Dining out doesn’t have to mean filling your body with unhealthy and greasy junk food. Far from that. Although there are indeed many dining restaurants that serve meals that are far from nutritious and well-rounded, there are also many eateries that are excellent for health-conscious individuals. If you want to enjoy a healthy, filling and satisfying meal out anywhere in lovely San Diego, California, you may want to learn more about Aladdin Mediterranean Restaurant on Clairemont Mesa Boulevard. Aladdin specializes in Middle Eastern food that’s suitable for people who are looking for healthy diet options. The restaurant’s menu consists of a vast selection of vegan food and vegetarian food offerings as well.
Aladdin is a great dining destination for people who are fans of the Mediterranean Diet. This famed diet is centered around foods and beverages that are commonly consumed in the regions close to the Mediterranean Sea. The diet is all about healthy fats, whole grains, fresh vegetables, fresh fruits, nuts and legumes. It also favors flavoring with spices and herbs over salt. If you want to enjoy a healthy and satisfying Mediterranean meal in San Diego without the hassle of having to prepare one all by yourself, a trip to Aladdin may be in order for you. The restaurant’s menu is truly large and impressive. Refreshing salads are a big focus on the menu. The available salad options include Greek salad, chopped chicken salad, fattoush, tabouleh, passion fruit shrimp salad and classic chicken salad. Main dishes that are available to diners at the restaurant include lamb chops, chicken tika kebabs and shrimp kebabs. Other noteworthy meal and side options that are served at Aladdin are lentil soup, pita bread, feta cheese, lamb shawerma sandwiches, chicken breast sandwiches, falafel, vegetarian bryani (a vegetarian rice favorite), spinach pies, spicy chicken pizza, vegetarian pizza and stuffed grape leaves. Aladdin’s menu is diverse and varied. That’s why countless Mediterranean food lovers from all over San Diego and beyond routinely visit the restaurant to enjoy fantastic and nutritionally sound meals.
Catering is a convenient option that’s available to fans of Aladdin Mediterranean Restaurant. If you work for a company and are looking for top-notch corporate catering choices in San Diego, Aladdin may be ideal for you. If you want to give the attendees of your upcoming corporate event the gift of delicious and totally healthy Middle Eastern fare, feeding them Mediterranean meals and appetizers may be optimal. The restaurant’s catering menu consists of a wide selection of dips and appetizers. These include hummus, falafel and baba ghanouj. It also consists of well-known Mediterranean classics such as couscous, baby okra, koufta balls, chicken tika and kebbeh. The catering menu has choices that are appropriate for all tastes and preferences.
Hummus is a Middle Eastern dip that is taking America by storm. According to the U.S. food retailers report, what used to be a -million dollar business a little more than a decade ago, has now blossomed into a 0-million hummus industry. There’s a pretty good reason for. First, it has a creamy texture and an addictively delicious taste. Second, hummus is a nutritional powerhouse.
This simple dip made from chickpeas, olive oil, tahini, lemon juice and salt packs a whole lot of punch, pair it with warm pita or other flatbread and you’ve got a winner. Not a big hummus fan? Well, here are some pretty good reasons to start picking up a hummus habit.
1. It lowers cholesterol and reduces heart disease. Chickpeas, the main ingredient of hummus, has a very high fiber content. Compared to other sources, chickpeas contains about a third of soluble fiber that lowers LDL-cholesterol, total cholesterol, and triglycerides. Chickpeas are also rich in Omega-3 fatty acids namely polyunsaturated fatty acids and alpha-linoleic acids, known to be good for the heart. In addition to the chickpeas, the olive oil in hummus is also rich in monounsaturated fats that reduces artery-clogging lipids in the blood. Including hummus in your daily diet can significantly lower cholesterol levels and reduce cardiovascular risks.
2. It is a cancer-fighting super food. The insoluble fibers found in chickpeas provide extra amounts of energy to colon cells, keeping them strong, active and healthy. This means lower risk of colon problems, including colon cancer. Meanwhile, olive oil is also rich in anti-oxidant polyphenols and lipid oleic acids known to reduce inflammation and fight certain cancers.
3. It promotes weight management and busts belly fat. Hummus is rich in protein, stomach-filling fiber and slow digesting carbohydrates. That means when you snack on hummus, you stay fuller and more satisfied for longer periods. The protein and good fat in hummus gives a good energy boost, increases the body’s fat burning potential, helps curb cravings and even balances blood sugar levels.
Hummus is indeed a great addition to your diet, however it is also important to remember to watch your portions and be careful what you pair it with. Whole wheat pita, flat breads and raw veggies are excellent choices, crispy bacon, not so much. Enjoy other hummus varieties like sundried tomato or basil hummus, if you are buying from a store, make sure you get the ones with extra virgin olive oil or fat-free yogurt.