Post by Yona Maro on Aug 30, 2005 10:58:45 GMT -5
If you’re trying to restrict calories or follow a special diet, you may be avoiding restaurants and dining out altogether. However, more and more restaurants are catering to the special dietary needs of their patrons. No longer will you feel like the high maintenance customer, Sally Albright, in the movie “When Harry Met Sally,” who special-ordered everything on the menu. In many restaurants, you can now more comfortably select from healthier, special diet items.
When choosing a restaurant, you can benefit from the large restaurant chains as well as the community diner. A large chain restaurant can give you a complete recipe analysis and can identify special diet items on their menus. In addition, large chains are more likely to use standardized recipes that ensure consistency every time you order. On the other hand, smaller restaurants may be able to customize your menu selection to meet your needs. They are more likely to make all items from scratch versus simply finishing food preparation of a pre-made product.
Whatever type of dining experience you prefer, the following tips will make your dining experience a little less daunting:
Look for special branding and signage on menus to identify low-fat, low-carb, or special diet items.
Order all sauces, gravies, and dressings on the side.
Ask about portion sizes prior to ordering. If you think it may be too much, there are some alternatives: 1) Order the same item as an appetizer if available, 2) Split the order with a dining companion, 3) Request a “to go” container when you order, then place half the portion aside before you start your meal.
Look on the menu for the terms broiled and baked. These cooking methods are lower in fat and calories than fried and sautéed dishes.
If you are eating at the buffet, select items for your meal ahead of time. There’s no rule that says you must fill your plate!
Ask the waitstaff to remove your plate as soon as you are full to avoid temptation.
Try to get a vegetable or salad with your sandwich or entrée instead of fries.
When choosing a restaurant, you can benefit from the large restaurant chains as well as the community diner. A large chain restaurant can give you a complete recipe analysis and can identify special diet items on their menus. In addition, large chains are more likely to use standardized recipes that ensure consistency every time you order. On the other hand, smaller restaurants may be able to customize your menu selection to meet your needs. They are more likely to make all items from scratch versus simply finishing food preparation of a pre-made product.
Whatever type of dining experience you prefer, the following tips will make your dining experience a little less daunting:
Look for special branding and signage on menus to identify low-fat, low-carb, or special diet items.
Order all sauces, gravies, and dressings on the side.
Ask about portion sizes prior to ordering. If you think it may be too much, there are some alternatives: 1) Order the same item as an appetizer if available, 2) Split the order with a dining companion, 3) Request a “to go” container when you order, then place half the portion aside before you start your meal.
Look on the menu for the terms broiled and baked. These cooking methods are lower in fat and calories than fried and sautéed dishes.
If you are eating at the buffet, select items for your meal ahead of time. There’s no rule that says you must fill your plate!
Ask the waitstaff to remove your plate as soon as you are full to avoid temptation.
Try to get a vegetable or salad with your sandwich or entrée instead of fries.