QUESTION: If I’m stuck eating at the food court while holiday shopping at the mall, what’s the best choice?

—Jen from Massapequa, NY

ANSWER: If you’re truly hungry and you want food (versus “treat” stuff), choose one of these items, each of which is less than 500 calories and provides staying power for holiday shopping:

• Plain burger (lose the top half of the bun) with lettuce, tomato and ketchup at Shake Shack or Johnny Rockets
• Two slices of thin crust pizza with veggie toppers at California Pizza Kitchen
• Large salad with grilled chicken and any lite dressing (most places will have something yummy) at Au Bon Pain
• Grilled Teriyaki Chicken or Beef and Broccoli at Panda Express
• Protein Bistro Box at Starbucks

And if you are looking for a treat, dig into a small cup of Fro Yo with 1 tablespoon of sprinkles or fresh fruit on top, or enjoy half of an oversized soft, plain pretzel.
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