Dining Out Tips

Tips:

• If possible, pick a restaurant that offers a variety of choices.
• At fast food restaurants, choose one of the healthier selections. Try grilled chicken (usually skinless white meat), and choose a salad instead of french fries.
• If you're not sure about a dish's ingredients, ask.
• Eat the same amount you eat at home. Eat slowly, and don't feel you must clean your plate just because you paid for it. If you get a large serving:
• Take home a doggy bag. (Divide your meal in half before eating.)
• Ask if you can order a smaller portion for a lesser charge.
• Split an entree with a friend or family member.
• Order fish or meat broiled, baked, poached, or grilled.
• Request accompaniments (such as sour cream, butter, gravies, sauces and salad dressing) on the side.
• Ask for low-calorie condiments and selections that might not appear on the menu.
• If you're watching your salt intake, ask that the chef adds no salt, or very little, to your selection.
• Send breaded selections back if you ordered items without breading, or remove the coating.
• Consider subsitutions, such as lowfat cottage cheese or a double portion of vegetables, instead of something less healthy.
• Mix things up on the menu. For instance, order fruit cup or melon from the breakfast section for dessert.