Regardless of whether you're sucking down sushi or coating a steak with Worcestershire, it's important to know what you're eating and how it is prepared. A plate of fresh veggies isn't a wise dietary choice when dipped in batter, fried and soaked with ranch dressing or cheese. When reading a menu, steer clear of anything that says creamed, breaded, battered, dipped, au gratin, en-croute, puff pastries, gravy, alfredo, beurre blanc and filo wrapped. Healthier cooking techniques include anything that's boiled, grilled, baked, broiled, steamed, poached or roasted. After figuring out how foods are prepared, it's also important to select healthy ingredients.
All seafood is lean.
Skinless chicken breasts, lean meats, pastas and salads can all be healthy choices as well. However, Thomas cautions people to stick to pastas with a red sauce and ask for all salad dressings on the side. And, although pasta is a lowfat food, if you plan on smothering the noodles in an alfredo or butter-based sauce, you're better off ordering a lean steak, Thomas said. When ordering red meat, stick to menu selections that say sirloin, round, flank, t-bone, porterhouse or cubed. Steer clear of prime rib, meatloaf, corned beef, veal, ground pork and all cured or processed meats.