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Healthy food options on the Strip?

Discussion in 'Restaurants & Buffets' started by Phaleproof, Jul 25, 2013.

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  1. Phaleproof

    Phaleproof Tourist

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    Hello,

    Everyone knows that Las Vegas is a city of endulgence - it's called Sin City for reason! But what about those of us who are trying to enjoy the city without having to double-up on blood pressure medications or drill a new hole in their belt?

    We are going to be in Las Vegas for a conference in early August, and I will be spending a lot of my time the first four days near the Rio/Palms.
    We'll probably be eating heavy for dinner, but I'd like to keep it reasonably healthy for lunch and breakfast each day.

    I would love some ideas for healthier options anywhere on the Strip really, but in particular if anyone knows of ones near these two locations then please highlight that fact. :)

    Thanks!
     
  2. HoyaHeel

    HoyaHeel Grammar Police & Admin

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    If you have willpower, a buffet is actually a good place to eat healthy - especially if you find a cheap (off-Strip) breakfast buffet (Gold Coast? Don't know the breakfast quality) Fresh fruit, yogurt, oatmeal, hardboiled egg (or egg white omelet not cooked in a lot of oil) etc.

    (when we go for trade shows, I make sure to get a room with a fridge and then we grocery shop in the rental car and I get stuff for salads with lean proteins for our lunches every day - works great!)
     
  3. nubia11

    nubia11 Low-Roller

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    The last time I conferenced in Las Vegas I either went to Starbucks for oatmeal or hit up a fresh fruit smoothie joint for a protein enhanced berry smoothie each morning. I also pack bars (zone, kashi, etc) in case I need a snack during the day.

    Looks like there are a couple of Starbucks at Rio.
     
  4. DBear

    DBear VIP Bear

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    Canyon Ranch Grill at Palazzo, 3rd floor by the spa. Venetian has one too. Look up their menu online. It has calories, fat and fibre next to the prices.
     
  5. housdoc

    housdoc Tourist

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    It`s not about where you eat, Its about HOW you eat. Buffets are great fruits, Veggies, Lean Meats, Eggs. Stay away from the Carbs. All about Will Power
     
  6. Big Tip

    Big Tip VIP Whale

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    I think this thread is offensive and should be removed.





    :evillaugh

    Come'on! Just indulge for a couple of days.

    But I agree with the go to a buffet comments. It's like you're in a market and you are the one making all the choices.
     
  7. LolaDoggie

    LolaDoggie VIP Whale

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    I don't eat gluten anymore and I also do my best to hit 5+ servings of veg a day (not counting fruit).

    I think Vegas buffets are the best option for pretty much any kind of diet needs. You can indulge in a tiny amount of a splurge item, you can try a small amount of something new, you can load up on veg and fruit and you can find healthier options.

    I saw a lot of healthier options on the coffee shop menus as well. Most of the time I was offered a substitution for bread when ordering a coffee shop breakfast, usually fruit or sliced tomato.
     
  8. Phaleproof

    Phaleproof Tourist

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    True, but I generally find it hard to eat enough food to justify the price of the buffets even for dinner!

    I somehow forgot about things like Starbucks and McDonalds for healthier, or at least lower calorie items like yogurt and oatmeal.

    Are there any restaurants that seem to specialize in lighter, healthier fare that anyone knows about?

    Thanks again!
     
  9. Phaleproof

    Phaleproof Tourist

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    P.S., no car or fridge at Bally's so I will have to pack dry goods, bars, etc if I want anything in my room. I do plan to bring snacks though.
     
  10. DBear

    DBear VIP Bear

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  11. Phaleproof

    Phaleproof Tourist

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    Oooooh, that looks fantastic and very reasonably priced.

    Thanks!
     
  12. chef

    chef Resident Buffetologist

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    Strip buffets are usually wonderful places to eat healthy for breakfast and lunch.
     
  13. DBear

    DBear VIP Bear

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    I plan on trying it myself in 2 weeks. Apparently there's 2 locations, one at P and one at V. Canyon Ranch Grill is at P and Canyon Ranch Cafe is at V. Grill has longer hours into the afternoon and a slightly larger menu.

    I'm trying to give one of my mates a healthier break in this city of sin. As many already posted, he usually survives by picking healthy options at buffets, but I'm hoping Canyon Ranch will be a good break.

    http://www.palazzo.com/Las-Vegas-Restaurants/Casual-Dining/Canyon-Ranch-Grill/

    http://www.venetian.com/Las-Vegas-Restaurants/Casual-Dining/Canyon-Ranch-Cafe/
     
  14. Dewey089

    Dewey089 VIP Whale

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    Some buffets are easier than others on healthy choices.
    Downtown I was very surprised at the huge difference between the MSS buffet which I have always loved and the Golden Nugget.
    When looking for unfried, low carb, good fruits and veggies, the Golden Nugget wins hands down and MSS just falls right off the list.

    But that is not the OP area of interest.
    I survive well at the Gold Coast buffet and it is inexpensive, even free with an American Casino Guide coupon and 200 points earned in play.
    I survive well at the inexpensive Orleans buffet which is a free Gold Coast shuttle ride away from your area. There the salad station was open for breakfast.

    My change in diet seems to mean that I get less value by eating the more expensive buffets because many of the rich and wonderful dishes I pay the higher prices for are off my list. Since CET raised all their prices so high, I am less tempted to go there unless I have points or a MyVegas freebie. I did not have trouble finding healthy food at Bellagio. At Spice Market I really went off the diet for the lamb and tempura shrimp, but the mushroom raggot is another of my favorites there.

    If you want to get radical veggie, here is an interesting and very popular vegetarian spot. It is on your side of the strip, but a ways away in China Town and you need transportation. But it is an interesting adventure. Be certain to take the address as it is tucked away in a plaza upstairs and poorly marked.

    Veggie House

    5115 Spring Mountain Rd
    Las Vegas, NV 89146
    Phone: (702) 431-5802

    There are lots of faux meat dishes.



    *******************
    I reviewed my thoughts and practices on eating more healthy in this post
    http://vegasbirthdaybash.blogspot.com/2013/05/tr-snippet-what-i-ate-and-where.html
     
  15. dankyone

    dankyone VIP Whale

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    Estiatorio Milos in the Cosmo is exceptionally healthy. Fresh vegetables and grilled fish--you can even get a fresh fruit dessert with the renowned 3 course $20 lunch special. Nothing fried, no cream, butter or cheese. It's not for everyone, but I like it very much.
     
  16. Phaleproof

    Phaleproof Tourist

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    I would love to try Milos but the girlfriend doesn't do fish... Maybe I will sneak over there one day alone. :)

    Shame there doesn't seem to be too many options that are cheaper (like around $10 per lunch). Guess it is to be expected on the Strip!
     
  17. LolaDoggie

    LolaDoggie VIP Whale

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    No disrespect intended. But, I have an alternate view on the "I can't eat enough to get my money's worth at the buffet" argument. I don't like it when people tell me how to spend my money, so I won't tell you how to spend yours. And I'm on a budget too. So, I'll share my view and advice with you and you can consider it.

    In my head, buffet=variety. So, I'm paying for variety and being able to stick pretty close to my diet, not quantity. That's where the value is in my mind.

    The other thing is, Vegas and buffets go together like peanut butter and jelly. How can you go to Vegas and not partake in the ritual buffet? I know people in here do it but my mind boggles. A bad day in Vegas for me is a day without a buffet.

    I also believe your average restaurant or buffet in Vegas is a far better value than other destinations in terms of price and quality of food.

    It's true, as we get older, we can't put away the food like we used to. Or maybe we can but we really shouldn't. Spending Vegas time with nasty heartburn or other stomach issues because of over indulgence isn't my idea of a good time either. And I'm also an advocate of having snacks and drinks for the room. My husband eats 3-5 bananas, 2-3 single packs of yogurt, and 2-3 granola bars a day, every day, Vegas or no Vegas. I have a soft sided cooler that has done many car trips with me and been to Vegas twice.

    Yes, buffets can cost more than other food options. But, there are ways to make it cheaper. Coupons make it possible for me to stick to a budget in Vegas and still have a really good time. I get both the American Casino Guide and the Las Vegas Adviser coupon book that comes with membership. It's always worth it.

    There are also lower priced buffets on the strip that get no respect at all from message boards but there's nothing wrong with them. There are off strip and downtown places that are easy to get to with shuttles or the bus that have good pricing as well.

    There are also a lot of good deals to be had at hotel coffee shops, with a coupon or without.

    I hope I've been helpful.
     
  18. Kickin

    Kickin Flea

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    The Milos suggestion is good and just about any decent restaurant will prepare food for you in that fashion if you ask. If you like East Asian food you have a lot of options, from sashimi, clear soups, steamed or grilled veggies and meats, etc. Ask for soba noodles in any noodle dish. Just stay away from the fried, saucy stuff, and simple carbs like rice on most Chinese or Japanese menus and you'll be eating really healthy at any of those restaurants.
     
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