Healthy Eating at Steak ‘n Shake
Disclaimer: I recognize that eating out is what it is—lots of sodium, processed food, non-organic, perhaps questionable animal farming practices—my point is NOT to laud this at all, but with the understanding that MOST Americans eat out frequently, to help you discover some of the healthiest food options out there at your restaurants you frequent. Also, there are times when you are indulging and treating yourself and that’s okay too.
Healthier Choices at Steak ‘n Shake:
Guacamole Steak Burger
By going with a single patty you’ll save yourself from unhealthy fats and extra calories. The guacamole will give you a little bit of healthy fats which is great and a unique take on a burger. I’m all for extra guac on everything! 380 calories is pretty reasonable for a burger!
Single Steakburger or Single Steakburger with cheese
When in doubt at a burger and fries type of restaurant, going with a small burger is normally a safe choice. The single steakburger is a meager 280 calories and adding the cheese will only add another 50. Pair it with a side for a filling choice.
Grilled Chicken Sandwich or Salad
This is another almost always safe choice at a fast food or other restaurant. You can eat it with or skip the bun if you are gluten-free, paleo, or just don’t want to eat an overly processed white bun. There is also a straight salad option, which to be honest, would be my preference over the sandwich. It’s also topped with shredded carrots, cabbage, cheese, and croutons. Go easy on the dressing (the Zesty Italian is the lightest at 80 calories a serving) and you have a great healthy choice at Steak ‘n Shake.
Taco Salad with Beef or Grilled Chicken
This is new on the menu since the last time I was at Steak ‘n Shake, but I love this healthy option! For just shy of 600 calories you get a big bowl of greens, plus tomatoes, shredded cheese and taco strips. I would ask for a side of guacamole or salsa to top your salad! Who puts ranch on a taco salad?
Healthier Side Options at Steak ‘n Shake:
- Applesauce
- Vegetable Soup
- Side Salad
- Cottage Cheese with pineapple slice
Steer clear of classics like the fries, onion rings, and chili–all are loaded with calories!
Definitely Avoid at Steak ‘n Shake:
These should be avoided if you’re looking to stick to your healthy eating plan. There may be a time and place (vacation! your birthday! you just ran a half marathon or had a baby!) for them, but they should be rare occasions.
- Any of the Melts: Frisco, American, Grilled Cheese Steakburger, etc. (I’m sure this will break my husband’s heart, the Frisco Melt is his favorite!)
- Any of the BIG burgers with more than two patties and extra toppings: Philly Cheese Double Steakburger, Cajun Double Steakburger, Triple Steakburger with Cheese. In general, the simpler the burger the better and load it up with veggies!
- Chili. Surprising to me was the high calorie and fat content of the chili! Bummer because it’s a simple and filling dish that many might THINK would be better-for-you, but no such luck.
- Milkshakes. But you knew I was going to say that right? 😉 I love them too, but save them for a special occasion or split a small with a friend. The lightest one I saw was the Very Berry Strawberry size small at 370 calories and the highest was the Chocolate Fudge Brownie size regular at 960 calories!
[tweetthis]Healthy Eating at Steak ‘n Shake can seem impossible but there ARE some great healthy options! [/tweetthis]
Like many restaurants, healthy eating at Steak ‘n Shake can seem impossible. But there are healthier options available, though not many. I think the next time I go to Steak ‘n Shake I may try out the Chicken Taco Salad! Or maybe I’ll pair the Guacamole burger with some applesauce, and a big glass of unsweetened iced tea for a healthy meal at Steak ‘n Shake.
Do you like Steak ‘n Shake? Which healthy option would you try at Steak ‘n Shake?
I’ve never heard of Steak n Shake before but i am all about moderation and making the “healthier” choice when out to eat!
Agreed! You can almost always find something if you look hard enough!
Who knew! I never would have thought I could get something healthy at Steak N Shake! Thanks for the info!
My pleasure! I enjoy researching the best options for myself and sharing them with others!
I do not eat at steak n shake but my husband does… once a month when he has his monthly lunch with his dad. I am going to make him read this 😉
Aw that is fun that they get together over lunch! Hope this is helpful to him!
Oh yum! I do’nt go to Steak and Shake often… but I could get behind the healthy eating. 🙂
Healthy isn’t low-fat. It’s no preservatives, artificial colors or flavors, or hydrogenated fats which restaurant food is full of!
I am someone who has medical conditions such as IBS and other digestive issues. I appreciate this article, but I am wondering if you know which of the healthy options are best for sensitive stomachs? I think the guacamole burger sounds good, but I wonder if Steak ‘N Shake allows customers to ask for custom orders? Which meats are easier to digest? Which sides are easiest to digest? And more importantly, which drinks are the easiest to digest? I can’t stand unsweetened tea, but I am open to other drinks. I have never been to one of these! And I don’t want to go to it if it means not ordering due to my digestive system acting badly that day. I was thinking about asking my family to take me out to eat and I got coupons to go there with. I dunno if I should even go! I am so indecisive about which place to go in Akron, Ohio. I have many disabilities so I rarely go out to eat. But my brother promised to take me out! ???? I wouldn’t mind having a salad, but I make my own because I like to fill it up with plenty of veggies! I am obese, but barely over 300 pounds, so I am trying to lose weight. Lately I have been cooking big meals and find myself barely touching my dinner so I figured I’d ask to go out to eat soon. It might just be what I need aside from a good visit with the doctor.
I don’t feel comfortable making any particular restaurant recommendations for someone with a medical condition. I’d suggest speaking with your doctor! 🙂