As we all know, it can be very challenging to make good food choices when eating in a restaurant. Not only are the portions frequently over 2 ½ times larger than what a serving should be, but the foods are often loaded with extra fat and calories. Unfortunately, even when we are trying to make wise choices, they often end up being much higher in fat/calories than we think. For example, you choose a Chicken Caesar Salad at Chili’s because salads are healthy, right? Little did you know that this salad is packed with 76 grams of fat and 1,010 calories. It is almost unfathomable that a serving of the Original Baby Back Ribs could have less fat and calories (66gm fat and 970 calories) than this salad with grilled chicken on it.
Because it is difficult to know exactly what you’re getting when you eat out, planning is essential. Healthy Dining Finder is a great website that can make the planning process quicker and easier. This website, designed by dietitians and health professionals, lists the “healthiest” food options at all types of restaurants. You can search by restaurant name, city or zip code, price range, etc. When you click on a restaurant, it will tell you all the menu options that meet the nutrition criteria set by the website.
Not only can this website help you to make the best choices at a restaurant, but it can also help you to choose a restaurant that you know has good choices. After all, if you fail to plan, you plan to fail.