By SAND Member: Angelina Caradonna
Many individuals assume that dining out at restaurants is very unhealthy. While this does hold some merit, as statistically cooking meals at home are more nutritionally rounded, this doesn’t always need to be the case. When dining out at restaurants it is possible to order a well balanced meal; it is even easier now that more restaurants are offering menu items catered toward the health conscious and even have a variety of vegetarian options. The American Heart Association offers guidelines and suggests what to look for when deciding what to eat at a restaurant. First, they suggest avoiding appetizers, bread, cocktails, etc. before you eat your actual meal. These choices are usually not the healthiest and just add extra calories, sodium, and fat. Next, ask for salad dressings, butter, gravy, or cream cheese on the side of your meal so you can control the amount you would like to consume. Also, instead of ordering meat or seafood fried, pan-fried, sautéed, buttered, or creamed, order it grilled, blackened, broiled, roasted, or steamed as this reduces calories. For people with hypertension it is especially important to steer clear of high sodium foods, such as pickled, in cocktail sauce, smoked, in broth or au jus, or in soy or teriyaki sauce. You can also request to substitute side dishes; for example if an entrée comes with potato chips, ask if you could replace it with broccoli instead. Lastly, don’t be hesitant to ask your server about healthier menu options or if you have a question regarding the menu. Cooks tend to be very accommodating to their customers so you never know until you ask! So next time you’re out to eat, remember these quick tips that’ll keep you on track towards a healthier you. Bon appetit!
For more information regarding heart health, visit http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/
For more information regarding heart health, visit http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/