Dining Out (Part II): Talking With Your Server

Where you eat and what you order can set the table for an increased risk of heart disease. But it doesn’t have to be that way! You can eat out and eat healthy, too. Many restaurants offer delicious meals that are low in saturated fats, trans fats and cholesterol, or they’ll prepare your food to order. Ensure that the meals you eat away from home are part of a healthy diet. ~ The American Heart Association

Talking With Your Server

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.

Try following these tips when talking with your server:

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  Don't be hesitant to ask your server how particular foods are prepared or what ingredients they contain.

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  Ask what kinds of oils foods are prepared with or cooked in. The most desirable oils are monounsaturated oils (olive oil, canola oil and peanut oil) and polyunsaturated oils (soybean oil, corn oil, safflower oil and sunflower oil).

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  Ask whether the restaurant can prepare your food to order – for example, by leaving off or going very light on dressings, butter, cheese or other high-fat items. Ask the chef to prepare the food with very little butter or oil or none at all.

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  Ask if smaller portions are available or whether you can share entrees with a companion. If smaller portions aren’t available, ask for a to-go box when you order and place half the entrée in the box to eat later.

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  Ask whether healthy substitutions are possible. For example, if a dish comes with French fries or onion rings, ask whether you can get a baked potato with vegetables, and low-fat or fat-free sour cream or soft margarine on the side. Instead of mayonnaise-laden coleslaw, ask if you can get a small salad, fruit or vegetables instead. Although some substitutions may cost a little extra, the health benefits are well worth it.

This information and photograph have been taken from The American Heart Association.