How To

How to Eat Out Healthfully

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(30 Ratings)

Eating out doesn't have to mean eating unhealthfully. There are many foods you can enjoy while dining out without raising your blood cholesterol and sacrificing the health of your heart. These guidelines follow the recommendations of the American Heart Association.

Difficulty: Easy
Instructions

    Breakfast

  1. Step 1

    Request omelettes and scrambled eggs prepared from egg substitutes or egg whites only.

  2. Step 2

    Avoid high-fat meats such as bacon and sausage. Eat lean ham or Canadian bacon instead.

  3. Step 3

    Be careful in your consumption of dairy products. Try low-fat or nonfat yogurt, low-fat cottage cheese, and skim milk with your cereals.

  4. Step 4

    Drink fruit juices instead of coffee.

  5. Step 5

    Watch the spreads that you eat. Try an English muffin, toast or a bagel with jam or margarine instead of butter.

  6. Step 6

    Eat plenty of fresh fruits, either alone or with a waffle.

  7. Step 7

    Consider ordering hot cereals such as oatmeal, cream of wheat or cream of rice - or eat whole-grain cold cereals.

  8. Lunch and Dinner

  9. Step 1

    Look for steamed, broiled, baked, grilled, poached or roasted dishes.

  10. Step 2

    Avoid high-fat foods such as fried, basted, braised, au gratin, escalloped, sautéed, stewed or stuffed dishes, as well as creamy and buttery foods.

  11. Step 3

    Avoid foods high in salt or MSG, as well as gravy and sauces. If you plan to eat salad dressings and sauces, ask for them on the side.

  12. Step 4

    Trim fat off meat and skin off poultry.

  13. Step 5

    Try fruit, ices, sherbet or nonfat frozen yogurt for dessert.

Tips & Warnings
  • Look for low-fat menus.
  • Don't hesitate to make special requests at a restaurant or to send back meals that are not prepared as you want them.
  • If you have any questions or concerns, contact a physician or other health care professional before engaging in any activity related to health and diet. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.

Comments  

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geosmythe said

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on 7/29/2009 I would rethink the juice instead of coffee advice. Coffee can be a great metabolism booster and if you drink it black-low calorie, if any. Besides, if you need to drink -drink lots of water. No juice!

julestiny said

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on 6/2/2009 good stuff and try to eat organic whenever possible!!! :)

admiller said

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on 4/17/2009 When dieting, one of the hardest things to do is eat out and still eat healthy. Thanks for the info.

misu said

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on 3/9/2009 a great article to combat ill-advised diet ideas

lelai said

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on 3/7/2009 we all can't afford to be unconcious of what we eat nowadays. going to the doctor and taking more prescriptions or emergency will be more constly.

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