This Australia-inspired chain is known for its steaks and the Bloomin' Onion, a deep-fried, batter-dipped appetizer that has more than 2,300 calories! While you'll find plenty of over-the-top dishes, Outback's menu has some healthy fare, too. Large portion sizes will require sharing entrées or taking half home especially if sodium content is of specific concern. While there are still plenty of high calorie, fat and sodium options, with a little preparation and planning, you can find a Down Under meal that won't weigh you or your little "joeys" down.

Appetizers are typically high-calorie and high-fat "extras" that can sometimes be selected as an alternative for an entree, but are best avoided as the start to a meal. Here are several of the better choices you might select as an entrée option.
 
Small Seared Ahi Tuna
Calories – 363
Fat – 24 grams
Sodium – 2,564 mg
Carbohydrate – 24 grams
Fiber – 2 grams
Protein – 16 grams
 
Grilled Shrimp On The Barbie
Calories – 295
Fat – 16 grams
Sodium – 866 mg
Carbohydrate – 23 grams
Fiber – 4 grams
Protein – 17 grams
 
Soups and salads can be great choices for a lighter meal but caution is necessary especially when sodium if of concern.  Salad serving sizes are large so it is best to share with another person or to take half home for another meal. You might also want to bring your own low calorie dressing. Here are the better options.
 
Bowl of Chicken Tortilla Soup
Calories – 219
Fat – 8 grams
Sodium – 1,674
Carbohydrate – 24 grams
Fiber – 1 gram
Protein – 15 grams
 
Aussie Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad (no dressing)
Calories – 543
Fat – 29 grams
Sodium – 899 mg
Carbohydrate – 19 grams
Fiber – 3 grams
Protein – 50 grams
 
You will find many favorite steaks and seafood meal options Under 500 Calories.
 
Chicken On The Barbie With Seasonal Veggies
Calories – 401
Fat – 7 grams
Sodium – 1,045 mg
Carbohydrate – 21 grams
Fiber – 7 grams
Protein – 60 grams
 
6 oz Sirloin with Broccoli (without butter) and Tangy Tomato Salad (no croutons)
Calories – 404
Fat – 12 grams
Sodium – 500 mg
Carbohydrate – 30 grams
Fiber – 6 grams
Protein – 46 grams
 
7 oz Salmon with Seasonal Veggies (no butter)
Calories – 489
Fat – 27 grams
Sodium – 666 mg
Carbohydrate – 14 grams
Fiber – 7 grams
Protein – 43 grams
 
2 Lobster Tails with Tangy Tomato Salad (no croutons) and Broccoli (no butter)
Calories – 416
Fat – 9 grams
Sodium – 912 mg
Carbohydrate – 31 grams
Fiber – 7 grams
Protein – 52 grams
 
5 oz Filet and Grilled Shrimp with Broccoli (no butter)
Calories – 475
Fat – 25 grams
Sodium – 1,016 mg
Carbohydrate – 24 grams
Fiber – 6 grams
Protein – 40 grams
 
Simply Grilled Tilapia with Steamed Veggies
Calories – 323
Fat – 8 grams
Sodium – 2,005 mg
Carbohydrate – 13 grams
Fiber – 7 grams
Protein – 46 grams
 
8 oz Simply Grilled Mahi with Rice and Steamed Veggies
Calories – 472
Fat – 12 grams
Sodium – 1,042 mg
Carbohydrate – 37 grams
Fiber – 8 grams
Protein – 53 grams
 
Grilled Chicken Sandwich with Broccoli (no butter)
Calories – 441
Fat – 12 grams
Sodium – 793 mg
Carbohydrate – 43 grams
Fiber – 6 grams
Protein – 41 grams
 
Selecting smart side items to accompany burgers and other entrée options in place of French fries can help reduce overall meal damage when it comes to calories, fat, and sodium.
 
Fresh Steamed Broccoli
Calories – 109
Fat – 8 grams
Sodium – 211 mg
Carbohydrate – 9 grams
Fiber – 4 grams
Protein – 3 grams
 
Fresh Steamed French Green Beans
Calories – 55
Fat – 3 grams
Sodium – 193 mg
Carbohydrate – 6 grams
Fiber – 5 grams
Protein – 2 grams
 
Fresh Seasonal Mixed Veggies
Calories – 96
Fat – 3 grams
Sodium – 153 mg
Carbohydrate – 11 grams
Fiber – 6 grams
Protein – 3 grams
 
Grilled Asparagus
Calories – 52
Fat – 4 grams
Sodium – 226 mg
Carbohydrate – 3 grams
Fiber – 2 grams
Protein – 2 grams
 
Whether you are enjoying a relaxing evening out with family or friends or taking advantage of convenient Curbside Take-Away orders, healthier options are available with careful planning even for those watching their sodium intake. Use these healthier options to make smart meal choices that help you reach your goals.
 
Did the number of healthier options surprise you? Would you be able to make a dinner with 500 – 700 mg of sodium work in your eating plan? If not, how low would it need to be?