Dine out your way
Eating healthier when you dine out doesn't mean you have to stop enjoying some of your favorite dishes. It may be a matter of making changes to some of your habits and asking for your meals to be prepared a little differently. † Restaurants are used to making accommodations for personal tastes and restrictions.
In this section, you'll find information about:
Size matters. One good strategy is to split your meal into two equal portions before you even take a bite. Ask to have the second portion wrapped and save it for another meal.
Slow down on the salt. Since too much salt (sodium) in the diet can cause blood pressure to increase in some people, think twice before you reach for the shaker. And taste your dish before you pour on the salt. If you really feel like you must add some, it's better to shake a bit into your palm and sprinkle it over your food instead of shaking it directly over your food.
Make good cooking choices. Deep-frying makes foods high in fat and calories. Choose foods that are roasted, broiled, poached, baked, grilled, or steamed.
Don't deny yourself everything. These tips are meant as guidelines only. If you want an occasional dessert or french fries, then have it. Even better, split an order with a friend.
When it comes to eating foods from other nations, it helps to know the language. And the cooking methods. Here are some tips to help you navigate your way through some popular cuisines.
Chinese food
Look for foods that are described as:
- Steamed or broiled
- Steamed rice (instead of fried rice)
- Dishes without MSG added (or ask for your dish to be prepared without MSG)
Italian food
Opt for pastas or dishes that:
- Have red, tomato-based sauces (not cream-based or "alfredo")
- Are described as "piccata" (lemon)
- Use whole grain pasta
- Include lots of vegetables
Mexican food
Some good choices include:
- Grilled chicken or grilled fish dishes
- Corn or soft tortillas (not crisp, fried tortillas or tortilla chips)
- Dishes where you can substitute salsa or pico de gallo for sour cream or guacamole
*Limitations apply. This offer is not valid for patients reimbursed by federal healthcare programs, including Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, the Department of Veterans Affairs, state maternal and child health block grant programs under 42 U.S.C. section 701 et seq., state social services block grant programs under 42 U.S.C. section 1397 et seq., or any other similar federal or state healthcare program; or for patients in MA; or purchased outside the US and Puerto Rico. Void where prohibited by law, taxed, or restricted. See Terms & Conditions. If your pharmacist or cashier has questions about processing your savings, please refer them to the toll-free number on the back of the Savings & Membership Card. The BP Success Zone Program Savings & Membership Card is the property of Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation and Therapy First and must be returned upon request. Both parties reserve the right to rescind, revoke, or amend this offer without notice. This offer will expire on December 31, 2010. Limit one offer per patient. Patient is responsible for reporting receipt of Program rewards to any private insurer that pays for or reimburses you for any part of the prescriptions filled with this Program.
†Be sure to talk to your healthcare professional (HCP) before making any dietary changes.
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