• ABOUT COLONIAL COMMUNITY
• WORK-LIFE BALANCE
• HEALTH & WELLNESS
• RECOGNITION
• COMMUNITY BUILDING

You Have Control When Dining Out

When ordering, don't be afraid to ask to have something cooked in a healthier manner. Many foods at most restaurants will probably fit into a healthy diet if prepared with low-fat ingredients and less salt. Ask your server if the kitchen can alter preparations to meet your needs, or you can also call ahead before you choose your restaurant.  Below are a few suggestions from the American Heart Association about what to look out for and how to order when dining out:

• Look out for the words fried, au gratin, crispy, escalloped, pan-fried, sautéed or stuffed. These foods are often high in fat and calories. Instead, look for the words steamed, broiled, baked, grilled, poached or roasted foods.
• Avoid butter. Request that your meal be prepared with vegetable oil (made from canola, olive, corn, soy, sunflower or safflower) or soft margarine instead of butter. Also you can ask for soft margarine or olive oil for your bread.
• Have gravy, sauces and dressings served on the side, so you can control the amount you eat or skip them completely.
• Ask if the restaurant has fat-free or 1 percent milk instead of whole milk.
• If you would like to eat dessert, many restaurants can offer you fruit or sherbet instead of high-fat pastries and ice creams even if they aren't on the dessert menu.

Helpful Resource:

Click here for more information from the American Heart Association about talking with your server, eating healthy at a fast food establishment, ordering from a menu, and more.

 

Click here to return to the Eat Well Guide main menu

Click here to return to the Dining Out main menu