Search the site for providers, locations, and content.
Main Menu
Nutrition
restaurants: making healthy choices
restaurants: making healthy choicesTranscript (page 1 of 2)Dining out is part of our daily lives. Making healthy decisions on what to eat whiledining out will go a long way to controlling your weight, and your overall health.At restaurants, you have plenty of choices. And there a few tools available to help youmake those choices healthy ones.Your first tool is the menu. Some restaurants provide nutritional information right onthe menu so you can make healthier choices. For example, some restaurants note ontheir menus those dishes that are light in calories, or are heart-healthy selections. Theamount of fat, carbohydrate and calories may be listed.Just as important as recognizing healthy dishes, it’s also important to know what notto choose, and that’s not always easy. Here are some words that signal a selection isprobably high in fat, and therefore not the healthiest choice to make: creamed, fried,sautéed, crispy and au gratin. Avoid these items when you can, or ask that the meal beprepared differently.Before deciding on a restaurant, call ahead and ask what healthy choices therestaurant offers. If they don’t offer any selections you like, call another. It’s yourchoice.“A lot of restaurants now are putting their restaurant, and their menus, on theweb. And you can actually go on the website and check to see what the menusare. And if you’re not satisfied or you have questions, then you can call them.”Ask your server what healthy menu items they recommend. Don’t be afraid to askquestions.“Could you tell me, how is the fish prepared?”“Our orange roughy is prepared … ”20% gradient meshAsk if the chef can prepare your food in a healthier way than what may be described inthe menu. Can your fish or chicken entrée be grilled, broiled or baked insteadhealthclipsof fried?Can the vegetables be steamed, rather than sautéed?healthclipsAsk if there are low fat versions of otherwise high-fat or high-calorie items, like: saladdressings, gravy, butter, sour cream or sauces. And ask that they be served onthehealthclipsside. This way you can use them sparingly.healthclips(cont. next page)4% gradient meshThis program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, orsuitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.hc_gn_10012_98_en_t00002.pdf healthclips© Milner-Fenwick, Inc.5% gradient meshrestaurants: making healthy choicesTranscript (page 2 of 2)For salads, try dipping your fork into the dressing and then into the salad.“Try to eat things where you can actually add some fat yourself, and sparingly,andstill enjoy it.”Another thing to be aware of, is that filling up on bread or rolls before your meal addsextra calories; so do the extra large portions typically served in restaurants.Dining out can be quite enjoyable. Making the right choices will help make your mealshealthy.20% gradient meshhealthclipshealthclipshealthclipshealthclips4% gradient meshThis program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, orsuitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.hc_gn_10012_98_en_t00002.pdf healthclips© Milner-Fenwick, Inc.5% gradient mesh
Our Member Services team is here to help you understand your benefits, find care, or resolve concerns.
Need support to quit smoking, vaping, or to quit other nicotine products? You can receive support including medicines free of charge:
Need transportation to a doctor's office, pharmacy, or other covered healthcare service? Contact us to arrange your ride.
Need to find a provider like a Primary Care Physician, Specialist, OB/GYN, or a Psychiatrist?
Watch this video to learn how to make this healthy snack: Dark Chocolate Chip Oat Bars.
Controlling how much we eat is as important as what we eat. Learn strategies to help measure appropriate serving sizes for snacks and during meals.
Learn strategies for making healthy food options readily available to help you make healthy choices every day.
Learn tips and ideas for healthy eating at parties and other get-togethers.
