DO MORE with Heart Failure
Eating meals in a restaurant is a common occurrence for many people. You need to practice the same healthy eating habits when eating out as eating at home. If you follow the following guidelines, dining out can be easier and healthier for your well-being.
It is more difficult to have control of your sodium in your diet when you eat out. The more frequently that you eat out, the more closely choices and portions should be checked.
Restaurants that offer a wide variety of foods are better choices. Many serve American Heart Association Heart Healthy menus or will honor special requests. Call ahead and ask questions about healthy menu options. Avoid restaurants serving “fast-food” and ethnic foods since they tend to be prepared with a great deal of salt.
The biggest challenge is to make selections that are acceptable for you and also satisfy your taste buds. A fruit cup or a tossed salad with vinegar and oil is a good low-sodium appetizer. Choose entrees that can be made separately without salt, such as broiled, roasted or grilled lean meats and fish. Avoid gravies and sauces, stews, casseroles and other mixed dishes. They often have had salt added. Pasta seasoned with garlic and oil is a better choice than selecting one with marinara or alfredo sauces. It is important to remember that pasta not prepared at home is usually cooked in salty water.
♥ Order your food “as you like it”
Special requests are usually granted by most restaurants – they want your patronage. Be friendly but assertive. Ask about types of preparation and the chef’s willingness to grant special requests. Special requests have become more prevalent as people are more carefully watching the foods they consume.
♥ Avoid “overeating”
Unfortunately, you are usually served more food than you need. “Let your stomach be the guide, not your eyes!”
If you find yourself in a situation where no low-sodium choices are available to you, limit your portions and practice “ultra-strict” sodium restriction for a day or two.
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