We all know that cooking at home is healthiest, but sometimes it’s easier – and more fun – to go out to eat, especially during the hectic holiday season. With these tips from Kate Rudisill, MS, RD, LDN, registered dietitian with REX Nutrition Services, you can enjoy that New Year’s date night or holiday dinner with friends and still stick to a heart-healthy nutrition plan.

Before You Go

If possible, find the restaurant’s menu online and determine what you plan to order. Having a plan before you arrive will help you avoid the temptation to make impulsive decisions that might de-rail your efforts to eat heart-healthy. 

Read the Menu Carefully

Look first at the “healthy” or “lighter fare” section of the menu, if there is one. But be careful … just because an item is labeled “healthy” or “light” does not always mean it is heart-healthy. Sometimes the “lighter fare” options are lower in calories, but are not necessarily heart-healthy. Avoid menu items that are described with any of these words: fried, au gratin, crispy, scalloped, pan-fried, sautéed, buttered, creamed, or stuffed. Look for foods that are steamed, broiled, baked, grilled, poached, or roasted.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions

Pay attention to fat and salt content. Asking the server up front how a dish is prepared can help you decide if it is actually a healthy choice. Olive oil and canola oil are heart-healthy oils. Dishes made with herbs and spices are more desirable than those flavored with salt or salt-based seasonings. Possible questions to ask: What type of oil is used, and how much? What’s the cooking method? What seasonings are added? You can always ask your server to use a healthier cooking option. Just as a person with celiac disease will ask for gluten-free options, if you have heart disease or high blood pressure, you can ask for heart-healthy options. That includes controlling how much oil is used to cook meats or vegetables.

Think Fish and Fowl

Choose entrees that contain chicken or seafood. Chicken is a lean meat and naturally contains less fat, especially if it is white meat, boneless, skinless, and not fried. Fish contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are a healthy source of fat. Rudisill recommends you eat fish one to two times per week for heart health. Choose a grilled, broiled, or poached version. Avoid fried seafood. Limit red meat for heart health, especially if you have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or other heart issues. Red meat contains saturated fat, while boneless, skinless chicken breast, fish, turkey, and lamb contain significantly less fat and typically no saturated fat.

Small Steps Add Up

Ask for creamy sauces and dressings on the side. You can use just a bit as needed. And look for opportunities to make a healthy substitution, such as a side salad instead of French fries, or mustard instead of mayo. Be sure to enjoy your company, and slow down to avoid overeating. Put down your fork and take a break to gauge your fullness. Ask for a to-go box when you order your meal, and put half of it away for later as soon as it arrives. And limit eating out to one time per week or less. 

With a little bit of effort, you can ensure that the meals you eat out aren’t only good for your tummy, but also good for your heart.