How to eat healthy at any restaurant

We're often asked which restaurants to eat at if one wants to eat healthy. The answer is simple - when you know how to read a menu with healthy eating in mind, any restaurant can offer you clever and healthy eating options. The trick lies in selecting the right dishes and beverages. If food rewards of the fried and salty variety aren't priority, you can dine out on healthy options no matter which restaurant you pick. Here's a simple list of things to keep in mind so that you can eat healthy at any restaurant. Ask: Don't feel shy Remember that you are the customer. Most restaurants want to make sure that customers are happy. Requests can be made that will be better for your health. Ask questions about food items and don't be intimidated by the menu. Order low-fat or low-calorie food items. Ask for salad dressing on the side or opt for a low-fat dressing, such as vinegar and light oil. Trim visible fat off poultry and red meat. Ask the restaurant to avoid adding butter, gravy or sauces to your entree. As a customer, try not to get discouraged. If you look, you will likely find several healthy choices. Read the menu carefully Many restaurants have added healthy menu options to accommodate health-conscious customers. Look for lower-calorie food items that might be marked on the menu. Look for words on the menu that indicate food was prepared using low-fat cooking methods, such as "steamed," "garden fresh," "broiled," "baked," "poached" or "lightly sauteed." Beware of foods that are high in calories, fat or saturated fat. Avoid eating foods that are served in a butter sauce or cream cheese sauce. Avoid "fried," "crispy" or "sauteed" foods. These are food items high in fat and calories. Make healthy choices Portion sizes can be reduced. Try just ordering appetizers as the main meal, or even split a large entree with a friend. If the restaurant does not offer smaller portion sizes, just ask for a take-out box before eating your food. You can avoid the temptation of eating the entire serving by putting half of it away first. When ordering, search for whole grain options. Whole grain breads, cereal, pasta and rice have more nutrients than white grains. Desserts Many people love to have something sweet after meals. It's important to eat sweets in moderation. If you are watching your weight or have a desire to eat healthy when dining out, opt for a healthy dessert option. Choose fresh fruit to quench your sweet tooth. You can also ask the waiter for bite-size dessert items if available. Choose nonfat frozen yogurt or sherbet. If you like to drink coffee with your dessert, ask for low-fat milk instead of cream or half-and-half. Drinks Drinks usually are an intergral part of the eating out process. They are also a huge part in the calorific count at the end of the meal. Replacing colas and soft drinks for juices and water is a good idea. Cutting the alcoholic drinks to bare minimum not only has calori benefits but also has other major health benefits.