Tips for Healthy Dining

Restaurant Dining Tips

Eating out has become an integral part of the American lifestyle. And though it’s trickier to follow a healthful diet while dashing between business lunches and social dinners, it is possible, armed with motivation and information.

  • Before ordering, ask your foodserver exactly how the dish is prepared and what ingredients are used. Even terms like “broiled,” “grilled” or “steamed” don’t guarantee a low-fat preparation. A dish may be steamed with added butter.
  • Find out from your foodserver what else comes with your meal. If it’s served with fries or garlic mashed potatoes (usually made with generous amounts of butter), request a substitute. Recommended options include steamed brown rice or a plain baked potato, to which you might add a small amount of a high-fat topping – like butter, margarine or sour cream.
  • Choose dishes flavored with herbs and spices rather than rich sauces, gravies or dressings. Or order such toppings on the side and use them sparingly.
  • Be inventive! Look over the entire menu and put together a meal composed of several appetizers, side dishes, soups and/or salads.
  • Beware of portion sizes. Options include sharing an entrée with your dining companion (you can still order two salads and selected side dishes) or taking a portion of your meal home.
  • At buffets: survey all the selections before filling your plate. Make conscious and informed choices about the items you’re selecting.Don’t arrive at a restaurant over-hungry… you’ll be more susceptible to high-fat, high-calorie breads/spreads and appetizers that you might otherwise resist.
  • Order a dinner salad or broth-based soup to begin your meal.
  • Request an extra serving of vegetables as a side dish.
  • Order meals that include vegetables or fruits as a major component. To keep fat and calories in check, request vegetables steamed without the addition of butter, oil or cream sauce.
  • Ask for extra lettuce and tomato (or other vegetables) on sandwiches and burgers.
  • Choose lower fat/lower calorie desserts such as fresh fruit, sherbet or sorbet, or angel food cake with fruit topping.