Tips for Dining Out

Buffet style meals are an American tradition and lots of fun.  Make a real event out of by enjoying each course.  Pick foods that give you a balanced diet:  Fresh fruit, Vegetables and Proteins should be a part of every meal.  Your family will have more time to talk and you may even eat less!

Try to eat a small or a healthy appetizer before your meal to help fill you up before the entrée arrives.  If you avoid the bread basket, you will avoid some calories.

Once you have heard yourself a “good serving”, as for the rest in a doggie bag.  Remember that a regular serving of meat is different than a serving of vegetables.  Your doggie bag will then be a great meal for the next day.

Order sauces and dressings on the side.  This way you stay in control of how much you consume.  If you eat 1-3 times a week, one less tablespoon can add up at the end of the month!

Talk to your kids before you go out to eat and let them know that vegetables will be part of their meal.  Make if fun by telling them stories about what your favorite vegetables were as a child.  Pick a few to eat together that evening!

Avoid the bread basket.  Order a small salad as an appetizer to help fill you up before the entrée arrives.

Don’t be shy.  Ask the server about ingredients or preparation methods for the dishes you’re not familiar with.  You deserve to know what you’re eating.

Ask the server to substitute low-fat foods for high-fat ones.  For example, ask for steamed vegetables in place of French fries or fresh fruit salad in place of mayonnaise-laden coleslaw.

Ask to have your food prepared without butter or cream sauces.  Order vegetable side dishes and be sure to ask the server to leave off any sauces or butter.

If you’re familiar with the menu, decide what you’ll order before you enter the restaurant.  That will help you avoid the temptation of ordering something that won’t pamper your heart.

If you’re trying a new place, take some time to study the menu.  This will help you avoid making split-second – and often regrettable decisions.

If your companions don’t mid, have the server remove unneeded temptations, such as butter.

Drink two full glasses of water before your food arrives.

Good bread-basket choices are melba toast and whole-grain rolls.  Avoid higher-fat muffins and croissants, and skip the butter or margarine.

Fast food restaurants now offer several healthier eating choices. Try substituting something healthy for a fried item.

If your family is eating together at a fast food chain, share those French fries or onion rings.  It will save you money and help your heart!

For a healthier egg breakfast sandwich, choose a whole grain bagel instead of a biscuit.  To save even more calories leave off the cheese.

Try a yogurt and fruit cup for breakfast.  Fast food restaurants have healthier choices that include yogurt, fruit, and lowfat cereals.

When ordering coffee or expresso, always ask for skim or 2% milk.  Avoid the whipped cream and extra flavor shots that are high in sugar.

Look for restaurants that serve soup, salad, and/or sandwich combos. Make the combo balanced.  For example, if you order a soup with higher calories, choose a salad with lowfat dressing.

When ordering a sandwich, remember to watch the portion size and leave off the fries.  Take home half of the sandwich.

If you know you will be eating more at dinner, then choose a lighter lunch option. 

Look for restaurants that have vegetable plates.  Choose vegetables that are not fried or full of sauces.

Healthier kid’s meals are being added to menus in some restaurants. Look for these alternatives to fried foods / pizza.

Always ask the restaurant for healthy menu items.  Sometimes the healthier choices are not listed on the menu because they are not requested as often.  If more people ask, the restaurant might change the menu.

Ask the server to bring the bread with your order.  When your food arrives, eat your meal with one roll / slice of bread. The key here is to not fill up on bread before the meal.