Healthy Choices Make Eating Out More Enjoyable

Also, see MRC Nutritional Guide to Eating Out.

For some people, eating out is something they can't avoid. However, restaurant food can be filled with hidden calories and fat grams. Fortunately, most chefs can prepare healthy meals to make eating out more enjoyable. So, making healthy choices can help you fit restaurant meals into your overall menu plan by following these tips:

• Choose Your Drink Wisely - Choose water or other drinks without added sugars or extra fat to complement your meal. It's best to avoid alcohol when eating; however, if you do drink the limit should be one.
• Order Healthy Sides - Always balance your meal by ordering healthy side dishes, such as salad, fruit, fresh stemmed veggies or salsa. This will boost the nutritional value of your entrée without disproportionally raising the calorie count.
• Pick Your Sauces - Choosing a fresh tomato or vegetable-based sauce over a creamy or cheesy one can help cut calories and fat grams from your meal. Moreover, vegetable stocks also add nutrients that your body needs.
• Watch for Health Claims - Dietary labels used in food marketing can find their way onto menus. Since sugars and fats can be added to make the food taste better, vague claims do not necessarily mean a choice is healthier or even healthy.
• Leave Food on Your Plate - If you're tempted to clean your plate, ask your server to remove your plate and take a meal home in a carryout bag. This way, you control your portions and save money at the same time.

A fine piece of meat may only need a sprinkle of spices before grilling. On the other hand, poor quality ingredients may be doctored with sugar, salt, butter or cream. Although most restaurants, fast food franchises, and food trucks now offer meals and menu items that are better for you, it still takes a bit of effort and restraint on your part to make healthy decisions when you eat out.

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Be better informed before you eat out. Download the Tips For Eating Out guidelines from the National Institute of Health and National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute for additional advice on eating at franchise food chains.