Meet your friends in the cantina for a healthy happy hour, or spend time with family under the festive umbrellas enjoying the warm San Diego area weather and strolling mariachis after a day of shopping.

Casa de Pico has long been a favorite restaurant in the area, starting in Old Town San Diego in 1971.  It is known for its fresh ingredients and authentic Mexican cuisine as well as a commitment to exceeding guest expectations.  Casa de Pico’s menu includes several dietitian-recommended picks that are lower in calories and fat such as:

Healthy Dining Grilled Chicken and Avocado Tacos (660 calories, 15 g fat)

These two soft tacos are filled with seasoned strips of grilled chicken breast and creamy sliced avocados, then served with pico de gallo and black beans.  Lean protein and healthy fats plus avocado?  Yes, por favor!

Ensalada de Camarones (400 calories, 22 g fat) 

This choice makes a great healthy dinner or lunch.  Salad greens are topped with marinated grilled shrimp, avocado, gorgonzola cheese, and fresh tomatoes.  To make this a dietitian-recommended Healthy Dining pick, request less gorgonzola cheese (1 oz.) and salad dressing on the side.  Each tablespoon of the cilantro lime dressing will add 90 calories and 10 g fat to the nutrition information listed.

Salmon Fresco (370 calories, 13 g fat)

Get your daily dose of healthy omega 3 fatty acids with this tender grilled salmon topped with a cilantro lime sauce and served with a variety of sautéed vegetables in an achiote sauce.  This choice includes 1½ cups of veggies to help you get in your recommended daily servings in an easy and tasty way.