Nutrition for healthy living

Dining out tips for a healthy heart

Dining out when following a heart healthy diet can be hard, but a recent survey of local restaurants showed that it is certainly possible! The health departments of the Greater New Haven area, in collaboration with Yale-New Haven Hospital, mailed a questionnaire to selected restaurants to determine which heart healthy options they offer their customers. A summary of their responses is available here:

• Healthy dining restaurant guide

Dining out guidelines
Healthier selections are often available when dining out, and a savvy customer will be able to detect them on the menu. Here are some guidelines you can use when dining out.

• Ask your server how the food is prepared. To avoid getting a lot of hidden fats in your meal, inquire about the butter, margarine, cream or oil that may be used in preparing that item.
• Don't be afraid to make special requests. Most restaurants are willing to accommodate your dietary needs when possible.
• Entrees that are baked, broiled, grilled or poached are normally lower in fat than selections that are fried or sautéed.
• Order plainer side dishes such as a baked potato, rice, pasta or steamed vegetables instead of mashed potatoes, french fries or coleslaw.
• Condiments such as salad dressing, butter, sour cream, sauces and gravies can almost always be ordered on the side. Use them sparingly!
• Ask for low fat or skim milk for your coffee instead of cream or half and half.
• Portion sizes served in most restaurants are very large. Take a doggie-bag home so you can enjoy the rest at another meal. Keep your portion of lean meat, pork, skinless chicken or fish to the size of a deck of cards (3 oz.)

For more information call:

Yale New Haven Health Call Center, (203) 688-2000
East Shore Health District, (203) 481-4233
Quinnipiac Valley Health District, (203) 248-4528
West Haven Health Department, (203) 937-3660
Milford Health Department, (203) 783-3285
New Haven Health Department, (203) 946-6999

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Last revised: March 10, 2005 (jj)

Home page URL: http://www.ynhh.org

All information is intended for your general knowledge and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should seek prompt medical care for any specific health issues and consult your physician before starting a new fitness regimen.