Eating Out – Making Heart Healthy Choices
Go to restaurants where the menu is large and varied. Your chance of finding something healthy is better when many different dishes are available.
Ask for what you want! For example, request milk for your coffee instead of cream; ask for sauces on the side, unbuttered toast and ask for grilled instead of fried.
Restaurant meals and fast foods are typically high in salt (sodium). Look for dishes made with fresh foods rather than processed. Go easy on the sauces and condiments. Eat less salty foods at your other meals.
Look for fibre-rich foods. Order menu items that are prepared with vegetable, whole grains, beans and/or fruit.
Eat your antioxidants! They include vitamins, minerals and other compounds found in foods that help fight disease. Choose a meal that includes vegetables and fruit, either fresh, cooked or as a juice.
Limit deep fried foods such as french fries. They are high in fat and calories.
When portions are large, take home the extra food. Request half orders if you are not really hungry. Make dinner at home a light meal if lunch was a big restaurant meal.
Share a dessert with a friend. Try to pick one with fruit, such as apple crisp.