Health

If Washington Gets a Publix, Here’s What You Should Eat…

Rejoice! The grocery store chain Publix says it’s finally headed to Virginia (right now it’s only located in six states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee), and the Washington area might not be far behind.

Famous for its subs and freshly baked cookies, Publix is a family favorite in America’s South. (Seriously, their fans leave rabid love letters on the corporate Facebook page.)  The employee-owned chain has something of a cult following, and it’s not hard to see why—all you have to do is check out their deli. And their super clean, well-stocked stores. And their ooey gooey, melt-in-your-mouth, you’ll-even-eat-one-for-breakfast chocolate chip cookies.

But aside from the doses of sugar and butter in those cookies, Publix does actually offer some rather healthy fare. Check out these four lunch options for when Publix moves to a neighborhood near you. We’re already drooling.

 

Sushi

Sushi is a great pick for lunch—as long as you avoid the deep-fried tempura. At Publix, opt for the small roll and ask for salmon or tuna, which are both low-calorie. Tuna is 42 calories per ounce and salmon is only 40, according to Shape.com. If you like spicy food, don’t feel bad about piling on the wasabi. This sushi staple will pack a punch, and it’s also high in antioxidants, which help you stay healthy.

 

Twisted Turkey Wrap

Publix has been around for more than 80 years, which means they know what they’re doing. The Publix deli smells heavenly and offers up some healthy options. Grab a turkey wrap for an afternoon protein boost. The spinach flour tortilla envelops the turkey, cranberry cheddar cheese, lettuce and some horseradish spread—for a little spicy kick. For an even healthier wrap, skip the cheddar cheese and ask for some cucumbers!

 

Publix Executive Box 

The executive box gives you the option of four different types of salads. You can’t go wrong picking the chef’s salad. Full of mixed greens and meat, cheese and egg for protein, this salad will keep you full all afternoon. Add some tomato, green olives, celery and carrot sticks and top with your favorite, low-calorie dressing, and you have yourself a scrumptious lunch!

 

Mojo Boneless Pork Roast

Pork can’t compete with chicken and turkey in terms of fat and calories, but it does have more protein, which is what helps build your muscles and keeps you fuller longer. Portions and recipes may vary depending on the store’s recipe, but in general, “a 3-ounce portion of the ready-made pulled chicken contains 5 grams of protein and 15 grams of carbohydrates, while the pulled pork contains 11 grams of protein and 15 grams of carbohydrates,” according to LiveStrong. So if you have a little wiggle room in the calorie department, grab some Publix Mojo Boneless Pork Roast for lunch.

 

Mollie Bloudoff-Indelicato

Mollie Bloudoff-Indelicato is a freelance science, health, and environment reporter based in Washington, DC, whose work has appeared in National Geographic, NPR, Scientific American, The Atlantic, Newsweek, and Nature.