Nearly 96 percent of chain-restaurant entrées in the U.S. exceed the USDA recommended limits for fat, saturated fat, and sodium, according to a study published in Public Health Nutrition.
So, what should you do, never eat out again? Of course not!
Before heading out to a restaurant, whether it’s an old favorite or somewhere new, check out the menu online. If it includes nutritional information – great! If not, it can still help you plan ahead and make better choices, instead of feeling overwhelmed once you’re there and choosing something you might regret. Moreover, what we eat (and how much of it) is influenced by those we eat with; studies show that people often change their meal if they order after friends do! You’re less likely to fall into that trap if you know what you want ahead of time.
Skip the buttered rolls, chips, and other freebies that can add hundreds of calories before your meal arrives. Order a side salad or a cup of broth-based soup, instead. Avoid anything fried, crispy, crusted, and anything that comes “smothered” or “stuffed” with cheese or creamy sauce.
And finally, don’t be afraid to ask! There’s nothing wrong with asking a question about how something is prepared on the menu, or asking for a healthier substitution.
More tips on eating out
