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Deciphering the Menu
  • Updated:Feb 4,2013
Nutrition - Deciphering Menu

It’s important to understand what's on the menu when you eat out. The good news: You can eat heart-healthy if you know what to look for. 

Many restaurants offer delicious meals that are low in saturated fats, trans fats and cholesterol, or will prepare your food to order. With a little bit of effort, you can ensure that the meals you eat away from home are part of a healthy diet. 


Keep these tips in mind when deciphering the menu:
  • Remember that foods served fried, au gratin, crispy, scalloped, pan-fried, sautéed, buttered, creamed or stuffed are high in fat and calories. Instead, look for steamed, broiled, baked, grilled, poached or roasted foods.  
     
  • If you’re not sure based on the menu description how a meal is prepared or what ingredients it contains, ask your server. 
     
  • Choose entrees that feature seafood, chicken or lean meat, and avoid fatty meats. If you order meat, remove all visible fat and ask the chef to remove the skin from the chicken. 
     
  • Check the menu for items marked “healthy,” or ask the server what the healthiest choices on the menu are.



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