How to Eat Healthy When Eating Out

More and more people are eating out. If you are one of them, you can still eat well, if you make the right choices. Here's a checklist to make sure you eat healthy - anywhere.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Check out the restaurant beforehand if possible, to make sure that high-carbohydrate, low-fat meals are available, or that it will honor special requests.
2. Inquire how dishes are prepared and request that they be made without added fat and/or sodium. Most places will honor such requests.
3. Look for dishes on the menu with the words broiled, baked, steamed, poached, or grilled, in its own juice.
4. Go for extra breads, vegetables, rice, potatoes and noodles, but hold the butter, margarine, cream sauces and gravies.
5. Ask for dressing on the side, and use sparingly.
6. Eat only half- to three-quarters of oversized portions, and take the rest home or share it.
7. Eat the less-than-healthiest item if you really want it, but split it with a friend.
8. Trim visible fat from meat.

Tips & Warnings

• Watch alcohol consumption. It adds "empty" calories and can be dehydrating. If you choose to drink, remember that spritzers and light beers are the best choices.
• Try natural foods or vegetarian menus or restaurants.