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Online Resource Identifies Healthier Choices at Restaurants

If you’re like most Americans, more of your meals these days are being prepared by restaurants and other eateries – meals that you take out and munch on while at work, bring home to share with your family, or enjoy in a restaurant.

However, restaurant diners seeking to make healthier choices face challenges, because identifying the lighter options on a menu isn’t always easy. In fact, research shows that even dietitians cannot accurately judge the calorie and fat content of restaurant meals. But now, a recently launched website – developed by HEALTHY DINING, a California-based team of health and nutrition professionals – has come to the rescue of those whose lifestyle or personal preferences involve frequent restaurant visits.

At HealthyDiningFinder.com, you can “search” for restaurants that offer a selection of healthier choices by specifying geographic, price range, and nutrient filters. For each participating restaurant – 55,000 locations nationwide – you’ll view four to ten HEALTHY DINING choices and corresponding nutrition information: calories, fat, saturated fat, protein, carbohydrates, cholesterol, sodium, sugar, fiber, and fruit/vegetable servings.

Everything from fast food to upscale dining is included on the site. To qualify for inclusion on HealthyDiningFinder.com, restaurants don’t need a reputation as being “healthy.” In fact, all types of restaurants are encouraged to join and list their “better for you” choices. Menu items posted on the site must meet HEALTHY DINING’s nutrition criteria, meaning entrées or full meals must include lean protein, fruits/or vegetables, or whole grains; and they may not contain more than 750 calories, 25 grams of fat, and 8 grams of saturated fat (and many of the featured dishes weigh in at much less). For appetizers, side dishes and desserts, the cut-offs are scaled down to 250 calories, 8 grams of fat, and 3 grams of saturated fat. No fried foods are listed, aside from very small amounts, a garnish, for example; and a maximum of two red meat dishes is listed for any restaurant. HEALTHY DINING’s registered dietitians review and approve all menu items before the items are posted on the site.

Some menu items include a “Special Request,” a simple modification in the dish’s preparation that reduces the amount of calories, fat, and sodium – for example, less cheese, oil, sauce, or dressing. Specific amounts are always noted in a Special Request, as follows:

Chicken ‘n Vegetable Stir-Fry – Special Request

White meat chicken sautéed with fresh seasonal vegetables in a garlic-scallion sauce, served with rice.

Request less oil (½ oz.)

Calories	Fat (g)	Sat Fat (g)	Chol (mg)	Sodium (mg)	Carbs (g)	Fiber (g)	Sugars (g)	Protein (g)	Fruit/Veg (cups)
665	12	3	165	1450	69	7	3	70	1

When you order according to the Special Request instructions, the nutrition profile for the dish corresponds with the posted nutrition information.

Whether for business or pleasure, convenience or necessity, meals Americans enjoy are increasingly being prepared by restaurants. Armed with nutrition information, there’s no reason you can’t enjoy them while also maintaining a healthy lifestyle.