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Tipsheet: Eating Healthy When Dining Out

Regardless of whether you're trying to lose weight, you can eat healthy when dining out, if you know how.

So, if you're treating yourself to a meal out, here are some tips to help make it a dining experience that is both tasty and good for you.

ASK!

Will the restaurant:
  • Serve margarine rather than butter with the meal?
  • Serve fat-free (skim) milk rather than whole milk or cream?
  • Trim visible fat from poultry or meat?
  • Leave all butter, gravy, or cream sauces off a dish?
  • Serve salad dressing on the side?
  • Accommodate special requests?
  • Use less cooking oil when cooking?

ACT!

Select foods that are:
  • Steamed in their own juice (au jus)
  • Broiled
  • Baked
  • Roasted
  • Poached
  • Lightly sauteed

 

 

Healthy Weight Tip

Ask your server how the menu items are prepared. Healthy substitutions like using a red sauce instead of an Alfredo (white, creamy) sauce in Italian dishes are easy to make.

Looking for tips on how to order healthy foods when dining out?

cover image of Aim for a Healthy Weight Pocket Guide to Eating Healthy on the GoThe Aim for a Healthy Weight Pocket Guide to Eating Healthy on the Go features tips on ordering at a variety of American and ethnic restaurants. Its portable size makes it easy to carry in a purse or bag. 

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