But we can control where we eat, which foods we choose, and the portions we consume. Better food choices can decrease our risk of heart disease and some cancers. Choices low in fat, cholesterol, sodium and calories lead to a healthier weight, and decrease risks for high blood pressure, stroke and diabetes. Here we offer some sensible strategies for choosing healthy fare while dining out ethnically. Garlic bread contains butter, adding unnecessary saturated fat.
Walls recommends minestrone, or broth-based soups as appetizers.
Any dish with a red marinara sauce is a good choice vs. an Alfredo sauce, which is cream based and high in fat and calories. Avoid dishes with pepperoni and sausage - high fat meats. Sorbet, Italian ice and fat-free cappuccino are excellent desserts. Soy sauce is high in sodium. Use it sparingly or avoid it.