Information is key to making smart restaurant choices
Many restaurants and fast-food establishments are now providing customers with nutrition information on their products. How many people really study this information prior to making a decision?
Most of us probably look at this after the fact and think: “Let’s see how far I strayed off my diet with this meal.” Instead, take advantage of the wealth of information prior to making your selections, and you’ll know what you are indulging in and be more accountable for your actions. This may help you make better decisions at that meal or later that day.
Keep in mind that becoming aware of what you are doing or eating will impact your health and your waistline.
You also need to know the recommended amounts for certain nutrients in order to determine if you’ve made a good choice. Use the nutrition label on foods as your guide. The recommendations below are general and based on a 2,000-calorie daily diet. Your recommended intake of these nutrients may be higher or lower depending on your specific caloric needs. A registered dietitian will help you determine your individual needs.
Use these general guidelines to help determine if a food item is a good choice. (Or, follow specific recommendations from your dietitian.) For example, some items may have more than your daily recommendation for fat and sodium packed into just one meal – not a good choice for heart health and weight management. Be sure to look at the whole picture and make the best decision to reach your health goals.
Check out some common foods and what they offer:
Panera Smoked Ham and Swiss
700 calories
10g saturated fat (half the recommended daily intake)
2,350 mg sodium
Better choice – Half sandwich and a half salad
Olive Garden Pork Milanese
1,510 calories
87g fat
37g saturated fat
3,100 mg sodium
Add-in the salad: 350 calories, 1,930 mg sodium
And the breadstick: 150 calories, 400 mg sodium
Better choice- Take half of the meal home or share it, choose the salad with dressing on the side, and skip the breadstick
McDonalds Frappe Mocha (small)
450 calories
20g fat
13g saturated fat
1g trans fat
56g sugar
(56g of sugar looks like 14 teaspoons of sugar if you measured it out)
Better choice – Iced latte with sugar-free syrup (60 calories, 3g fat and 4g sugar)
Recommended Intake for 2,000-Calorie Daily Diet
Total fat – Less than 65g
Saturated fat – Less than 20g
Cholesterol – Less than 300mg
Sodium – Less than 2,400mg
Total carbohydrate – 300mg
Dietary Fiber – 25g
The take-home message is: Be accountable for your choices and become aware of what you are eating. This will help you to make better decisions for a healthier you!
If you are interested in learning more, please contact Jacqueline Ely, nutritional counselor at Washington Health System Wilfred R. Cameron Wellness Center. www.wrcameronwellness.org