Many restaurant entrees are high in fat, calories and salt, and generally consist of more than one serving. Dining out a lot can result in becoming overweight, which can lead to diabetes, obesity and depression. Although it can be difficult to find a healthy option at many restaurants, it is not impossible--if you know what to look for. Cooking methods are an important way to gauge the calorie content of a dish. Most restaurants provide their nutritional information online.
Grilled Meats
Entrees that feature grilled chicken, beef or fish are lower in fat and calories than those that are breaded and fried or swimming in a creamy sauce. Ask for a dish to be grilled without butter or oil to further cut calories. Most restaurants season their meals well, so a healthier option still tastes good. Ordering grilled meats with steamed vegetables or brown rice results in a fiber-filled dish that will fill the stomach on minimal calories and fat.
Salads
Salads are a healthy meal as long as the toppings aren't loaded with fat and calories. Items to avoid include croutons, bacon and crispy chicken. A salad filled with grilled meat, vegetables, diced eggs and a small amount of cheese covers several food groups without being unhealthy. Requesting salad dressing on the side helps you control how much you use, since restaurant salads are usually covered with several portions. Vinegar and oil make a healthy salad dressing choice, as do low-fat dressings, which many restaurants offer.
Broth-Based Soups
Soups made with chicken, beef or vegetable broth are much lower in calories and fat than their cream-based counterparts, according to the American Heart Association. Healthy choices include vegetable soup, miso soup or egg drop soup. Most restaurants offer a couple of soup options that can be paired with a vegetable side salad for a filling meal that provides plenty of nutrients. If the soup is served covered with high-fat cheese or bread sticks, ask the server to remove them so that you aren't tempted to eat them.
Appetizers or Side Dishes
Ordering an appetizer or a couple of side dishes means smaller portions that contain fewer calories and fat grams than full-size entrees, reports BreastCancer.org. Healthy options include side salads with dressing on the side, steamed vegetables, broth-based soups and shrimp cocktail. Putting together two of these options still provides the enjoyment of a restaurant meal that won't put you at risk of filling up on unhealthy items.
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