First off: eating out does not have to mean blowing your diet! Even experimental foodies can enjoy all types of restaurants while keeping their commitment to a healthy lifestyle. Seek out high-quality restaurants that use fresh, organic ingredients, and keep the below guidelines in mind when you order.
Traditional “American”
- Hold the: fried foods, cheese, bacon, potatoes, huge meat portions, bread, gravy, and sweet desserts
- Have the: grilled chicken, salmon, salad, and fresh fruits
Mexican Restaurants
- Hold the: chips,fried foods, sour cream, and cheese or cream sauces (they often contain a lot of sugar, too!)
- Have the: guacamole, broth-based soups, salsa, pico de gallo, salads, and grilled veggie or chicken fajitas
Italian Restaurants
- Hold the: fried cheese (or ravioli, or pretty much anything fried), pasta, bread and oily foods
- Have the: minestrone soups, tomato-based sauces, and salads
Chinese Restaurants
- Hold the: fried rice, sweet sauces (like Mongolian beef) deep-fried meats and veggies
- Have the: steamed veggies, steamed meats and fish, sauce on the side, and brown rice
Thai Restaurants
- Hold the: coconut milk-based curries, fried noodles, and sweetened sticky rice
- Have the: steamed or grilled fish, steamed veggies, and green papaya salad
Mediterranean Restaurants
- Hold the: spanakopita, fried calamari, fried cheese, sausages, moussaka, falafel, and baklava
- Have the: hummus (with veggies), souvlaki, fish, nuts, beans, vegetables, and yogurt
