How to Make Healthy Choices at Ethnic Restaurants

Eating out is a fabulous treat, especially if you are trying the new ethnic restaurant in town. If you are trying to make healthy food choices you do not have to abandon your eating plan just because you are eating out. Make sure that you choose the right types of foods and you can enjoy your ethnic dining experience with no guilt.

1. Begin your meal with a soup. Avoid soups that are cream-based; opt instead for vegetable soups or soups made with a broth.


2. Avoid appetizers. Many of these are fatty foods or are cooked in unhealthy manners.


3. Look for menu items that are grilled, steamed or stir-fried. Avoid menu items that are fried or deep-fried.


4. Look for menu items containing beans or whole grains. These dishes will fill you up because of their higher fiber content and will not load you down with excess calories.


5. Ask your server if you can order half-sized orders of entrees. Restaurant portions are getting larger and larger, but sometimes this is twice the amount of food you actually need.


6. Steer clear of fried chips or fried breads. Going light on the bread course leaves more room for the good food choices you will make for your entree.


7. Skip the meat. Order a vegetarian entree.


8. Order salads or vegetables in place of potatoes or rice.


9. Ask what types of oil or butter are used to cook the food. Ask if the chef can substitute margarine or a lighter oil.


10. Ask for dressings on the side when you order a salad. This way you can control how much dressing you actually eat.