Healthy Eating Out

This page was reviewed or revised on Friday, August 14, 2009.

Eating away from home now and then can be a real treat -eating out provides a chance to celebrate or socialize, to try new foods or just an excuse to avoid cooking. For whatever reason, dining out is becoming a national pass time.

Canadians want foods that are healthy as well as tasty. If you eat out on special occasions enjoy your meal and eat what you want.But if you eat out frequently it is important to choose wisely.

Tips to help you choose

.Cutting back on fat is where it’s at. Order foods that are broiled or poached rather than fried or breaded.

.Cut back on the amount of butter or margarine used on bread.

.Try low fat or no fat salad dressing whenever you can

.Sauces and gravies are high in fat, so order them on the side and use as little as possible

.Choose whole grain breads, cereals, pasta, rice, beans and lentils more often – they will help you increase your fibre intake

To help you make these choice – look for these words on a menu

Steamed

Au jus – in its own juice

Garden fresh

Broiled/Grilled

Roasted

Poached

Baked

In tomato juice

Lemon juice

Additional Information

If you want more information on healthy eating, refer to our Nutrition pages or call a nutritionist or dietitian at the Community Health Services.