Craving takeout but trying to stick to your nutrition goals? You’re not alone. With the rise of delivery services like Grubhub, DoorDash, and Uber Eats, it’s easier than ever to get food fast—but not always healthy. The good news: With a few smart swaps and awareness of hidden ingredients, you can enjoy your favorite delivery spots while keeping things clean and balanced. Here’s how to make better choices—and even save a little cash while you’re at it.
Smart Swaps: What to Order vs. What to Skip
- Skip: Fried appetizers like mozzarella sticks or egg rolls
- Order Instead: Edamame, garden salad with dressing on the side, or grilled veggie starters
- Skip: Creamy pasta or cheesy casseroles
- Order Instead: Whole grain pasta with tomato-based sauce, lean proteins like grilled chicken or shrimp
- Skip: Burgers with mayo-based sauces and bacon
- Order Instead: Turkey or veggie burger with avocado on a whole wheat bun
- Skip: Oversized burritos with sour cream and cheese
- Order Instead: Burrito bowl with brown rice, black beans, fajita veggies, and salsa
Customizable Orders to Keep It Clean
Grubhub:
Grubhub allows notes to restaurants, which means you can easily request “no added sugar,” “no cheese,” or “sauce on the side.” Look for restaurants tagged with “healthy,” “vegetarian,” or “gluten-free.”
DoorDash:
Use filters like “Under 700 Calories” or “Low Carb” in the DoorDash app. Restaurants like Sweetgreen, Just Salad, and Panera Bread often have customizable bowls that are easy to adjust for macros.
Uber Eats:
Tap into dietary filters and explore spots like Pressed Juicery, Cava, or True Food Kitchen for naturally nutritious options. When using Uber Eats, you can also earn cashback with Fluz when buying a discounted Uber Eats gift card.
Watch Out for Hidden Sugar and Sodium
- Dressings and sauces are often the biggest culprits—opt for vinaigrettes, tahini, or ask for sauce on the side
- Look out for breaded proteins, which can triple the sodium content
- Chain restaurants often offer nutrition calculators online—check before you order. See Panera’s nutrition calculator for an example
Where Cashback Fits In
- Fluz: Get instant cashback on delivery by using Fluz to buy discounted gift cards for merchants like Uber Eats or Panera Bread. You’ll save before you even check out.
- Ibotta: Occasionally offers delivery-related cashback, especially during promotions. Check the app before you order.
Make Takeout Work for Your Goals
You don’t have to give up the convenience of delivery to eat well. With a little customization, smart swaps, and cashback perks from Fluz and Ibotta, your next meal can be healthy, fast, and affordable.